3D sound with just two speakers

Moz · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 11.31

Back in about 1990/1 Tomorrow's World featured a 3D sound system that used just two stereo speakers. It was back in the day before stereo TV was widespread so it was a simulcast with Radio 1!

It sounded amazing with sounds appearing to come from behind you even though the speakers were in front of you.

Anyone know what happened to it?

Dr Lobster* · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 12.01

my mobile phone has a 3d sound feature and if you hold it really close to your face, almost touching your nose it does indeed sound like things are happening from behind. it's very convincing. i wonder if the technology fond its way into virtual surround sound systems on portable media players?

it also brings back fond memories when tv was functional, presenters wearing cardigans, none of this fiona bruce or natasha kaplinksy in tight leather trousers with integrated camel toe nonsense back then.

Spencer For Hire · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 12.06

I remember that. I'd especially set up the stereo's speakers either side of the telly so I could listen to the simulcast on Mark Goodier's Evening Session.

If I remember correctly, the effect was achieved by delaying the audio coming out of one speaker for a millisecond or so, so it reached your ear slightly later. That made your brain think the sound was travelling further to reach one ear than the other, leading you to think the location of the sound was somewhere beyond the speakers.

I'd be surprised if this effect isn't being used regularly in music production given you can do it yourself quite easliy now in CoolEdit / Adobe Audition.

Spencer For Hire · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 17.00

Can you imagine what a shambles that'd be these days with digital delays?

marksi · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 17.39

You can see what it would look and sound like by watching Children In Need.

Nate J · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 17.45

I have some iPod speakers and they have a 3D button - their just 2 small speakers either side.

Spencer For Hire · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 18.20

Nate J wrote:I have some iPod speakers and they have a 3D button - their just 2 small speakers either side.

I remember on the Tomorrow's World programme they said the idea was the same principle as 'Spatial Stereo' and '3D Stereo' buttons, etc..

Sput · Fri 16 Feb, 2007 18.34

Spencer For Hire wrote:Can you imagine what a shambles that'd be these days with digital delays?

It'd be fine. It's a relative time shift.

Spencer For Hire · Sat 17 Feb, 2007 10.34

Sput wrote:
Spencer For Hire wrote:Can you imagine what a shambles that'd be these days with digital delays?
It'd be fine. It's a relative time shift.

That's assuming everyone who watches digital TV also listens to digital radio, and vice versa. Plus of course digital delays vary between services.