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What is Stereo Sound?

By Gregory Hanson
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,144
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Stereo sound refers to the creation of sound using multiple audio channels. It creates the illusion of sound coming from different directions and is much more effective at mimicking the experience of natural sound than single-channel, mono audio systems. Stereo sound is generally created with a network of at least two speakers located at a regular distance from a listener. These speakers may be as simple as a pair of headphones or as complicated as a vast theater sound system or concert rig. Most modern equipment capable of producing audio is designed primarily to employ stereo sound.

The human ear is designed to locate the source of sound in the environment. A single audio channel cannot fool the brain into believing that it can locate the source of a sound, but two or more sound channels can be combined in order to produce precisely that effect. In stereo sound, audio signals produced by different audio channels are designed and recorded so that the brain naturally interprets their combined signal as being sound from a particular source with a given spatial position.

Originally, stereo audio was recorded using two or more distinct microphones configured to record sounds at their positions, designed to correspond with the ideal locations of playback speakers. This method is still used, with additional permutations and equipment allowing for the recording of four or more audio channels for theater-quality sound. In many cases, however, a version of stereo sound is now produced digitally, with computer software modeling the sound from different positions. A similar process can be used to convert mono tracks to stereo sound and is sometimes used in the re-mastering of older audio tracks.

Most modern media systems are designed for stereo sound, though AM radio is one exception to this general trend. The technology does not support stereo very efficiently, leading to the dominance of talk radio in the AM spectrum. FM radio is generally broadcast in stereo because the medium effectively supports stereo signal transmission, making FM a more natural medium for music.

Stereo sound is not necessarily a better option than mono sound. In some environments, such as crowded dance clubs or large concerts, the difference between stereo and mono may not be noticeable to the audience. Small or inexpensive sound systems may also not be able to produce stereo sound that is notably better than mono. In most cases, stereo audio is configured to provide a sense of being in a real sound space but cannot be arranged so that most listeners could truly pinpoint the location of individual sounds.

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Discussion Comments
By jonrss — On Jun 26, 2012

Stereo sound is where it's at in home audio. And with the way they make speaker set ups these days it is easy to achieve a stereo effect. You can get many little speaker boxes and put them all around a room to get an omni directional approach. I used to have a buddy who had like twelve of them set up in a little room so you felt like you were completely covered in the sound. It was sweet.

By backdraft — On Jun 25, 2012

You can find really good deals on home stereo systems if you look on sites like Craigslist. There are always people selling them and many of them are in great shape. For a fraction of what you pay new you can get an amazing sounding system that is a little older.

That is what is great about stereo systems, they age really well. No one wants to watch a 30 year old TV because the picture looks terrible but the sound on a 30 year old system can rival anything being made today in some cases. So don't worry about buying an older system. As long as you test it out before you buy it you can rest assured that you are getting a good deal.

By summing — On Jun 24, 2012

I recently wired my living room up to get really good stereo surround sound. I did it because I just got a new flat screen and a blue ray player and I wanted to have a true home theater experience. It really is incredible how loud and full it is, almost like being in a real theater.

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