How can I get surround sound to export through the correct speakers?

Question

Hello there!
I am experienced with Soundtrack Pro and can successfully export 5.1 surround.
I'm moving over to Logic Pro to try out 7.1 surround, but I can't even export 5.1 surround successfully since dialogue for example comes out of all speakers, yet I've panned it to the front centre speaker. Please note I do not have surround speakers set up with my computer as whenever I do connect to my amplifier it just does everything through all speakers (whether using Soundtrack Pro or Logic Pro). I am using the visual surround panner as my guide. Either way the surround export in Logic Pro is not what I'm doing within the pogram.
I believe I've got everything set up properly:
In Preferences-Audio-Devices-Core Audio I have device Sunflower (16ch)
In Preferences-Audio-Output- I have 5.1 (ITU 775) or 7.1 (3/4.1)
All tracks are set with the surround panner and I can use just like in Soundtrack Pro.
I can bounce the individual stems properly.
It's just not in proper surround sound.
Where am I going wrong?
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

EMB -
What is the function of Sunflower in your work flow? Usually its used to route audio between programs. In the case of Logic, you simply need to route to the outputs for things to work right.
I guess we should start with your interface - do you have 6 actual separate outputs that you can use to monitor your surround sound?
(NOTE: I no longer do surround, but used to). In my case, I used a RME Fireface 800 which had a bunch of analog outs. I used outputs 1&2 as L&R, 3&4 as Center/Sub, and 5&6 as Rs/Ls. Each of these outputs was connected to a monitor so that I could mix in surround.
When you say you are bouncing 5.1 successfully, do you mean it is creating 6 separate files?
BTW - what mechanism are you using to playback your surround files? I used to use a PC program to burn DVDA's, which I then played back on a DVDA-capable disk player.
If you are looking to encode the files so that they will playback on a traditional surround sound system, you would need to put them through a Dolby Digital encoder. If you have had Logic for a few years, you MAY have Compressor which can do this. Otherwise, Dolby Digital encoder software can be somewhat expensive.