Macbook Pro 5.1 surround Sound setup, is it possible?

Hi all,
I'm new to the world of Mac and so far I'm extremely impressed. I'm a film maker and I'm very down with the editing process, one area where I'm not to savvy, is sound. Soundtrack Pro looks great and perfect for a 5.1 mix for some of my upcoming short films I'm putting together. I'm not to sure if the Macbook pro is designed for mixing 5.1 in but it's all I have to work with.
My question is, what equipment would I need exactly, I understand the headphone port works as an optical for Dolby Digital, but can I create a 5.1 mix in Soundtrack pro and work with it? I'm confused as there's so many different questions and answers flying around, none of it comes to a solid conclusion.
In effect, I have my Macbook Pro, what items would I need to get this show on the road.I'm not playing games or anything like that, I just want to create a 5.1 mix for a short film.
Many Thanks
Ash

Hi
I have a 5.1 system for my MacBook (not Pro). It consists of a Firewave firewire interface connected to an Altec Lansing speaker system. The output from the Firewave needs 3 stereo cables which plug into the back of the speaker bass unit. This set up will allow full 5.1 mixing and although I haven't tried Soundtrack pro I expect it will work ok. See: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave
Be careful what you buy. The first system I bought was a home theatre system with an optical interface. Although this would play pre-mixed 5.1 DVD movies, it would NOT allow general 5.1 audio mixing from an application. Eventually I passed it on to a friend.
Bob

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