On the Management of Direct and Reflected Sounds in the 5.0 Surround Sound Reproduction System

Direct and ambient sounds are usually reproduced through the same loudspeakers. In multichannel systems, with the use of anechoic recordings and auralization techniques it is possible to separate these sound components so that they are reproduced via different loudspeakers. Four basic options of management of direct and reflected sounds were investigated in a perceptual experiment. One sound source and the standard 5.0 surround sound system was used. It was found that listeners consistently preferred sound reproduction with direct sound radiated from only one loudspeaker.