Multichannel Audio: The Ultimate Spatial Experience¶

What exactly are multichannel systems? From 2.1 to 7.1.2 audio systems, how does the extreme audio experience change from speaker installation to immersive viewing?

1. Introduction¶

Surround Sound Channels x.x.x - The first number defines the number of main speakers. - The second number defines the number of subwoofers. - The third number defines the number of "height" speakers.

Stereo Systems: 2.0 and 2.1 Channel Speaker Systems¶

2.0 Stereo Speaker System¶

In a 2.0 stereo system, you will install two speakers next to the TV—one on the left and one on the right.

2.1 Speaker System¶

In a 2.1 stereo system, there are left and right speakers on each side of the TV, plus a subwoofer.

3.1 Audio System¶

The 3.1 audio system consists of three main speakers and one subwoofer, totaling four channels. The speakers are arranged with one on the left, one in the center, and one on the right, while the subwoofer is placed on the floor in the center of the setup.

5.1 Surround Sound System¶

The 5.1 surround sound system has six channels, including five main speakers and one subwoofer. The front consists of three speakers: left, center, and right, while there are two surround speakers at the back: one on the left and one on the right.

7.1 and 7.1.2 Surround Sound Systems¶

7.1 Surround Sound System¶

The 7.1 surround sound system includes all components of the 5.1 system but adds two rear speakers (rear left and rear right).

7.1.2 Surround Sound System¶

The 7.1.2 system refers to the 7.1 surround setup with the addition of two ceiling or upward-firing speakers (2 sky channels).

7.2 Surround Sound System¶

9.1 and 9.1.2 Surround Sound Systems¶

9.1 Home Theater Surround System¶

The 9.1 home theater surround system is a ten-channel system that includes nine speakers and one subwoofer. In addition to the components of the 7.1 system, the 9.1 setup includes two front vertical speakers placed above the left and right main speakers at the front of the room.

9.1.2 Home Theater Surround System¶

The 9.1.2 home theater system setup differs slightly from the 9.1 system. While it might seem like the only difference is the addition of two ceiling or upward-firing speakers, the 9.1.2 system actually replaces the two front vertical speakers with two front wide speakers, in addition to the two ceiling or upward-firing speakers.