Is it possible to convert stereo to surround sound instantly?

"Remastering” prerecorded mono or stereo music into Surround-sound music?

• I am looking to start remastering stereo electronic music into Surround-sound music --while of course getting permission and giving appropriate credit to the original composer. Here are my questions: 1) What audio software is out there that’s good for digitally decomposing prerecorded mono or stereo audio into its individual notes, and then allowing the re-mastering of the sounds into surround sound, either 5.1 or 7.1 ch? Here is a scenario: take a passing car sound that moves from L to R and make it seem like it is actually coming and passing you from behind, while at the same time be able to take another sound from the audio, say a bird that crosses from R to L, making it seem like it is rotating around you? Or creating similar effects with electronic sounds. etc. 2) I’d also like to gauge the interest level out there in “3D” music, and what is the most common format for music encoded in 7.1 channels? 3) And are there any clubs or places out there where you can listen to music in high-def 3D?

• Answer:

  Re-mastering into surrouns from stereo is not very easy and is extremely time consuming. The only way to REALLY mix in surround is to do it with the original stems. Sony Vegas is good for surround work and is easy to use. I don't know what to tell you as far as "re-mastering" it though... Just like you can't expand mono into stereo, you can't expand stereo into surround... Not well anyway...