Problem

I had a task as a sound engineer to craft an experimental sound piece using a 5.1 surround sound system. The challenge was to make it both creatively captivating and technically solid across various playback setups like home theaters, cars, and more. A big hurdle was nailing the mix's compatibility across different systems. I needed to ensure the quality not only of our studio gear but also of our everyday devices. This was a first for me, but an exciting step in my sound design career.

Solution

To tackle the compatibility issue, I worked on my mix at home on headphones, mostly guessing where the sound should come from. I would then take my mix to the sound studio and test if the sound would work. Once I was content, I played it on different devices to spot any hitches. Overall, for my first project working on such a complicated system, I did a good job, and everything worked out the way I wanted it to.

Impact

The immersive power of the 5.1 surround setup heightened listener engagement. People responded positively, appreciating the distinct sound design.

"Experiencing my creation in full immersion was unlike just using headphones or speakers. It motivated me to dive deeper into the world of sound."

Programs used

Reaper
Davinci resolve

Surround Sound Mix