Video Asylum

Posted by Mr Peabody (A) on December 14, 2013 at 20:46:52

In Reply to: RE: A kind request of advice - Downmix from 5.1 to 2.0 posted by beppe61 on December 08, 2013 at 01:50:31

You didn't mention what your set up was, mainly what sources you have, is sound from TV or DVD/Blu-ray? Either one most have a "night time" mode, it could be called something else depending on brand, however, this does exactly what you want, it limits the dynamic range so the vocals and other sound effects would be closer in volume, less peaks & dips in sound. You shouldn't need to buy any more gear unless you just needed an excuse :). 5.1 to stereo is mixed automatically inside the player, especially if using an analog connection. If digital there may be a setting you'd have to change to get it to output stereo only.

Another advantage if you decide to get a processor would be to use a "phantom center channel" setting which helps with dialog in most instances over a simple mix down.