5.1 in Stereo Headphones - Best practice

[Luichy]

Hello.

What would you say it's the best way to listen to 5.1 tracks using stereo headphones in DP?

I don't have a 5.1 setup and I need to preview some mixes that were sent to me. I don't need to hear it at maximum quality, just check the timecode with picture.

[dix]

The easiest way (not the best necessarily) would be to import the file into a 5.1 track in DP > add a Master Fader, then select Stereo from the Fold-down button on the Master Fader. You'll only hear it in stereo of course. ...I've seen various surround-for-headphones options out there, but have not tried any.

[Luichy]

The easiest way (not the best necessarily) would be to import the file into a 5.1 track in DP > add a Master Fader, then select Stereo from the Fold-down button on the Master Fader. You'll only hear it in stereo of course. ...I've seen various surround-for-headphones options out there, but have not tried any.

I'm going to try a plugin called IRCAM Hear but in order for it to work I must make a 5.1 output bundle and DP won't let me add it. It greys it out. I managed to make a 5.1 buss in an aux track. But I actually need a 5.1 output to insert the plugin. When I try to add it it only shows two channels and it's greyed out.

[dix]

Do you have a 6 channel+ interface? I believe you'll need one to get DP to create 6 ch Output. If there's a way around this I too'd be interested in how to do it? I need to set up a 13 channel mix with my 8 ch I/O (to eventually be mixed in a 12.1 venue).

[Luichy]

Do you have a 6 channel+ interface? I believe you'll need one to get DP to create 6 ch Output. If there's a way around this I too'd be interested in how to do it? I need to set up a 13 channel mix with my 8 ch I/O (to eventually be mixed in a 12.1 venue).

Actually, no, I don't. I'm trying to make it work on my laptop's audio. I'm trying everything. I'll let you know.

[dix]

Yeah. I think you'll need to fool DP into thinking there's a 6 ch I/O. ProTools installs an aggregate I/O that I see in the Hardware Setup. I can't get it to work with DP on my cMP, but that might work for you? - it's a long shot. Either way, if what I suspect is true, you'll need to see and select the dummy 6 ch I/O in the Hardware Setup before DP allows a 6ch output.

[rp88.2]

If you need more channels -- try Blackhole - it will create either a 2 or 16 channel virtual interface. It's the modern version of Soundflower.

https://existential.audio/blackhole/

Then Aggregate with your audio interface in DP's audio setup - you will have plenty of channels.

[dix]

Perfect! Thanks for this tip. I’m guessing similar routing tools might work too. Loopback etc. I’ll check it out.