Do I need Dolby encoder and decoder?

[critictalk]

Here is my question?
If I have a standard mixing room, a good consoles with 6 buses, 6 good speakers, do I need Dolby encoder/decoder for monitoring my 5.1 mix for films?

[Postman]

For discrete channels and for Dolby Digital, no. If you are also interested in creating LtRt/Pro Logic from your 5.1 mix, yes.

[critictalk]

Originally Posted by Postman

For discrete channels and for Dolby Digital, no. If you are also interested in creating LtRt/Pro Logic from your 5.1 mix, yes.

Yes,I need to create Lt/Rt
Then, how should I set the whole thing?
To route the buses to the encoder, then monitor the mix through the decoder?

[Postman]

To route the buses to the encoder, then monitor the mix through the decoder?

That works. It is best to be able to switch between the 5.1 discrete outputs and the encoded-decoded outputs.

[critictalk]

Originally Posted by Postman

That works. It is best to be able to switch between the 5.1 discrete outputs and the encoded-decoded outputs.

this means that I can always monitor the 'dolby encoded' mix when I'm mixing??

[Postman]

I mean it is very useful to be able to switch from one to the other quickly and easily. We all know that LtRt is a compromise. Discrete channels sound really good, hopefully we can make them BOTH sound good at the same time.

[critictalk]

Originally Posted by Postman

I mean it is very useful to be able to switch from one to the other quickly and easily. We all know that LtRt is a compromise. Discrete channels sound really good, hopefully we can make them BOTH sound good at the same time.

Then the crossover should come after the decoder??

[Craig F]

as in speaker crossover, yes

[HD2]

Originally Posted by critictalk

Then the crossover should come after the decoder??

Are you talking about a hardware encoder/decoder or the Dolby Tools plugins?
I presume from this question you are referring to the hardware, in which case you would need to contact dolby directly.
And when you say you have a "standard mixing room" what do you mean by that? Is it already dolby approved?

[Ryan Young]

You need an LtRt or a Left/Right stereo downmix? Juuuuust checking, cause then you don't need it.