What is the difference between stereo and surround sound?
In: Technology
Stereo is two channels. By balancing the levels of each channel evenly the audio is centered. By adjusting levels to favor the left or right you can create the auditory illusion that the sound is coming from either side and give ‘geographic space’ to the sounds you’re hearing. For example, panning a sound from one side to the other can create the impression that a car is passing by.
Surround sound works the same way but is typically 5:1, meaning six channels ported to speakers that encircle the listener/viewer. By adjusting levels, or simply limiting specific sounds to specific speakers, you can create the illusion that you are ‘inside’ the sound space. Typically the center channel is reserved for dialogue, the sides for sound effects and music, the rear satellite speakers with ambience effects and/or music, and the LFE channel for low end bass effects. Panning effects from speaker to speaker can create the illusion that, say, a helicopter is passing overhead and in a specific direction.
Latest Answers