Adding Surround Sound Audio to Your Performance
Some of our products offer an opportunity to deliver digital audio to your audience in a Surround Sound format. To deliver a Surround Sound audio experience we recommend the following setup. There may be other ways to accomplish a spacial acoustic experience in your hall, but we have found the setup below to be relatively easy, inexpensive and quite effective.
EQUIPMENT NEEDS
- One (1) 4-channel audio interface such as a Scarlett 4i4, Scarlett 8i6, MOTU M4, etc.
- One (1) audio mixing board with at least 4 channels input and 4 channels output
- Four (4) speakers
SETUP
- SPEAKERS. Speakers should be placed one each in the four corners of the hall: FL, FR, RL, RR. We recommend using the hall's main speakers for the FL and FR channels and two powered speakers on sticks for the RL and RR channels. Focus the speakers to form an "X" pattern in the hall (see image on right). We have found it most effective to have all speakers places above the audience's head level.
- AUDIO INTERFACE. This device allows the computer to delver four separate audio channels to the audio mixing board. It will connect to the computer with a USB cable and the four separated audio channels will come out of the device with 1/4" audio cable. This device will need to be placed close to the computer.
THE SWEET SPOT
It is absolutely accurate that when done properly the setup described above will deliver an effective spacial audio experience for your audience. It is equally accurate that the spacial experience may not be equal in all seats. The speakers will deliver the audio in an "X" pattern and this creates a sweet spot for listening at the center of that "X". We have been impressed with how large the sweet spot is in many halls, but there can be problem areas. Balconies and seats within 6-10 feet of any of the speakers are especially troublesome. Consider making an announcement before the show to let audience members know about the audio effect and any areas in the hall that may not receive the full benefit of the effect.
OTHER TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
- Know your audio file. The advice given above is based on an assumption that the audio being delivered in a Surround Sound format is truly spacial; like a single bird chirping in a tree or a car driving by on the right side of the audience. If your audio files are more atmospheric it may be advisable to adjust your technology plan accordingly.
- Place speakers above your audience's head level for best results.
- Test levels with the live ensemble present. Finding the right balance between the digital audio and live sound can be tricky
- If you create your own files, be sure to balance your mix. One reason the Surround Sound effect offered in Muséik products is effective is that every channel has every audio element. The bird singing in a tree may be dominant in the RL speaker, but it is present in all three other channels. In this way even audience members sitting far outside the sweet spot will receive every audio element, even if it is not delivered with a strong spacial effect.
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