The Functions of the Surround Sound Analyzer at Visual Focus
The
SurroundSound Analyzer displays a correctly-scaled graphical
representation of the relative volumes in the surround sound field. The
interaction of levels (volume or sound pressure level) and the correlation
of all channels in the production of the overall surround sound is
displayed graphically, providing a very clear overview. The graphical
display has been carefully designed so that the dynamic behaviour of all display
elements corresponds to the subjective listening impression, enabling
you to see the balance of your surround programme intuitively and at a
glance.
The display in the Surround Sound Analyzer can be set to correpond to the volume or the reference sound pressure level by calibrating the instrument and your studio monitoring equipment accordingly. The axes of the 45° coordinate system use a dB volume level or dB-SPL scale and have a reference mark that is also displayed in the volume level and SPL displays in the peak program meter of the instrument.
The balance between the Center channel and the L and R front channels is critical for all surround sound productions. The Center channel therefore is displayed with its own display elements to enable you to see volume differences between the Center channel and the L and R channels very clearly.
In addition to the signal level the correlation level and aligned to that the generation and the location of phantom sound sources generally is of interest for multi-channel sound productions, primarily in relation to downmixes or possible sound faking erasements when generating a mono signal. Especially the correlation level of the sL and sR surround channels is of particular importance. Highly anomalous frequency dependent correlation levels induce an unimpressive envelopment effect of the sL and sR surround signals. For monitoring this the Surround Sound Analyzer features an own correlation meter for the sL and sR surround channels.
On the next sides you will find a demonstration of the display elements and some examples.
The following instruments feature the Surround Sound Analyzer:
• RTW SurroundControl 31900 series
• RTW SurroundControl 31960 series
• RTW SurroundMonitor 11900 series for external VGA-Displays
• RTW SurroundMonitor 10800X series
• RTW SurroundMonitor 10660-VID
• List of instruments available with Surround Sound Analyzer sorted by order number
Descriptions or test reports can be found in the following publications:
• studio magazin 06/2001: "Hören und Sehen" by Dieter Kahlen
(german trade magazine, reprint available from RTW)
• Fernseh- und Kino-Technik Nr. 5/2002: "Richtiges Aussteuern von Surround-Sound-Aufnahmen" by Thomas Lischker (german trade magazine, english summary available from RTW)
• studio magazin 05/2005: "Luxusklasse" by Fritz Fey
(german trade magazine, reprint available from RTW)
• resolution september 2005: review RTW Surround Control 30900 by Rob James
(reprint available from RTW)
