Multichannel audio is a method of enriching the sound processing quality of an audio source with additional audio channels from audio speakers that surround the audience (surround channels), providing sound from the 360 radius within the horizontal plane (2D) not like "screen channels" (middle, [front] left, and [front] right) originating only from the listener's forward arc.
Multichannel audio is characterized by a listener location or sweet spot in which the audio effects performs best, and offers a set or frontward perspective of the sound area towards the listener at this location. The procedure improves the conception of sound spatialization by using sound localization; a listener's ability to identify the location or origin of a noticed sound in path and distance. This typically is achieved through the use of multiple discrete audio channels routed to an array of loudspeakers.
There are many surround sound based formats and methods, varying in reproduction and recording approaches together with the amount and placement of additional channels.
Though cinema and soundtracks signify the main uses of surround approaches, its scope of use is expansive than that as multichannel audio enables creation of an audio-environment for all variations of functions. Multi channel audio techniques is known to recreate contents as varied as music, conversation, natural or synthetic sounds for cinema, television, transmissions, or pc systems. Relating to music content for example, an active performance is able to use multichannel techniques in the context connected with an open-air show, of a musical theatre or perhaps for transmissions; for a film particular techniques are adjusted to movie theatre, or to home (e.g. home cinema systems).
The narrative area is also a content which could be improved through multichannel approaches. This is applicable mainly to cinema narratives, as an example the speech from the characters of a film, but can even be utilized on plays for theatre, to a seminar, or to incorporate voice-based comments in an archeological site or monument. As an illustration, an exhibit could very well be improved with topical background sound of water, birds, train or equipment noises. Applicable natural sounds may also be used in educational applications.
NRG Acoustics A-70 - Several other fields of application incorporate video game systems, computers and other platforms.
In this purposes, the material would typically be artificial noise made by the computer gadget in interaction with its user. Significant work has also been done using surround sound for enhanced situation knowledge in military services and public safety purposes.
