6.1 Channel Setup

As you would expect the 6.1 speaker system adds an extra speaker to the 5.1 model. This speaker is the rear speaker. In the 6.1 setup the rear speaker is positioned directly behind you. It is important to know that when you are a 6.1 sound system with a DVD encoded in 5.1 channels (the norm) then the 6th speaker does not actually have any new sounds. The rear speaker combines the signals from the two surround speakers and creates a balance for a rear sound. Although you don't hear anything extra you do get a better feeling of immersion into the sound. The diagram below shows the setup for a 6.1 speaker system.

Everything in the 6.1 setup is the same as in the 5.1 setup except for the rear speaker. This means the surround speakers should still be placed at either side of you. As the rear speaker is a balance between the two surround channels it should be placed directly behind where you will be sitting.

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7.1 Channel Setup

Again the introduction of another satellite speaker is required when using the 7.1 speaker. This system gets rid of the centre rear speaker and replaces it with two rear surround speakers. Like the 6.1 system the rear speakers use a balancing of the surround channels to create the right effect. This time however it is more complex and more difficult to get the speakers in the correct position. Most 7.1 capable sound cards come with tweaking utilities to help you get the balance right from all your speakers.

As you can see from the diagram, the rear speakers in the 7.1 speaker setup are angled into the user. With the 7.1 system you are now able to feel the direction of the objects on screen even when they have passed behind you. Total immersion cinematic experience. Many cinema's use a version of the 7.1 setup only with a few more speakers along the sides for greater surround effect. Positioning is everything with he 7.1 setup so make sure that you experiment with the positions of the speakers until it feels right for you. After all despite how myself or other tell you to set it up, its you that will be listening to it. Also houses are not always built perfectly for these systems to fit into. Some speakers may end up closer to you than others. If this is the case in your house then experiment with the software balance until the sound feels equal all the way round.

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