Surround Sound Setup – Guide to Monaural, Stereo, Multichannel and Surround Sound Setup
People fascinated by good audio sounds and are motivated by the sound quality and addicted to audio gadgets are termed audiophiles.
And if you are enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction, then there are specific terms you should be familiar with. If you are shopping for a new stereo-speaker, there are specific terms you should watch out for.
This post will cover all the information you need to arm yourself with Monaural, Stereo, Multichannel, and Surround sound.
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Let’s delve deep…
Surround Sound Setup – Guide to Monaural, Stereo, Multichannel and Surround Sound Setup
What is Monaural Sound?
Monaural sound is also termed monophonic sound reproduction. “Mono” usually means one or single. That is to say that a monaural sound is created in such a way to be heard as if it were coming from one position.
You will hardly come across the term monaural sound in a hardware sound since it is outdated. It was replaced by stereo or stereophonic sound around the 1950s.
Essential Features of Monaural Sound
They are usually not expensive when compared to other sound production outlets. Monaural sounds are mostly used for cellphone and telephone communications, public address systems, and radio communications.
It can be argued that it enhances the clarity of sounds or voice since it comes from a single speaker. It only requires a single microphone and loudspeaker.
It is perfect for FM radio, NICAM stereo-oriented TV and VCR formats, compact audio cassettes, and Minidiscs. The monaural sound system is designed for speech reinforcement and speech intelligibility, and as such, the sounds reach all listeners.
Stereo Sound – All You Need to Know
The stereo or stereophonic sound replaced the Monaural sound around the 1950s. Sounds produced by a stereo system usually come in two different directions; the left speaker and the right speaker.
Stereo sound systems can create sound source localization – this refers to the ability to find a sound source within an enclosed space.
Features of Stereo Sound System
The stereophonic sound involves placing two microphones for capturing different sound channels. Most speakers are designed to offer stereo sound experiences.
Mono vs Stereo Sound
It all boils down to preference and the situation you find yourself in.
If you are watching a movie/documentary, a mono stereo will give you an excellent experience. This is because, in monaural sound, speech intelligibility is enhanced since the sound is coming from a single source.
But if the movie has lots of music and environmental sounds, a stereo sound system will be recommended.
For those who wear one earbud at a time, they may prefer the mono sound. With mono sound, you can experience the entire song if you are wearing just an earbud.
What is Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio?
Just as the term surround sound implies, the primary purpose is to surround the speaker with sound. The sound is created by placing 4 to 7 speakers around the speaker. The sound system became popular in the 1970s after the introduction of quadraphonic sound.
The Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio is now quite common, and it is used in most households and places.
The Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio has also upgraded to home theater systems. More so, Multichannel audio is available in three configurations: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel sound.
Features of Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio
The Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio can be used on DVD music. The Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio gives the impression that sounds are coming from a 360-degree angle.
Surround sound provides a more realistic and engaging experience.
What Configurations is Multichannel Audio?
The Multichannel audio comes in three configurations: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel sound. They will be discussed extensively below.
What Is The 5.1 Channel Sound?
The 5.1 channel sound is the common name given to the channel surround sound multichannel audio system. That said, the 5.1 home theater system is a common term you come across when browsing for home theater products.
It is made of six channels consisting of five main speakers and a subwoofer. The standard arrangement is three speakers located on the left, center, and right and two surround sound speakers in the back of the room.
5.1 channel sound is seen on DVD movies and some CDs with various formats found in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround. It is also used to give effects of bass to music and videos.
What is 6.1 Channel Sound System?
The 6.1 Channel Sound System is definition-based. Thus, the 5.1 channel sound progression probably due to an extra middle channel behind the room.
The 6.1 Channel Sound System usually consists of three speakers in front and back plus the subwoofer.
The 6.1 Channel Sound System has a better sound and more enveloping than the 5.1 channel sound. The 6.1 Channel Sound System comes in varieties like the DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, and THX Surround EX.
One thing is sure, with the 6.1 Channel Sound System, you will get a fantastic experience.
7.1 Channel Sound System Is the Best for A Great Sound
The 7.1-channel systems are made up of 3 speakers in the front, two by each side, and two in the back of the room. The 7.1-channel systems give you the fullest surround effect.
The 7.1 is an advancement to the 5.1 channel sound model. It’s best for more excellent sound envelopment and more accurate positioning of sounds.
The 7.1 channel system audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. All these formats have “lossless” surround sound, which is not compressed and can be identical to the original studio recording.
Conclusion
This post successfully points out specific terms you need to look out for when getting your speaker. These terms are associated with the sound experience you wish to have.
If you are tech-savvy, the 7.1-channel systems might be your go-to option because of its lossless surround effect.
The Monaural sound system might not be easily obtainable in most shops because it is considered outdated. However, it wouldn’t hurt to ask around.
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