If you're serious about surround, it's time to inventory your available equipment. If you come up short, borrow what you can to do some experiments. For the next month your task is to plan and gather surround content using the techniques described in this article. Next month, we'll investigate ways to craft your recordings and other materials into a spacious surround track and put it on DVD.
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
As you read this article, you may be thinking multi-channel audio production is a lot of trouble, and you'd be right. It takes more planning, equipment and skill than your typical stereo soundtrack. Realistically, it's not necessary for every project but, properly executed, a surround mix can really wow the viewer. It shows you care about the finished product and the viewing experience. Ultimately, you have to decide who will see the video and under what circumstances. While surround production isn't necessary for an industrial training video, it's virtually required for projects that showcase your filmmaking skills.
Sound Advice: Surround on the Cheap - Part 2
