Audiophiles are the people motivated by the sound quality, good audio and are addicted to audio gadgets. And there are specific terms that you should be familiar with if you are one such Audiophile.
There are specific terms that you should watch out for if you are shopping for a new stereo speaker.
Here, in this article, you will find most of the information that you need to arm yourself with Stereo, Monaural, Multichannel and Surround sound.
Monaural Sound
As you might know, the term "Mono" usually means one or single which is to say that a monaural sound is created in a way such that it can be heard as if it is coming from one position. It is also called monophonic sound reproduction.
In a hardware sound, you will hardly come across the term monaural sound anymore, as it is outdated. Stereo or Stereophonic sound replaced it around the 1950s.
Essential Features of Monaural Sound
These are some of the critical features of the Monaural Sound:
- When compared to other sound production outlets they are usually not expensive.
- Mostly used for telephone and cellphone communications, address systems, and radio communications.
- Since it comes from a single speaker, it can enhance the clarity of sounds or voice.
- You will only need a single microphone and loudspeaker.
- Best for compact audio cassettes, FM radio, NICAM stereo-oriented TV and VCR formats, and Minidiscs.
- Built for speech reinforcement and speech intelligibility.
Stereo Sound
The Monaural sound was replaced by Stereo or Stereophonic sound in the 1950s. There are two different directions in which the sounds produced by a stereo system usually come, from the left speaker and the right speaker.
Sound source localization can be created by Stereo sound systems. Sound source localization is the ability to find a sound source within an enclosed space.
Essential Features of Stereo Sound System
These are some of the critical features of the Stereo Sound System:
- You have to place two microphones for capturing different sound channels.
- Designed to offer stereo sound experiences.
Monaural Sound vs Stereo Sound
A Monaural stereo will give you an excellent experience if you are watching a movie/documentary as speech intelligibility is enhanced in monaural sound since the sound is coming from a single source.
But a stereo sound system will be recommended if the movie has lots of music and environmental sounds.
People wearing one earbud at a time might prefer the mono sound as you can experience the entire song if you are wearing just an earbud.
Thus, at the end of the day, it all just comes down to the preference and the situation that you find yourself in.
Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio
The main purpose of Surround sound, as the term might suggest, is to surround the speaker with sound.
By placing 4 to 7 speakers around the speaker, the sound is created. After the introduction of quadraphonic sound, the sound system became popular in the 1970s.
Now, most households and places use Surround sound or Multichannel Audio.
Also, home theatre systems have come up as an upgrade to Surround Sound or Multichannel Audio. There are three configurations in Surround sound is available: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel sound.
Essential Features of Surround Sound
These are some of the critical features of the Surround Sound System:
- Can be used on DVD music.
- Seems like the sound is coming from a 360-degree angle.
- Provides a more engaging and realistic sound experience.
Configurations of Multichannel Audio
There are three configurations of the Multichannel Audio: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel sound. Here we will discuss them extensively.
The 5.1 Channel Sound
The common name given to the channel surround sound multichannel audio system is the 5.1 channel sound but it is also a common term that you might come across when browsing for home theatre systems.
Features:
- Made of six channels consisting of five main speakers and a subwoofer.
- Its standard arrangement is of three speakers located on the left, center, and right and two surround sound speakers in the back.
- You can see it on DVD movies and some CDs.
- Used to give effects of bass to music and videos.
The 6.1 Channel Sound
The 6.1 Channel Sound is definition based and thus is most the 5.1 channel sound progression because of the extra middle channel behind the room.
Features:
- Consists of three speakers in the front and back and an additional subwoofer.
- Better and more enveloping sound.
- Get it in varieties like the Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and THX Surround EX.
The 7.1 Channel Sound
The 7.1-channel Sound is an advancement to the 5.1 channel.
Features:
- Made of 3 speakers in the front and 2 in the back of the room.
- Fullest surround effect.
- Excellent sound envelopment and very accurate positioning of sounds.
- Runs different audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD.
Conclusion
So, that was all you need to know about Monaural, Stereo, Multichannel, and Surround Sound.
Let us know the one you prefer in the comments section.
All the best!
