25-Surround; What Is Surround; Surround Formats - Roland VS-2480 Owner's Manual

25—Surround
The VS-2480 can generate Surround mixes in three popular Surround formats, allowing
you to place input, track or FX return channel signals anywhere in Surround's three-
dimensional space. This chapter describes how to set up for Surround mixing on the
VS-2480, and how to deliver output signals for Surround encoding.

What is Surround?

In a conventional stereo system, audio is presented to the listener through two
speakers: a left and a right speaker. Individual signals can be sent to one speaker or
another in varying amounts, creating the illusion that the signal is occurring
somewhere between the two speakers, in the two-dimensional, left/right stereo field.
Surround sound creates a three-dimensional—left/right and front/back—audio image
using four to six speakers, depending on the Surround format. These speakers are
placed in front of and behind the listener. While Surround is gaining popularity in
private homes and live performance spaces, it's especially significant for its
contributions to theatrical films—most mainstream movies employ Surround.
The VS-2480 provides total control of signals' apparent positions in the three-
dimensional Surround field.

Surround Formats

The listener can be sitting anywhere within the
dotted square. "+" marks its center.
Left
Left Side
In Surround, the rear speakers are sometimes referred to as "side" speakers.
If you're not sure which Surround format you should use, check with the facility that'll
be performing the Surround encoding, or with your client if you're doing a mix for hire.
If you're mixing for yourself, use the format that utilizes your available speakers.
Roland VS-2480 Owner's Manual
Center Right
Right Side
2+2 Surround
Left Center Right
Rear Center
3+1 Surround
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Sub-woofer
Left Right
Left Side Right Side
3+2+1 ("5.1") Surround
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