5:1 with analog console

[poppy]

What's the best way to rig up an analog console for 5:1?
I've got lots of aux sends available, lots of free channels with inserts and direct outs.
What outputs do you use for monitor sends?
Is a monitor controller essential?
What outputs do you use for mixdown?
What do you mix down to?
Is there any encoding software available as a plugin?
So many questions so little time!

[froyo]

What's the best way to rig up an analog console for 5:1?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Buy a digital mixer with 5.1 capabilities.

I'm sorry if that sounds rude, and I'm not being facetious or offensive. Is there a reason you don't want to go with a digital console? Remember that the best analog consoles have automation features. A simple stereo mix in an analog console is in dire need of automation to recall settings, aux sends, faders, etc. And you still need a person to fiddle with knobs. That is just for stereo. Think about when you add 4 or more discrete sources. Things can seriously get hairy quickly with an analog console. A digital console will recall everything in a matter of seconds. You can switch between a stereo, 5.1, 7.1 and mono projects in seconds with the flick of a couple of buttons. Try doing that in the analog world.

Is this an added service that you want to offer with your existing gear? Or do you have a stable client base that will require continuous 5.1 service? If it's the latter, do yourself a favor and get a digital console with surround capabilities. There are some world class products for $20K and under. You can get some pre amps if you deem it necessary to bring the analog vibe. If you have no interest in replacing your bread and butter analog console, or surround won't be a frequent occurrence, then that's another thing entirely. The best thing to do then is probably get a monitor controller, and depending on what you are doing, a hardware encoder. While there are software encoders, they don't stamp TC on the encoded file, which may be a prouction workflow requirement. As for configuring your desk, using either the submaster faders, or if you have a central master section with at least 6 faders, would be ideal. Otherwise just pick the necessary amount of channels for your configuration. Try these links and also do a search on surround. If you do a search with '5.1', you may come up with a lot of threads relating to Pro Tools version 5.1. Good luck.

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[poppy]

Thanks for replying.
To be honest I just want to be prepared as surround is going to be a neccessity more and more as time goes on.
I have used both analog and digital mixers and I just prefer working on an analog desk.