NRG Acoustics A-70: Surround sound
Multi channel audio is a method of enhancing the sound reproduction
superior quality of any audio source with additional audio channels from
audio speakers that surround the audience (surround channels),
providing sound from the 360 radius in the horizontal plane (2D) not
like "screen channels" (center, [front] left, and [front] right) coming
from only from the listener's forward arc.
Multichannel audio is portrayed by a listener location or sweet spot
where audio effects performs best, and features a limited or forward
perspective of the sound field with the listener at this location. The
technique improves the conception of sound spatialization by using sound
localization; a listener's capability to know the location or origin of
a noticed sound in route and range. This typically is achieved with the
use of multiple discrete audio channels routed to an array of
loudspeakers.
There are many surround based types and techniques, differing in
reproduction and saving methods as well as the amount and placement of
more channels.
NRG Acoustics SG-4: Domains of application
Though cinema and soundtracks signify the main uses of surround
approaches, its scope of application is larger than that as surround
sound permits creation of an audio-environment for all variations of
functions. Multichannel audio techniques could be used to reproduce
contents as various as music, conversation, natural or synthetic sounds
for cinema, television, broadcasting, or computer systems. Concerning
music content for instance, an active performance may use multichannel
techniques in the context connected with an open-air concert, of a
musical theatre or for transmissions; for a film certain techniques are
adjusted to movie theatre, or to home (e.g. home cinema systems).
The narrative area is also a content that can be improved upon through
multichannel approaches. This applies mainly to cinema narratives, for
instance the speech of the characters of a film, but will be also used
on plays for theatre, to a seminar, or to incorporate voice-based
comments in an archeological site or monument. As an example, an exhibit
could very well be enhanced with topical background sound of water,
wild birds, train or machine sounds. Topical natural sounds can also be
used in educational programs.
NRG Acoustics HJ-17 - Several other fields of application include video gaming consoles, personal computers and other platforms.
In this purposes, the material would typically be synthetic noise made
by the computer device in interaction with its user. Significant work
has been specifically done using surround sound for enhanced situation
knowledge in government and general population safety applications.
