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As a newer film composer with a couple payed film projects under my belt, I'm contemplating investing in a 5.1 surround setup. This would involve a new interface (828x perhaps), 3 extra JBL LSR305 monitors, a subwoofer, and more sound treatment (for all that extra bass flying around).

My question is, is this something worthwhile and marketable for an indie film composer trying to grow his business out of a small room studio? Does it make me more appealing to have the capability? There are many other "fun" things I can spend money on like synths and plugins....

As a "newer" film composer I'd say "no." Get your experience and try to set a track record. If someone wants you to do a 5.1, make THEM buy the stuff you need and be sure they give you plenty of time to do it. At this point in your career you should focus on what you want to be known for. Unless you're already trained on post-audio and surround sound, I wouldn't advise too much diversification at an early career stage. Many of us "old guys" came from an analog audio background and worked in sound design and engineering gigs as well as playing and composing. That made adding surround to our bag of tricks a lot easier. Again, I would focus on scoring and let the producer worry about the mix unless you're also being paid to do post audio.

MIDI Life Crisis wrote:As a "newer" film composer I'd say "no." Get your experience and try to set a track record. If someone wants you to do a 5.1, make THEM buy the stuff you need and be sure they give you plenty of time to do it. At this point in your career you should focus on what you want to be known for. Unless you're already trained on post-audio and surround sound, I wouldn't advise too much diversification at an early career stage. Many of us "old guys" came from an analog audio background and worked in sound design and engineering gigs as well as playing and composing. That made adding surround to our bag of tricks a lot easier. Again, I would focus on scoring and let the producer worry about the mix unless you're also being paid to do post audio.

Thank you for the advice!

+1 what MLC said. I've never been asked deliver 5.1 mixes or stems as the composer of a film or TV project.