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Surround sound systems shine in delivering an authentic and immersive audio experience. But what exactly is surround sound? How does it work, and what are its applications? Dive into the insights shared in this article!
1. Understanding Surround Sound
Surround Sound is a speaker system equipped with technology that enhances audio realism and depth. This innovation allows users to indulge in the most vivid and clear audio experience.
Disney pioneered the use of surround sound for the first time in 1940. Specifically, in Disney's animated film Fantasia, viewers could experience the authentic sound of bees flying from any position in the theater.
Surround sound effects allow you to hear sounds coming from various directions vividly and clearly.
2. Operating Principles of Surround Sound
Surround sound operates based on the following methods:
- Surround Sound Recording Technique: This involves capturing sound from the front and rear or utilizing specialized devices.
- Audio Localization Method: Applying the technique of simulating 2-D sound field using headphones.
- Based on the Huygens Principle: This is a method synthesizing wave field synthesis (WFS) from multiple high-power speakers to create a sound field with a uniform wave pattern across the entire area.
- Utilizing 3 Microphones: The Double MS recording method uses 1 front microphone, 1 side microphone, and 1 rear microphone.
3. Applications of Surround Sound Systems
Besides understanding what surround sound is, many are intrigued by its applications in various fields. With the ability to create a vibrant audio environment, surround sound systems are utilized in the production of films and film music. By employing multi-channel audio technology to reproduce sounds of nature, language, music, etc. In addition, surround sound is also employed in outdoor music performances, theaters, cinemas, or home movie experiences.
Surround sound systems cater to the desire for an entertaining movie experience right at home.
4. What types of speakers does a surround sound system integrate?
The arrangement of speakers depends on each different surround sound system. However, a complete surround sound system typically utilizes the following types of speakers:
+ Subwoofer: This type of speaker is capable of producing deep bass sounds with a frequency range from 3Hz to 120Hz. Subwoofers provide a dynamic sound experience, especially creating audio movements across the floor.
+ Center Speaker: This large-sized speaker plays the most crucial role in the system.
+ Satellite Speaker: These speakers are positioned on the left or right side of the room. Satellite speakers have a sound frequency range of 20Hz - 20000Hz.
+ Equalizer or Mixer: This is an internal balancing device within PCs or recording machines, playing a role in enhancing the amplification performance of sound.
5. Formats of Surround Sound Systems
While exploring what surround sound is, users are also interested in the formats of this system. There are notable formats such as:
+ Dolby Digital Format: This format is widely used in creating DVDs for digital television channels and premium movies. With Dolby Digital format, each speaker integrates 6 independent channels, including a center speaker, two left speakers with 5 independent channels, and a subwoofer with 1 channel.
+ Dolby Pro Logic Format: This format was used in the 1990s and is still employed for TV or analog broadcasting. In Dolby Pro Logic format, there are 4 channels including 2 independent channels (using front left and right speakers) and 2 matrix channels (using the center speaker and 2 surround speakers).
Currently, Dolby Pro Logic format is utilized for TV or analog broadcasting.
+ THX Format: Widely used in home theaters.
+ Digital Theatre System Format: This format allows each speaker to have an independent channel, providing better sound quality than Dolby Digital format. The Digital Theatre System format is commonly used in DVD movie theaters.
6. Classification of Speaker Systems Using Surround Sound
After understanding what surround sound is, you can explore some speaker systems utilizing this audio technology:
6.1. 2.1 Surround Sound System
This system is equipped with 2 satellite speakers placed on both sides, along with 1 subwoofer. The subwoofer is capable of handling bass sounds to provide users with an immersive audio experience.
However, the 2.1 system is only a stereo (two-channel) type with fewer speakers, so it cannot create impressive sound like home karaoke setups.
6.2. 5.1 Surround Sound System
The 5.1 surround sound system has more advantages than the 2.1 system. This system consists of 6 speakers with: 1 center speaker supporting sound creation, projecting voices, and character dialogues, 2 front speakers delivering sound to the left and right sides. Along with 2 surround speakers creating sounds like birdsong, applause, footsteps, and 1 subwoofer playing sound frequencies in the range of 20-200Hz.
The 5.1 surround sound system includes 6 speakers arranged in the center and on the left and right sides of the space, allowing users to enjoy highly realistic sound.
6.3. Other Surround Sound Systems (from 6.1 onward)
In addition to the 2.1 and 5.1 surround sound systems, there are other systems like 6.1 (with 6 speakers and 1 subwoofer), 7.1 (7 speakers and 1 subwoofer),... Therefore, you should choose the appropriate number and type of speakers based on the room size to achieve harmonious and impressive sound quality.
Are current speaker devices equipped with surround sound? Current speaker devices do not come with built-in surround sound effects. Although products in the high-end and ultra-high-end segments may feature Dolby Atmos capabilities for simulating surround sound, the effectiveness is limited. These devices primarily create sound reflections off walls instantaneously, lacking the full 360-degree surround sound effect for the listener. |
With the information provided, you must now understand what surround sound is, how it works, and its applications. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the audio system that suits your needs!
