Conventional Stereophonic Sound

Abstract

Conventional spatial audio systems allow audio engineers and music producers to control the signal of single loudspeakers. Many stereo recording and mixing techniques established. These create loudspeaker signals that evoke a desired spatial impression for the listener to some degree. Impressions may include the perceived location and spatial extent of a sound source, or the perceived reverberance and envelopment of the room. This chapter describes the principles of established stereophonic audio systems and evaluates to what extent they fulfill the requirements for a natural, spatial music listening experience. It can be seen that technological advances in audio systems are especially spatial ones. From mono over stereo, quadraphonic sound and Dolby surround, 5.1 surround to immersive audio and binaural systems the control over source locations and the degree of apparent source width and listener envelopment increase. As a logical consequence, new spatial audio systems should keep improving aspects of perceived spaciousness.