Stereophonically located sound design is a form of sound design that occurs within the theatre. It is different from surround sound systems. This type of sound design is called immersive audio. This can be achieved by recording two channels, attaching a microphone to the actor’s costume, and using surround sound in virtual environments.
Two-channel Recordings
Two-channel recordings are made with separate audio signal channels. Each channel follows a specific phase relationship. This design allows the listener to hear different sounds in a stereo image when played through a suitable reproduction system. Stereophonic sound design can be used in stereo receivers and television broadcasts.
This method relies on bidirectional antennas or microphones, which are sensitive in two directions. Ideally, the listener and speakers are at the corners of an equilateral triangle whose lengths depend on the speakers’ size. These two signals combine to create a new composite signal that has identical wave shapes, but is shifted in time.
Stereo recordings were invented to promote the listening experience. RCA Victor’s “Living Stereo”, which featured the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was an example. Similarly, Warner Bros. Records’ “How to Get the Most Out of Your Stereo” featured a glamorous model with ear horns and a stethoscope.
Stereophonically located sound design occurs in the midrange between two speakers. The stereo image takes up the entire width between speakers if the midrange signal is equal to the side signal. If the side signal is higher than the midrange signal, the sound will be pushed outside the speakers. This can result in phase problems and mono compatibility problems.
The first step in stereophonically located sound design is determining the optimal distance between the sound source and the microphone. The distance between the sound source and the microphone will depend on its type, size, surrounds, and individual preferences. The goal is to create a balanced mix of direct sound and diffuse soundfields. This balance requires careful consideration and time.
Stereophonically located sound design is a technique used to create more spatial sound. This involves moving the low frequencies towards the center so that the energy is evenly distributed among the speakers. It is an ancient method of sound design, and one that is still popular in modern audio production. This method is still an essential part of sound reproduction, and is still used in home stereo. Despite technological advances, stereo is still the core element of sound design.
The colortek system is designed for high-fidelity multichannel optical recording at desired performance specifications. It must be affordable, self-aligning, and capable of being replaced in the field.
Surround Sound
Surround sound is a design where sound emanates from multiple speakers. One speaker produces a front-facing sound field, while the other produces surround sound from a rear sound field. The rear-facing sound field has better separation than that of the front-facing. It also has reverberance that wraps forward at 180 degrees each side.
Movies are the most popular use of surround sound. In a movie, the audio from multiple speakers can fill a room and immerse the viewer deeper into the story. This design is ideal due to the immersive nature of movies. Surround sound is not only better for movies, but also for live performances.
Surround sound music playback systems should permit high-quality multichannel playback of music composed for a stereophonically located loudspeaker array. The system must be flexible enough to handle the different music genres. For example, discs that feature stereophonic surround sound are better suited to be played back on surround sound systems than those that employ virtual surround sound.
Stereophonic sound was first introduced to the public during the development of motion pictures theaters in the middle of the 19th century. The process was called Cinerama. Cinerama was the original format. It used three 35mm motion pictures that were synchronized at 26 frames per sec. It also featured picture panels on the viewer’s left and right sides, which were positioned at 45 degrees.
Stereo sound is a popular technology for entertainment systems. Stereophonic sound reproduces the position and direction of the sound source better than monophonic sound. It provides a much more immersive and natural listening experience. However, it has its drawbacks. Here are some of them.
Stereophonic sound creates the illusion of three-dimensional space with multiple sound channels. This multi-dimensional perspective can only be achieved with specially engineered systems and good room acoustics. Unfortunately, most playback systems don’t capture stereo images. It is therefore difficult to assess the quality of stereophonic sound. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that this quality is subjective. Stereophonic sound can have worse quality than monophonic.
Stereophonically located surround sound speakers are angled to the left and right of the listener. They should be set up at a 90 degree angle to the listening position in a 5.1 system. For surround sound systems with 7.1 surround sound, the speakers should be placed at ear level or elevated a few feet. This will make them sound better.
