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.

[demonsp]

Greetings!

I've been using "Immerse Virtual Studio Signature Edition" for a while and seems to work well.

It includes a multi channel plugin for piping sound between programs and does surround down to stereo.

Cheers.

[labman]

we use dearVR monitor on front of our headphone chain. Or occasionally Waves NX

[bayswater]

we use dearVR monitor on front of our headphone chain. Or occasionally Waves NX

In what situations would you use NX rather than dearVR?

[labman]

we use dearVR monitor on front of our headphone chain. Or occasionally Waves NX

In what situations would you use NX rather than dearVR?

NX is more simplistic so it fits a few of our team who are less tech savvy, where dearVR has a bunch more options and fits a few of our film, peeps better. Sonically they are a bit different too, in how they are handling the actual 'space' type stuff. And they have differing support for the various headphone manufactuers. Most of our guys use SoundID for that kinda flattening for each of the headphone makes and models though, as its far more extensive support in that department. So for our folks, if half dozen of one, half dozen of the other.
.

[bayswater]

In what situations would you use NX rather than dearVR?

NX is more simplistic so it fits a few of our team who are less tech savvy, where dearVR has a bunch more options and fits a few of our film, peeps better. Sonically they are a bit different too, in how they are handling the actual 'space' type stuff. And they have differing support for the various headphone manufactuers. Most of our guys use SoundID for that kinda flattening for each of the headphone makes and models though, as its far more extensive support in that department. So for our folks, if half dozen of one, half dozen of the other.
.

Thanks. I used NX until VR showed up. I was wondering if I had missed something with NX. It seemed to give clarity but not so much that was useful in the way of space.