Make sure that each track's automation option is set as desired, and then click the Play button. Adjust the strength of the center channel by turning the knob next to the top right corner of the tray.

Because the center speaker is often used to enhance dialog, you might want to reduce the center channel percentage of non-dialog tracks, such as a musical sound track, to keep them out of the center speaker.

Make sure that each track's automation option is set as desired, and then click the Play button. Adjust the strength of the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel by turning the knob labeled with a bass clef. The LFE signal is normally routed to a subwoofer speaker to enhance very low frequencies (deep bass, generally under 120 Hz).

On the Automation Options pop-up menu, choose Read to be able to play back the recorded automation settings without altering them. As needed, switch back to Write, Latch, or Touch mode, and continue adjusting positions and levels until you’re satisfied with the result. When you’re finished, be sure to leave the Automation Options pop-up menu set to Read.

The steps in this tutorial are just a starting point, because there are many approaches to mixing 5.1 surround audio. For example, mixing a symphony orchestra for a CD is very different from mixing the audio for an action movie.