Training a NN classifier on a single\double channel out of a surround sound dataset I want to train a neural network for a classification task on the VSD2014 dataset. I have downloaded the movies, but they have a 6 channel audio format (surround sound). 6 channels will cost a very long training time, and so, I wish to trail on a single\double channel first, in order to prove the concept.
Is it better to convert into a stereo or single channel? If so, how do I convert this on MATLAB? Can I get away with, simply, choosing one of the channels? If so, which one? I am guessing the subwoofer channel is not the best choice. I do not even know which one is the subwoofer channel.
How do I train a NN classifier on a single\double channel out of a surround sound dataset?
Generally the order of a 5.1 channel signal is as follows: L (Left), R (Right), C (Center), LFE (Low frequency enhancement), Ls (Left surround), Rs (Right surround).
What you need is a downmix and there are many downmixing methods. Here's the recommendation of ITU:
$$
L' = L+0.7071C+0.7071Ls
$$$$
R' = R+0.7071C+0.7071Rs
$$
However, multichannel signal may contain some hidden information for your classification task. To get a better performance, I don't think downmixing to single channel is a good idea. Stereo signals may be a compromise between performance and training time.