Creating my own 5.1-Test-CD - how?

yoss

yoss

Enthusiast
Hope this is the right place for a question like this ...

What I'd like to do is creating my own test-CD (or DVD?) for checking the speakers' setup of my little home theater. I am thinking of recording some test tones and having them "rotate" repeatedly in a loop over all the speakers one by one.

What I have:
• a computer :D
• software for creating the test tones as .wavs or .mp3 or what ever
• a cd/dvd-burner

What I don't have:
• the slightest idea of how to arrange those tones to be 5.1 and then burn this to a CD or DVD

Any hint or idea how to do this would be highly appreciated.
 
M

marty

Enthusiast
You're on the right track. Now you need a program to create your mix disc from your .wav files (six, right?) Don't forget 5.1 speakers for monitoring your mix. And also a program to create the 5.1 disc in Dolby Digital, DTS, or whatever.

I use Mark of the Unicorn's Digital Performer for recording, but only for stereo. DP4 can create a mix for 5.1 surround, but (as of now) can't master a disc in 5.1. Programs like Apple's Final Cut Pro should do the trick, and some third party companies make standalone software for Dolby Digital or even DVD-A disc creation from 5.1 mixes. This link is just one such company:

http://www.minnetonkaaudio.com/

WARNING: I've never used their products and I only know them from reading their website. Do not take the above as an endorsement from me.

You might be able to find cheaper options for all of the above, but since I already own DP4 I can use that when I'm ready so I don't know what else is out there. I'd be surprised if most mixing software doesn't create even a basic 5.1 mix by now actually.

Your needs may be better served poking around a mixing newgroup, as these forums are mostly for playback of pre-recorded content. Both are very music-orientated of course, but I'll bet the biggest difference is the average income is higher here (just a joke from one struggling musician to another!)

-Marty
 
nibhaz

nibhaz

Audioholic Chief
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