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CHAPTER

Working with 5.1

12 Surround

Vegas® software allows you to create 5.1-channel mixes to prepare audio for DVD-Video.

This feature is available only in the full version of Vegas software.

Note: Vegas software plays and mixes uncompressed 5.1- channel audio. Authoring software such as the Sony Media Software 5.1 Surround Plug-In Pack is required to encode 5.1-channel audio to AC-3 for use in DVD authoring.

What is 5.1 surround?

5.1surround is a standard format consisting of three speakers across the front and two speakers in the rear. The “.1” is a sixth channel called low-frequency effects (LFE) that enhances the bass levels in the mix.

5.1 surround includes five main channels...

Left

Center

Right

Left

 

Right

Surround

 

Surround

 

 

 

...and a sixth channel for low-frequency effects.

LFE

The LFE channel is commonly used in motion pictures to enhance low audio frequencies for effects such as explosions or crashes. Audio in this channel is commonly limited to a range from about 25 Hz to 120 Hz. Unlike the five primary channels, the LFE channel adds no directional information. Depending on the speaker setup and audio levels, the sound assigned to the LFE channel may be routed among the five main speakers or to an additional subwoofer.

CHP. 12

WORKING WITH 5.1 SURROUND