What sound mix format should you use for your next project?

As a content creator, it could get pretty confusing as to what sound mix format you might need for your next project, depending on where it's going to be heard. We’re here to demystify what you should know about the different format types, and which one is right for your delivery platform.

Understanding Audio Channels vs Speakers

Each sound format discussed here is referenced in ‘channels’, which refers to a specific number of tracks in an audio file. Many times this reference can also be used in conjunction with the number of ‘speakers’ for output. However, with certain speaker systems, one channel of audio can be routed to several speakers. In mixing sound for picture, the term ‘channel’ is primarily used to reference the number of audio tracks, not speakers. 

Mono

Mono is a single channel of audio. For example, recording sound with a standard microphone uses one audio channel. Spoken word like podcasts can be mixed in mono, but sound for picture typically goes well beyond this. However, it's important to understand that any multi-channel playback may need to ‘fold down’ to mono for certain delivery platforms. This could include simple PA systems, airline entertainment, AM radio, older mobile devices, and even low-bandwidth streaming.

2.0 Stereo

Stereo consists of 2 channels, a left and right. It’s the most common playback format for music, tv, and video streaming. Almost all sound mixes are delivered in stereo. It is also the standard format for many film festivals that may be showing in a smaller venue or online. 

5.1 Surround

This six-channel surround format expands on stereo by adding a center channel directly in front, and left and right rear-channels in the back, making for a total of 5 channels. The .1 refers to an LFE (low frequency effects) channel which plays back through a subwoofer system. 5.1 is the standard format for most movie theaters and is popular for home theater systems as well. 

Photo of Our Current 5.1 Mix Room

If a film festival is playing in a large movie theater, it is most likely going to require a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) of your project. In a case like this, it’s ideal to have a 5.1 mix to playback on the large theater system, as it will properly fill the theater. Having a 2.0 mix may also work, however if you are sitting off center from the screen, the playback will sound unbalanced. When a film is mixed in 5.1, the dialogue is kept in the center channel, so it always sounds like it's coming directly from the screen, keeping things more balanced.

Playback through DVD, Blu-ray, and online streaming services, all require a minimum 5.1 and  2.0 mix for home formats. 

7.1 Surround

This format is an expansion of the 5.1 layout adding an additional left and right channel directly to the sides of the listening position. These channels are mostly used to expand the mix wider, enhancing soundscapes and making ambiences feel larger. Most movie theaters support this format, and it is used by many big budget Hollywood films. 

Atmos 

Atmos takes 7.1 to the next level (literally) by adding ‘object-based’ sounds in a 3D environment. It expands the speaker layout to include a left and right channel array overhead. Atmos uses special software to adapt to any type of expanded speaker configuration, and can use up to 64 individual channels by virtualizing object-based sounds to them. It is a format mostly used in blockbuster Hollywood films, and has made it to the home theater market in a smaller format. Atmos continues to become more popular, but its robust system is not always necessary for all types of program content. It is best suited for genres like action and sci-fi where larger-than-life sound design is crucial.

Image Credit Julien Hervio

Which format is best?

Your sound mix format really depends on the delivery requirements for your intended platform. Whether it’s streaming, a film festival, or a theatrical release, it’s best to check with your distributor first and communicate any specs with your sound team. At Enhanced Media we are set up to deliver all of our mixes in either 5.1 and 2.0 formats to cover the essential deliverables most platforms require.

To learn more about how we can enhance your next project, contact us.