Enable MP3 Surround Encoding

[Joseph]

I just noticed the option to do this when I was bouncing a track to MP3. My questions are: what exactly does it do? What reasons would I have to use it? Could it possibly improve the track in any way (translating in a forward vs. a return)? I know I sound inexperienced, but I have never heard of it before today. I've been browsing other forums but they don't exactly answer my questions. Thanks.

-Joseph

[mojobone]

I can't say for sure, and you didn't mention which software had this option, so I can't look it up, either, but I suspect it has to do with Dolby, AC3 or some other surround technology. Most likely, checking the box will send any ambience/reverb/delay in your mix to the surround speakers if decoding is enabled at the other end, so no, checking it won't make your mix any better and might totally screw it up, BUT you're welcome to try it and audition the results-it may not do much at all if you don't have surround decoding enabled.

[Joseph]

Sorry, I was just talking about in pro tools. That helped though. Thanks.

-Joseph

[mojobone]

Don't be sorry, there are no dumb questions, though I've occasionally heard some dumb answers; they say you'll have that, if you teach. And you're welcome.