"Render as discrete audio tracks" in 16.1.2?

On render page there is a checkbox for "Render as discrete audio tracks."

A thread was started about this setting but I still do not understand what this setting will do, when I might use it and how is it different from "Render one track per channel?"

https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=104465&p=578139&hilit=+Render+as+discrete+audio+tracks+in+16.1.2%3F#p578139

I am still asking myself the same. The Reference Manual doesn't seem to have an answer, too.

Video with Audio Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated mono audio stream.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio streams to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.

Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated multichannel audio stream.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two audio streams of six channels each to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.


Audio Only Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio files.

Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two interleaved audio files containing 6 channels each.

@Reynaud should help BMD update the manual. Thank you!!

Video with Audio Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated mono audio stream.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio streams to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.

Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated multichannel audio stream.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two audio streams of six channels each to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.


Audio Only Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio files.

Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two interleaved audio files containing 6 channels each.

@Reynaud

Thank you for all your explanations here and all over the forum. Very helpful and just to the point.
You saved me some headaches.

Hey @Reynaud.. so my added question for this would be, if I have 2 busses being routed out, Bus 1 is full stereo mix and Bus 2 is M&E mix, would I need to check "[x] Render as Discrete Audio Tracks" ? Or leave all boxes unchecked?

Screen Shot 2022-03-30 at 11.47.47 AM.png (24.76 KiB) Viewed 5267 times

[In summary, I want to send a network a Single video stream, CH 1&2 Full mix, CH 3&4 M&E within the deliverable file]

Video with Audio Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated mono audio stream.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio streams to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.



Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated multichannel audio stream.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two audio streams of six channels each to accompany the single video stream within the deliverable.


Audio Only Export
Render one track per channel:
each channel in a Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. single SMPTE 5.1 Buss designated as an Output Track will produce 6 mono audio files.

Render as discrete audio tracks:
each Output Track or Buss will be rendered as a dedicated audio file.
e.g. two SMPTE 5.1 Busses will produce two interleaved audio files containing 6 channels each.

What does the delivery spec specify?