Export 5.1 and 2.0 stereo same video

Question

Hi,
I'm submitting to our distributor to get our film into iTunes and have an audio issue I need resolved ASAP! For their audio configuration they have stated the following....
My timeline looks as follows
My question: How do I export the required video file with the 5.1 and 2.0 audio in the same video container?
Thanks so much. m

Answer 1

I am in the same boat.
Normally you can use a surround plug or other encoder to code your audio separate from your video for a disc and it will ask if you want it to mix down the 5.1 mix to stereo lt rt.  LTRT are also standard speaker channels in multi channel mixes with larger numbers of speakers.  Basically, the encoders will sum your audio with a hi pass, to drop the LFE down, and output this adaptation of audio as the primary mix, while reversing it to output the 5.1 mix on the fly (at the decoder box\reciever).
However, many of us like to do our own stereo mix for the video as well.  It would be great to use a single file wouldn't it?
Depending on the file type requirements, you may be SOL for mixing your own 5.1 and stereo mixes.  You'll have to choose one and go with it.  However, there's nothing that says you can't encode a 7 or 8 channel mode and create that file, with all the channels encoded as mono channels.
Basically, set up your master as a multichannel with more channels than you need (up to 32), and use those mono channels to separate your audio.  Lastly, I'd check in audition, and find out which level LT and RT fall on for which channels they'd fill.  I think there's some space between 5.1 and LTRT, so you'll have to fill that space with empty tracks (to avoid 7.1 outputs using your LTRT and totally screwing up the sound; some novices will do it).
Finally, when you output multichannel audio, include a text file describing how the mix is set up so the client can play it.  Channels will play out a certain way from 5.1 (basically, they are encoded (LRCLFELSRS) or (LCRLFELSRS) for 5.1 files; it can change depending on your encoder, so check it's method.
Compressor does a decent job and lets you select your encoding style, along with the down mix method.  Adobe is great with surcode plugs, but they are a bit clunky to use.  They do work, and they make it legal to use the DOLBY logo when licensed properly, which is a big draw for audiophiles, and typically clients really enjoy that.