Surround sound techniques

Surround sound can be used to enhance the realism of the sense of space that is important to classical recording. The philosophy of using surround sound in this context is explored. Practical notes are given on the panning of an orchestra in surround sound to increase envelopment without artificially surrounding the listener with orchestral players. Artificial and natural reverb are essential to the effect of surround sound, and microphone techniques for capturing appropriate natural reverb content are discussed. Making appropriate choices of artificial reverb programmes is explored, and advice is given for how to blend them with the natural reverb. Offstage effects and the creative benefits of being able to locate sources behind the listener are discussed, and the concepts behind object-based audio introduced.