Virtual surround sound

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Virtual surround sound , also simulated surround sound or English virtual surround sound , is the reproduction of a surround sound audio signal (i.e. a multi-channel signal with at least four channels ) through stereo speakers or headphones . This method simulates several sound sources , which are known as virtual sound sources .

Basics

The method is based on the outer ear transmission functions (HRTF). These functions describe how the ear changes a signal depending on its direction. This change can be reproduced and counted on an audio signal. This gives the impression that the signal is coming from the corresponding direction, even if there is no real sound source (e.g. a loudspeaker) in that direction.

Procedure

The outer ear transmission function is simulated by means of convolution or notch filters . The starting point for a virtual surround mix is ​​a real multi-channel recording. First of all, all channels to be simulated are available separately. Then two separate outer ear transmission functions are generated per channel (each for the right and left ear). There is only one transfer function each for the center channel and the LFE channel .

Applications

Proprietary applications include:

Especially for headphones:

literature