#1003361 - 02/01/06 11:08 PM
Still afraid of the center channel!
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blas
Gold Member
Registered: 03/06/01
Posts: 517
Loc: St. Louis, MO. USA
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I can't believe it, the local AES had Alan Parson as the guest speaker. It was just a flat out Q & A session. I remember several years ago reading how he loves mixing in quad, but doesn't really use the center channel. So I posed the same question and was surprised to hear he STILL avoids much usage (esp.not vocals) using the reasoning that channel was designed for movie/television dialogue! If not for direct use, why not to enchance phantom use. I look at it this way: With the five mains you have a total of 10 possible phantom locations. I just can't understand when someone at the cutting edge of the industry shy's away from it.
It was great to meet such a powerhouse guy, especially since he too, uses Nuendo! I ask if his control surface was the ID....nope, when needed he uses a Houston.
THE END
blas
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#1003362 - 02/06/06 12:35 PM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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doug osborne
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Registered: 08/15/00
Posts: 2638
Loc: Culver City, CA, US
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Yes, I've had the opportunity to talk with him - he's very approachable.
I think he is just working within his comfort zone with 4.0 mixes. I don't agree that we shouldn't use the Center Channel just because some people have crappy or poorly-implemented center channel speakers, but he has a right to his opinion.
At least he doesn't use the LFE channel normally.
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#1003363 - 02/07/06 01:04 PM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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Neil Wilkes
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Registered: 07/06/02
Posts: 513
Loc: London, UK
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I agree with Doug - AP is a top chap.
He does his work in a sort of "Dual Stereo" rather than full surround - and I don't understand why he doesn't use the centre channel - personally, I find that it gives a much more solid image - why use a phantom centre when you have the real thing available - plus it's less clutter in the front pair.
It won't apply in AP's case, but I think most people are afraid of centre channel because it's just not set up right - chances are high that if all 3 speakers are flat across the front, then the sound from centre will hit your ears ahead of L/R, (unless there is a time delay on the centre) causing all sorts of problems due to the ear's working:
It makes it possible to anchor the sound correctly - try this experiment:
Set up a stereo with the vocal panned to centre in a busy mix.
Then set up an LCR version, with the vocal in the centre only.
The image shifting between the left & right will be a lot less in the second version when you listen to them at Left centre & Right centre.
But it's horses for courses, I guess.
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#1003364 - 02/13/06 02:14 AM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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AudioMaverick
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Registered: 05/19/01
Posts: 1790
Loc: Outskirts of Big Bear, CA,UNIT...
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It took me a while to get used to three discrete front channels, too. Even now, when I put vocals in the center, I prefer to bleed them at least -6dB into the left and right. The support from them adds to the strength of track. And, it seems to fill in the mix better... for me.
_________________________
"It's all about the... um-m-m, uh-h-h..."
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#1003365 - 02/13/06 05:29 PM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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blas
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Registered: 03/06/01
Posts: 517
Loc: St. Louis, MO. USA
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We don't always have to just think about vocals in the center. Mike Sokol played some surround tracks where they put the kick dry in the center and its 'verb going front left and right. It sounded very cool. Just another example of putting THAT channel to good use!
blas
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#1003366 - 03/15/06 09:14 PM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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Sunbreak Music
Senior Member
Registered: 03/15/06
Posts: 138
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AP's "On Air" had some fairly unique and tasteful use of the center channel. Pretty impactful, since you weren't used to hearing it up until the point where it kicks in.....
_________________________
Cass Anawaty, Chief Engineer Sunbreak Music, LLC High Resolution Stereo and Surround Mastering http://www.sunbreakmusic.com
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#1003367 - 03/16/06 10:33 AM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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blas
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Registered: 03/06/01
Posts: 517
Loc: St. Louis, MO. USA
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SM, That is one of my favorite 5.1 disc I listen to in my car. He was so creative on that one. But he just doesn't feel the need to use it that much. Again, he also pointed to the center channel speaker lacking in many systems, but the only way you can get people to start truly enjoying great 5.1, is by mixing to all source points and NOT fear what their home system is lacking.
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#1003368 - 03/16/06 11:19 AM
Re: Still afraid of the center channel!
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Sunbreak Music
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Registered: 03/15/06
Posts: 138
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Hey Blas,
I suppose I'm struggling w/ that myself--just getting into the surround mixing/composing thing. I guess I just figure most folks have one of those 5.1 "in a box" systems....
Is there any consensus? What do you think?
By the way, one of my other favorite surround discs is this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000083C82/104-3210083-9793508?v=glance&n=130
Between the visuals and the music, you'll be amazed.
SM
_________________________
Cass Anawaty, Chief Engineer Sunbreak Music, LLC High Resolution Stereo and Surround Mastering http://www.sunbreakmusic.com
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