Record 5.1 to track-- can I filter LFE?

[RadioFilter]

Been searching but can't find an answer.

We mix animated episodes in 5.1 surround for DVD release. We receive a stereo stem of Music and one of all SFX. All of our dialogue is recorded in mono, of course.

I'm trying to move toward Record-to-Track instead of Bounce-to-Disk. I've set up a Final 5.1 Aux and can record it onto a 5.1 track. All's cool except...

I can't figure a way to low-pass filter the LFE signal (by itself) and then merge it onto the 5.1 record track. I'm guessing there simply isn't a way and I just need to record the LFE signal onto its own mono audio track. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Neal

[Andy Hay]

Go into your I/O Setup and create a mono subpath of your '5.1 mix Aux' - click to create a little box underneath the Lf box of the Aux path, and label it as Mix Lf or whatever. Hit OK

Create a new mono Master Fader, assign it's output to the Mix Lf you just created and insert your EQ plugin. Digi's 1band EQ3 works well for this as it has a steep rolloff - up to 24db/octave.

That should do ya.
-andy

[RadioFilter]

A mono subpath of an Aux... I had a feeling I was missing something basic. Thank you very much, Andy.

[KingTor]

That'd work, but I always do it on a 5.1 master fader with a multi-mono EQ plugin. I set the EQ with a high pass filter (so the low frequencies won't go to the mains) then unlink the channels on the plugin and switch the filter from high pass to low pass on the LFE channel.

[minister]

That'd work, but I always do it on a 5.1 master fader with a multi-mono EQ plugin. I set the EQ with a high pass filter (so the low frequencies won't go to the mains) then unlink the channels on the plugin and switch the filter from high pass to low pass on the LFE channel.

how do you send varying ammounts of musical and effect elements to the sub? seems like you've hamstrung yourself with this method.

a lo pass on an aux feeding a master mix bus that then feed that master channel seems to me the most elegant solution. then you setup a bus in your i/o called 'Lfe' or whatever, and put sends on the channels you want to have LFE on. then you can futher eq and compress that as needed. varying amounts of send.... heck, you could have more than one, with different eq's....

[KingTor]

Maybe I misunderstood the original post, but I didn't mean that my master fader was the only way I control what goes to the subwoofer, just that I use that EQ to make sure that the sub is only receiving low frequency information and that the mains aren't getting too much low frequency information.

I don't use that EQ for a theatrical mix, but I've found that it's the best way to make sure that the mix will translate well to a lot of different home theatre setups.

[RadioFilter]

a lo pass on an aux feeding a master mix bus that then feed that master channel seems to me the most elegant solution. then you setup a bus in your i/o called 'Lfe' or whatever, and put sends on the channels you want to have LFE on. then you can futher eq and compress that as needed. varying amounts of send.... heck, you could have more than one, with different eq's....

This is what I do, send any tracks I want to the LFE Bus. That bus arrives at a mono LFE Aux, gets filtered and limited, then fed to the Final 5.1 Aux (in lieu of a 5.1 Master) using my new handy dandy LFE subpath. I ramp up the LFE sends only as needed, keeping the subwoofer fairly clean. I never thought about having more than one LFE Bus, but it's an interesting idea. Thanks, Minister.

[pat yacono]

Although it is expensive; the Waves 360 bundle also includes an LFE plug that straps on your 5.1 master, aux or track; and has presets for DTS and Dolby roll offs. Obviously you can do this with a cheap EQ, but it is a nice addition to an already cool bundle. The 360 bundle has some real useful tools, especially the mixdown plug for previewing your downmixes from 5.1. The R360 verb has a real nice sound to it, especially for dramatic 5.1 effects. The algorithms even generate LFE verb which is rare; but sounds killer on explosions and the like.

[pat yacono]

That'd work, but I always do it on a 5.1 master fader with a multi-mono EQ plugin. I set the EQ with a high pass filter (so the low frequencies won't go to the mains) then unlink the channels on the plugin and switch the filter from high pass to low pass on the LFE channel.

I wouldn't filter the mains though. The main speakers low frequencies are handled in bass management, and re-directed at the sub but are not part of the LFE. This would be considered sub information, not LFE information. You just leave it in your five channels. LFE is for when you need that extra punch; especially when you run out of headroom and another 10db of low end will do it. This is why mixing with bass management for DVD is so important. Some end up sending duplicate info to the LFE, not realizing that it is already being covered by the mains re-directing to the sub. Some are monitoring without the 10db boost in the LFE, and send ungodly amounts of low end to the LFE. For DVD; you have to think of your mains as full range, as every consumer home theater setup is bass managed, and will crossover the mains and re direct to the sub. For compatibility sake, if you depend on the LFE for all your bottom, and the stereo folks are hearing your downmix; you are essentially letting them hear your mix with no bottom since the LFE is not part of the downmix. For theatrical; some say bass management is not neccesary since the mains only cover down to 70hz, but that is not entirely true as many theaters, and all THX certified theaters have full range mains with subs down into the 20's and separate LFE speakers.