STEREO: Multi-Channel vs 2 channel

[flamingeye]

Feb 11, 2010 12:47:06 GMT -5 Mischief said:

I have no problem with that. You have me interested in your set up though. Does the center come into play here or are you just doing 4 channel, which makes a lot more sense to me.

Actually it`s 7 channel stereo I just trimmed and EQ the center and surrounds to only add presence , detail and clearer and more image to the sound stage etc.. it`s a lot of work to get it just right but worth it IMHO besides I like tweaking - and no not that kind ether. Note; but I guess it`s more like 4 channel the way I have the trims set the center and backs are barley adding any thing to the mixes other wise it would calliopes the sound stage

[bd52]

I too like 7 channel stereo. I also trim the center and surround channels. Actually I turn off the center channel and trim the surround channels so I can just hear them. It adds quite a bit of presence and anybody walking into the room has no idea the surrounds are even working. It can be kind of impressive with the added "invisible" presence so to speak.

Of course, this is completely different than multichannel sound such as sacd on my oppo, but it still is nice.

[Mischief]

I had some time to really think about this and try a little in my media room. I certainly understand the appeal in 4 channel and to each his own. I also spend way to much time tweaking, I just can't help myself.

I can't say it is a "being there sound" however and I know it takes a lot of tweaking, logically I can't buy into this yet. As a musician, I have spent time in the studio, I am not a pro however. I have spent a lot of time at concerts, intimate jazz clubs, and had the luck to spend time in jam sessions Listening, not playing) with people like Elvis Costello and Willie Nelson. I have some great friends here in Austin and often attend ACL concerts.

I don't even pretend too know much about recording or mixing, mastering, Etc. I have only had a few experiences where the music enveloped me and it was in a small room where there was an echo from the wall. In all of my live experiences, the musicians were in front of me, creating a well defined sound stage. By well defined sound stage I mean that I could pinpoint each musician with my eyes closed.

My L/F channels do a fantastic job of recreating this, not perfect and I know I do not have the equipment to maximize this effect, but I am pretty satisfied for now.

Stereo sound should not place you in the middle of the orchestra or band, it is mixed to place you in the mixing booth or front row.

I add this, not because I think what you are doing is wrong but so that anyone new to this understands what accurate reproduction is, which is meant to be in stereo.

Now, I am forced by my own relentless need to tweak and explore to try and find this 4 channel nirvana. Any tips are greatly appreciated. I am open minded but my front L/F will never be modified

[dkjohn]

I just can't wrap my head around Multi channel stereo I guess I am old school I like stereo to be 2 channel and multi channel music to play as intended in multi channel.