This is sometime called the “omnidirectionality” of subwoofer-range bass. This is why it is often said that human hearing cannot detect stereo separation at low frequencies.īecause of this effect, most audio systems include only one subwoofer, and its location in the room is irrelevant (from the standpoint of perceived sound direction) - no matter where it is placed, you will hear the subwoofer’s deep bass sounds as coming from all directions. Stereo separation at this frequency is completely lost. In Figure 3 we see that a low-frequency sound wave flows effortlessly around the human head, and impacts both ears with full strength, regardless of what direction it came from. Top View of Low-Frequency Sound Wave Passing Around Human Head Stereo separation at this frequency is not perfect, but is still present to some degree.įigure 3. In Figure 2 we see that a mid-frequency sound wave flows more easily around a human head, and the sound from the left speaker does slightly impact the right ear. Top View of Mid-Frequency Sound Wave Passing Around Human Head At this frequency, stereo separation is perfectly achieved only the left ear hears the sound coming from the left speaker.įigure 2. This causes the right ear to be in a “cone of silence” with respect to the sound coming from the left speaker. The size of the head (substantially larger than the wavelength of the sound) splits the wave, which doesn’t re-merge until some distance after it has passed the head. The sound is coming from the left speaker, and easily enters the head’s left ear. In Figure 1 we see a high-frequency sound wave passing around a human head. Top View of High-Frequency Sound Wave Passing Around Human Head In this page I intend to argue that humans actually can hear stereo across the entire audible spectrum, but that in practice this degree of stereo separation is achievable only with headphones.įigure 1. It is often said that human hearing is incapable of hearing stereo sound at low frequencies. This complete article, unmodified, may be freely distributed for educational purposes. Stereo Separation, Subwoofers, and Headphones, Demystified - How It Works Stereo Separation, Subwoofers, and Headphones, Demystified ©2008 Darel Rex Finley.

Stereo separation fl studio