I have 17 years experience recording, mixing, producing MUSIC.  I consider myself an advanced sonar user, but I have a little experience doing post-production.  I just took a job doing an independent film.  The whole movie.  5.1 and 7.1
 
I will be doing lots of homework over the next week (I've already begun).  But I would be foolish to ignore the collective wisdom of the Sonar Forums!!!!
 
Here are some of my questions:
 
I currently only mix in stereo, but I have set up the surround mixing before just to try it out.  I have several sets of powered monitors and the Yamaha 10"Sub.   Can I use what I have to mix this project or do I need to to shopping?
 
If I have mixed the project in 5.1, is getting to 7.1 just a matter of a different rendering?
 
I also own PT10 (but I don't like it very much).  I know it is the industry standard for PP work.  Is there a compelling reason for me to skip Sonar and do the project in PT?  Please, only serious answers to this question. Does PT offer any concrete advantages?
 
If there is someone reading this who uses Sonar regularly to do PP work that is willing to correspond with me, please send me a private message and I'll give my email and phone #.  This job is a big deal and I'm committed to doing it right.
 
I got the gig after recording/mixing the song for the closing credits- and then doing some ADR work for the film.   The score composer is a friend/client/collaborator of mine.
 
I promise I'll share the name of the Film when I'm done.   It's an exciting opportunity for me.
 
Thanks, 
James
 
 

BlixYZ
I have 17 years experience recording, mixing, producing MUSIC.  I consider myself an advanced sonar user, but I have a little experience doing post-production.  I just took a job doing an independent film.  The whole movie.  5.1 and 7.1

 
Hi there! I'm an experienced Sound Designer....Sounds like a fantastic gig for you and i'll endevour to share a few bits of experience with you
 
 

BlixYZI currently only mix in stereo, but I have set up the surround mixing before just to try it out.  I have several sets of powered monitors and the Yamaha 10"Sub.   Can I use what I have to mix this project or do I need to to shopping?

 
Are the monitors matching brands?
 
I use Sonar to mix in 5:1 and it works great. I have never mixed in 7:1 however (not many films call for 7:1 as there is seldom a need for it as most cinemas dont have the facility to present the film in that format)
 
Obviously the key to a decent 5:1 or 7:1 mix is the same as a 2:1 mix in that the monitors need to be positioned correctly within your studio setup.
 
 
 
 

BlixYZ If I have mixed the project in 5.1, is getting to 7.1 just a matter of a different rendering? 

 
i am sure there will be a method of "upmixing" a 5:1 into a 7:1 mix quite effortlessly.
 

BlixYZ I also own PT10 (but I don't like it very much).  I know it is the industry standard for PP work.  Is there a compelling reason for me to skip Sonar and do the project in PT?  Please, only serious answers to this question. Does PT offer any concrete advantages?

 
I use PT 10 as well. I only use it for 2 reasons.
1. To import and export OMF or AAF files, Sonar is very hit and miss with these files and PT handles them very well.
2. If the film is getting a theatrical or DVD release you will be hit with a string of "deliverables" and more often than not they will ask for a PT session of the mix. Distribution companies in my experience NEVER use this project but it can be a deal breaker if you dont supply it. So, what I do is export my final project from Sonar in stems and then import these into a PT session and then save that PT session for the distribution company.
 
I use Sonar for ALL my creative and mix work btw, PT just doesnt cut it (for me, but many many professionals swear by it, its a matter of personal taste)
 
Feel free to hit me up via PM if you need anymore advice James.
 
 

Forum being weird as usual in the morning in the UK. Double post.

I thought I'd bump your post to see if anyone else has any advice (sorry I can't help). Congratulations, James! Sounds like a great opportunity.