Difference in mixing for surround

The main aim of the mixing stage in music production is to create a complete sonic image in which you can distinguish each individual part. Attention to one instrument such as guitar should result in a continuous performance on which the listener can concentrate. Like wise with the lead vocal, the listener should be able to distinguish all of the words. In order to create such a sonic image for a two-channel reproduction system like stereo, bass and lead instruments, such as bass guitar and lead vocals, must first be compressed then equalized to minimize the effects of frequency masking. This is basically so that the listener can distinguish instrument without too much mutual interference. Two-channel stereo can be seen as a “small box” in which to put program content; each part has to be carefully tailored to show through the medium. (Holman, 2008, pg. 108)

With systems, such as the 5.1 system, these effects are minimized due to a larger number of channels for the instrumentation to be spread across. This creates a greater likelihood that the listener can follow multiple instruments simultaneously. From the point of view of a sound engineer this makes the mixing process a lot easier, rather than having to compress and equalise instruments in order to squeeze them into two channels, they can be spread across five channels with low-end frequencies being dedicated to the sixth subwoofer channel. Thus, the actual physicality’s of the 5.1 system minimize unwanted effects that sound engineers have been dealing with for years in mixing for two channels.  

Not only this but effects such as reverb can be utilised to a better degree in the 5.1 system compared to stereo. The purpose of reverb is to simulate the sound and size of a room, however in two-channel stereo, reverb can only be implemented between the two channels in front of the listener. This is not ideal in terms of room simulation, as in real life situations; sound does not travel straight from the source to the listener but reflects all around them, bouncing off walls and objects until it dissipates. The 5.1 system has the capabilities of simulating these reflections more accurately as they can be reproduced all round the listener rather than just from the front in the case of two-channel stereo.

Overall the mixing process can be seen as easier with the 5.1 system compared to two-channel stereo. This is due to the fact that the physicality’s of the 5.1 system minimize some of the main problems encountered when mixing for two channels. Not only this but it gives a better representation of existing effects such as reverb. This enables sound engineers to become more creative in the mixing process, allowing less time to be spent on solving how to reduce unwanted effects that would be encountered when mixing for two channels.