Multichannel ambiences

[Jason Nightall]

For those that use them, how are you guys sourcing your multichannel ambiences, atmospheres and room tones? Do you build them from stereo recordings or do you use original multichannel recordings that match the target format?

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

Both I guess, Jason. At best, I would go out and record specific to the picture (try to find a location and set mics up to match what's up on the screen), particularly with 3+ channels. It's good when you 'clinch' it. Although a good recording usually has a life well beyond its original.

 

Most recording however has focused on getting the necessary - stuff where library / 2nd unit recordings aren't good enough or simply don't exist - and a lot of this can be mono, let alone less than multichannel. Though I have recorded specifically multichannel FX, foley and ambience on occasion.

 

And, like you said, I've gone back (and colleagues have) and 'created' 4.0 / 5.0 beds out of 2.0 recordings.

 

The best and most satisfying way to source is to go out and record tho' - although it can be an expensive prospect (for production or oneself).

 

Jez Adamson

[TVPostSound]

Upmix from stereo libraries!!