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7
.1 Channel Surround Sound Setup
The 7.1 channel surround sound setup adds two speakers to the sides of the mix position
and is most similar to the actual surround sound configuration of cinema—with the
difference being that cinemas commonly add additional side surrounds to compensate for
the length of the theater.
The front Left and Right speakers typically form a wider triangulation (in relation to the mix
position) than that of a 5.1 setup so as to more accurately replicate the fact that in cinema,
the front speakers are not angled toward the center, but rather face straight out into the
theater—as is also the case for the mix stage in film sound mixing. The Center channel
loudspeaker is positioned directly in the center as is the case in a 5.1 surround setup.
Similarly, the subwoofer is most effective when situated directly below the center channel.
If this is not possible place the subwoofer just to the right or left side and below the Center
channel.
Like the three front speakers, the Left and Right surround speakers are positioned at
equidistance from the mix position directly to the sides. Finally, the Left and Right rear
surround speakers are placed behind the mix position at equidistance to the mix position.
The 7.1 channel surround sound environment is one of total immersion, and is the best
choice for mix environments where sound needs to be detectable side to side, along with
front to rear.
Once the monitors have been placed, you’ll need to adjust the System Gain pots for each
monitor so that all channels have exactly the same SPL output at the listening position.
Although this can be done simply by listening to each channel one at a time and adjusting
for relative levels, we recommend using an SPL meter and filtered noise (pink noise) to test
each channel independently. Simply take a reading from each monitor, and then adjust all
the monitors to match your lowest SPL reading. Your system levels should now be
balanced for multi-channel surround.
Figure 4
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