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5.1 audio
I’m a PP newbie, trying to create an audio file with at least four channels. The Adobe tutorial on 5.1 audio is leaving me baffled, so here goes….
The only reason I’m after a multi-channel audio track is to create a DVD with multiple channels of audio. The various channels will have beeps which will be “heard” only by some special equipment, and trigger effects during the show.
My computer (HP xw8200) has the Sound MAX Digital Audio integrated device. I don’t think it has 5.1 capability, but I’m not trying to use it to play back audio directly (or, audibly) — so is it necessary for me to upgrade the audio hardware in my computer?
How do you export the multichannel audio to a file? I have heard something about an additional license that is needed.
I have, by trial and error, created a timeline which seems to work, in that the Mixer window shows the beeps on their proper tracks. But I’m confused by the “new sequence” window, with its various options for Master, Mono, Stereo, 5.1, Mono Submix, Stereo Submix, and 5.1 Submix. All I want are 4 mono channels. I specified Mono: 4 — what’s the difference between that and using 5.1: 4? What is the purpose of the Submix settings?
Thanks.
— BC
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4 Replies
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You don’t need to upgrade your audio card to create multichannel audio. You might need it if you want to hear the audio separated to different speakers, though. If you can see the beeps in the correct channels, that’s probably good enough for what you’re doing.
You can export multichannel audio in a couple of ways. Premiere Pro can make a 6-channel (5.1 = 5 discreet channels + 1 LFE = 6 channels) WAV file by using File > Export > Audio, or you can export through the Media Encoder to a Dolby Digital .ac3 file. The problem with the WAV file is that there’s not much you can do with it. Encore only takes .ac3 files for multichannel audio. The problem with the Dolby encoder is that what comes with Premiere Pro is only a demo version of the Minnetonka SurCode encoder. You get 3 tries, then you have to pay to unlock the plug-in for further use.
RE: submixes – this for mixing audio and applying effects or volume changes to multiple tracks at once. They don’t apply to what you’re doing.
What you want is a sequence with a 5.1 channel master track. Drop your beeps in as mono tracks, and mix them so that they are in the right channels. It sounds like you’ve done that already, so all you need to do is export.
You can’t encode just “four mono channels” onto a DVD. They all have to be packaged together as a Dolby (or DTS, but Encore doesn’t read those) audio file. The SurCode encoder does have an option to do a 4-channel file (use 2/2 for the Audio Coding Mode). Just make sure your beeps aren’t bleeding over to the LFE, and you should be fine.
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Thank you very much. I had totally missed the whole Adobe Media Encoder section. I think my 3 Surcode trials are going to be used up before I get the hang of this.
I have the feeling that the PP Help file system for PP was written before they got the deal with Minnetonka. I’m just glad this forum exists.
— Bob
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Hi Tim
after creating the ac3 file what authoring software supports these types of files?
regards
ray -
I don’t have a list of authoring programs that support AC3 files. It’s like asking what local restaurants serve pizza with red onions. Many do. Some don’t.
In general, I’d say that any program targeted at professional users should support AC3. Adobe Encore supports AC3.
What program do you want to use? You should probably check the help files/manual/web site for that program to find out if it will allow you to import an AC3 file.
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