Hello,
I found this quote from studio engineer Greg Ladanyi on why multi-channel mixes sound better (this is just what I hear when listening to the Yes - Fragile DVD-Audio, for example.):
Quote:
"I'm trying to bring the songs closer to the listener," said Ladanyi. I think you can get closer to the production values through a 5.1 mix. You can hear atmospheres in 5.1 that get lost in stereo. You really have to work to make 60 tracks of music fit into just two. You might have to take some bottom out of some instruments, add a lot of compression, and EQ to make sure everything is in balance. When you disperse the same music over 5.1 speakers, the music has more space to be alive in. It's a tremendous difference."
"Right, and I've noticed bass definition gets a big boost in 5.1."
Ladanyi is on a roll: "Remember, guitars and keyboards' bass harmonics can cover up bass instruments. By separating those instruments in the surround mix, bass clarity goes way up. Sometimes I'll move instruments around in the 5.1 mix just until the bass gets more defined."
"Speaking of definition, what are your thoughts on mixing for the center speaker?"
"Imagine mixing Crosby, Stills & Nash and giving each one his own speaker—left, center, and right—so you can almost see each vocal in each speaker. Their harmony parts are more-easily heard. In stereo, you get a wash of blends."
|
The whole article is interesting:
Home Theater Magazine on DVD-Audio
PS Although only DVD-Audio is mentioned, the same should apply to multi-channel SACD vs. stereo SACD.
