Mason Blake
Surround sound is a method of capturing and playing back audio to create the impression of being surrounded by multiple sound sources. While it is possible to create a basic surround sound effect using two speakers, a more typical setup involves multiple speakers positioned around the listener, with each speaker responsible for playing audio from a specific direction. This article will explore the techniques and equipment required to achieve surround sound from two speakers, as well as the benefits of expanding to a larger speaker configuration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of speakers | 2 or more |
| Speaker quality | High-quality speakers provide a better surround sound experience |
| Speaker placement | Speakers should encircle the listener |
| Audio channels | 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound is common |
| Audio mixing | Acoustic mixing from multiple speakers; electrical mixing to a single speaker |
| Software | Voicemeeter Banana, ASIO4ALL, ASIO Link Pro |
| Hardware | Studio monitors, subwoofers, audio interfaces, HDMI connections |
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What You'll Learn
Using a surround sound recording technique
Surround sound recording techniques can be broadly categorized into four groups:
- Those that use a front array of microphones placed in close proximity: This setup is similar to traditional stereo microphone techniques, with the addition of a third microphone for the centre channel. The Decca Tree method, for example, uses three omnidirectional microphones in a triangle, with the side microphones panned hard left and right and the third microphone mixed in the centre.
- Those having separate front and rear arrays: This setup involves using a combination of front and rear microphone arrays. The INA-5 or Ideal Cardioid Arrangement (ICA) Surround is an example of this technique, employing five cardioid microphones with the centre microphone placed in front of two cardioids for left and right channels, and two additional rear cardioid microphones placed behind the front line.
- Special arrays developed specifically for recording the ambience of a space: These arrays are used in conjunction with a front array to capture the environment and the source. The Hamasaki Square configuration is an example of this technique, using four bi-directional microphones arranged in a square, with distances of 1.8-2 meters between the microphones.
- Microphone arrays assembled as a unit: In this setup, multiple microphones are assembled as a single unit. An example is the 5100 Surround Microphone, which has multiple microphones built into one unit.
It is important to note that the basic principle of surround sound miking is an extension of normal stereo miking techniques. Techniques such as the Optimized Cardioid Triangle (OCT) are a modification of the Decca Tree, using three cardioid microphones in a triangle with the centre microphone placed a few inches in front of the two side microphones. The Double MS technique is another variation, using four cardioid microphones angled at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°.
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Using a dedicated setup
If you want to create a surround sound setup using two speakers, you'll need to consider a few things. Firstly, a 5.1 surround sound system requires six speakers: left, right, centre, two rear left and right, and a subwoofer. This means that with only two speakers, you won't be able to achieve a true 5.1 setup. However, you can still create a basic surround sound effect.
To get started, ensure your speakers have 3.5mm jack inputs. You can then plug one speaker into the line-out (green) port for front left/right audio and the other speaker into the black port for back left/right audio. You'll need to configure these settings within your operating system for 4-channel audio.
If your motherboard doesn't have the necessary ports, you may need a dedicated sound card or an amp with surround sound capabilities. You can also try using a mixer, such as the Creative X3, or a microphone port as a second output for additional channels. Additionally, consider using software to upmix the subwoofer to surround speakers.
For a more advanced setup, you can explore using a program like ASIO4ALL to convert devices to ASIO and ASIO Link Pro for routing sound. Alternatively, Voicemeeter is another option for configuring speakers as part of a single 5.1 system, although it may require some experimentation to get it working.
While it is possible to create a basic surround sound effect with two speakers, keep in mind that the overall experience may not be optimal. The placement and separation of speakers are crucial for achieving true surround sound. Additionally, some audio tracks are recorded with stereo in mind, and adding more speakers can potentially ruin the intended surround effect.
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Processing audio with psychoacoustic sound localisation methods
Psychoacoustics is the study of how humans perceive sound, and it plays a crucial role in understanding how audio can be processed to create a surround sound experience from just two speakers.
The human auditory system is incredibly complex and can determine the location or origin of a sound in terms of direction and distance. This is known as sound localization, and it relies on several cues, including time difference, level difference (or intensity difference), and spectral information. The brain utilizes these subtle differences to localize sound sources in a three-dimensional space, pinpointing the azimuth (horizontal angle), elevation (vertical angle), and distance or velocity of the sound source.
The outer ear and ear canal play a crucial role in sound localization by collecting air pressure waves and transmitting them as mechanical vibrations via the eardrum and inner ear to the cochlea. The cochlea, resembling a coiled snail, has an inner surface lined with sensory cells or "hair cells." Depending on the frequency of the incoming sound, different areas of the cochlea resonate, stimulating specific nerve endings that send impulses to the brain. This process allows the brain to perceive and distinguish sounds based on frequency, level, and timbre.
To create a surround sound effect with two speakers, audio engineers can employ various psychoacoustic models and techniques. One strategy is to use traditional M/S stereo coding, where the left and right front channels form an M/S channel pair, and the surround channels form another pair. This approach is known as multichannel AAC and is used in MPEG-4 audio codecs. It effectively manages left/right perception and prevents ICC distortions in the spatial sound image.
Additionally, the art of perceptual audio coding allows for bitrate savings when representing high-quality audio. Psychoacoustic effects and signal processing methods, such as noise shaping and the use of optional coding tools, contribute significantly to this reduction. The psychoacoustic model within an audio codec is crucial for implementing these functions, ensuring optimal subjective quality.
In conclusion, by understanding psychoacoustic principles and employing specific coding techniques, it is possible to process audio in a way that creates a surround sound experience from just two speakers. This involves leveraging the human auditory system's ability for sound localization, where subtle differences in timing, intensity, and spectral cues are used to create a sense of spatiality and directionality in the audio output.
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Using a multichannel amp
If you're looking to create a surround sound system using a multichannel amplifier, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand that a multichannel amplifier, also known as an AV receiver, is designed to power multiple speakers to create a surround sound experience. These amplifiers typically have multiple channels, such as 5.1 or 7.1, which means they can power five or seven speakers, plus a subwoofer.
When using a multichannel amplifier, it's essential to ensure that your speakers are correctly connected. The amplifier should have clear labels indicating which channels to connect to each speaker. Make sure the speakers are properly wired, with the positive terminal of each speaker connected to the positive terminal on the amplifier and the negative terminal of each speaker connected to the negative terminal on the amplifier.
In some cases, you may want to use an external amplifier for two of your speakers, allowing the AV receiver's internal amplifiers to power the remaining speakers. This can be useful if you want to add more speakers to your setup. For example, the Denon AVC-X4700H has nine built-in amplifiers and two subwoofer outputs, allowing for a maximum configuration of 7.2.2. By using external amplifiers for the front-left and front-right speakers, you can utilise the internal amplifiers to add two additional Atmos speakers, resulting in a 7.2.4 arrangement.
When using multiple amplifiers, it's important to consider the auto calibration of the system. While the AV receiver can balance the volume and tonality of the speakers, there may be some character differences between the amplifiers that can affect the overall sound. Additionally, when using a multichannel amplifier, ensure that your AV receiver has pre-outs for the front-left and front-right speakers, bypassing the unit's power amplification and outputting an analogue signal to the stereo amplifier. This will give you more control over the volume and sonic character.
When building your surround sound system, it's recommended to invest in a good AV receiver with pre-outs and focus on getting high-quality speakers, especially for the front left and right, centre, and subwoofer. You can also consider adding a soundbar to enhance your setup. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create an immersive audio experience that you can fully enjoy.
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Utilising a receiver and cheap surround speakers
If you're looking to create a surround sound setup on a budget, you can definitely achieve this by utilising a receiver and some cheap surround speakers.
Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of receiver. A/V receivers are a popular choice for surround sound setups, and you can get a decent one for around $500. This should give you two stereo inputs, a phono stage, and network connectivity for streaming via AirPlay or Bluetooth. You can also consider a Denon AVR-S750H, which supports HEOS and can be found for under $400.
When it comes to speakers, you can find some decent quality options without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on sites like Craigslist and eBay for second-hand bargains. You can also look for wireless surround speakers, although these tend to be more expensive and may not offer the same performance as passive speakers. Yamaha offers some receivers with their own wireless surround speakers, called Musiccast.
It's important to consider the ohm load when matching your receiver and speakers. Most home receivers are stable between 6 and 8 ohms. 6-ohm speakers will pull more power from the receiver and be louder.
If you're looking for a simple, all-in-one solution, consider a home-theater-in-a-box kit. This will give you everything you need to get started without the hassle of matching individual components.
Finally, don't forget about room calibration. Entry-level receivers may not offer the best room calibration, so if this is important to you, you may need to increase your budget or look for alternative solutions.
With a bit of shopping around and creativity, you can definitely create a great surround sound experience on a budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest method is to use a surround sound recording technique that captures two distinct stereo images, one for the front and one for the back.
Another approach is to use psychoacoustic sound localization methods to simulate a two-dimensional (2-D) sound field with headphones.
You can create a surround sound experience with multiple cheap speakers. However, the quality and volume will likely be lower than desired.
Voicemeeter Banana can combine multiple output devices into a surround solution from a PC.
A common setup for surround sound is 3-2 (3 front, 2 back speakers, and a low-frequency effects channel), also known as 5.1 surround.
