5.1 surround mix for feature film

[MIKEROPHONICS]

Equally well everyone just comes on boards and asks 'how to do it' questions in 3 lines rather than reading around, finding mentors, spending time learning. People want instant answers these days and to short cut the learning process.
I spent my years in the BBC salt mines learning from BAFTA winners.
Many of us here mentor and help others.
We often have to sort the wheat from the chaff though on these boards though as our "expertise" and time is not infinite.
Amen

[Henchman]

Originally Posted by finalmixaudio

Hi Mike. You are right, I was not very specific about my post. I've been mixing post for many years, but totally new to 5.1, thats why I made my question kinda broad. Also most of what I've done is for advertising and some long format documentaries, etc, but again never a feature in 5.1

I just wanted to get some info from more experienced 5.1 mixers, and things I should watch out for as I go on in this project. I could probably narrow down my question to:

-the do's and don'ts of 5.1(for someone new to 5.1) and delivery files and levels.


Any insight on that?

Thanks again

H, ok. Now it makes more sense. This being your first 5.1, I wouldn't sweat it. Just mix the way you normally do. But spread the fx etc around, keep dialog center.

[finalmixaudio]

Originally Posted by Henchman

H, ok. Now it makes more sense. This being your first 5.1, I wouldn't sweat it. Just mix the way you normally do. But spread the fx etc around, keep dialog center.

Thanks for the tip Heachman. Will do.

[finalmixaudio]

I appreciate all the replies, and let me explain, I do like learning from more experienced engineers, researching, etc. I am not trying to skip the process, but rather get some quick pointer since I had no warning to prepare for this project. I've been doing sound design and post for advertising for 14 years, so I'm not a rookie by any means, but I am new to 5.1. This is a micro budget independent film so I figure this would be a good opportunity to get started.

[mr.armadillo]

Regarding levels, make sure to check out both the "room calibration" sticky here and the "standard levels" sticky over at Gearslutz' postpro forum. Lots of good info there.

[finalmixaudio]

Originally Posted by MIKEROPHONICS

Where do we start ?......

What frame rate is it shot at
Who are you delivering to in what format?
What are your deliverables?

Why only 5.1 if feature?
What stage are you mixing at?

Hi MIKEROPHONICS,

-It is at 23.98fps
- They said they would get me in contact with the company that does the DCP and blu ray so we could make arrangements, but have not heard from them yet.
- They want a 5.1 mix and stereo fold down

[finalmixaudio]

Originally Posted by mr.armadillo

Regarding levels, make sure to check out both the "room calibration" sticky here and the "standard levels" sticky over at Gearslutz' postpro forum. Lots of good info there.

Thanks Mr. Armadillo. I did read the room calibration and did calibrate the room, but I guess my question was more about difference in levels if it is going to blu ray and DCP. Is there a difference in levels between the two?

Thanks

[mr.armadillo]

This will be answered in the "levels"-sticky at gearslutz.

[Tstein]

Finalmixaudio,

Do take up Dr. Sounds generous offer of help.

[MIKEROPHONICS]

Stereo fold down or PL2 fold down?
Sounds like just dcp and 5.1 BR with no TV?
No international requirement for M&E?

Knowing your deliverable requirements before you start is half the battle.