What characteristic often limited the surround channel when mixing for legacy 5.1 systems?

Answer

It was often a mono signal limited in frequency response.

When engineers transitioned to mastering for the 5.1 format, they had to accommodate constraints inherited from earlier formats like the original 4-channel Dolby Stereo. Specifically, the surround channel in many legacy 5.1 systems was treated differently than the front channels; it frequently consisted of a monaural signal rather than discrete left/right information, and its frequency range was often intentionally restricted or limited compared to the full-range capabilities of the Left, Center, and Right channels. Understanding these historical limitations is vital for successfully translating complex modern mixes to formats that must retain compatibility with these older standards.

What characteristic often limited the surround channel when mixing for legacy 5.1 systems?

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