From Quadrophony to Octophony

Speakers

number of speakers

4

5

6

7

8

offset number

arrow length

rotation

rotation

3π

4

5π

6

9π

10

11π

14

π

Examples

quadrophony = 4 channels

pentaphony = 5 channels

hexaphony = 6 channels

heptaphony = 7 channels

octophony = 8 channels

This Demonstration illustrates the exact position of multiple-speaker constellations with regular distances between them. The speakers are numbered from 1 to

n

(

n

corresponding to the number of channels), which may be helpful for the organization of the audio setup. If a set of five speakers are connected to the audio outputs 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 of an 8-channel soundcard, an offset of 3 gives the expected results.

The five examples illustrate standard situations that may be good for many musicians.

The more speakers you use, the better spatialization you will hear. The 5- or 7-spot dispositions shown do not correspond to their 5.1 and 8.1 pendants, used for Dolby and/or THX movie projections.