Trifield
Encyclopedia
The Trifield process is a form of audio rendering in which a
conventional two-channel signal is decoded (using Ambisonic
principles) to an additional number of loudspeakers, typically three in
the form of a Left-Centre-Right front stage. The technique provides
significant additional image stability, especially when the listener
is moving or off-axis.
It was developed by Dr Geoffrey Barton, a major figure in the "second
wave" of original Ambisonics
development, and Michael Gerzon. It
should not to be confused with a Yamaha system with a similar name.
Trifield also has applications in conventional surround mixing. There are
several problems involved in mixing with an additional centre front channel
for many engineers. The channel itself was originally designed for dialogue
in matrix cinema surround systems and does not have a direct application in
music mixing, where a 2-speaker stereo stage is generally, and traditionally,
employed.
Many studio engineers with a background in conventional stereo music mixing
find that simple panning of a source to the centre-front (CF) channel makes
it fail to blend in with the stereo mix. However, if the CF channel is left
silent, consumers may believe there is a fault with the disc or with their
equipment. A way around this problem is offered by Trifield. The processor
typically takes a 2-channel L-R signal and renders it for L-C-R, and no
signals are sent to the CF except for those generated by the Trifield
processor. Not only does CF content now blend with the mix: in addition,
the resulting soundstage is more stable and listener-position independent,
while the listener can confirm that something is actually emerging from
their centre-front loudspeaker.
The Trifield process is included in some surround decoders and is generally
praised highly by reviewers, even though they generally don't know what it
is. The technique is patented and can be
licensed from Trifield Productions (see External links).
conventional two-channel signal is decoded (using Ambisonic
Ambisonics
Ambisonics is a series of recording and replay techniques using multichannel mixing technology that can be used live or in the studio. By encoding and decoding sound information on a number of channels, a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional sound field can be presented...
principles) to an additional number of loudspeakers, typically three in
the form of a Left-Centre-Right front stage. The technique provides
significant additional image stability, especially when the listener
is moving or off-axis.
It was developed by Dr Geoffrey Barton, a major figure in the "second
wave" of original Ambisonics
Ambisonics
Ambisonics is a series of recording and replay techniques using multichannel mixing technology that can be used live or in the studio. By encoding and decoding sound information on a number of channels, a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional sound field can be presented...
development, and Michael Gerzon. It
should not to be confused with a Yamaha system with a similar name.
Trifield also has applications in conventional surround mixing. There are
several problems involved in mixing with an additional centre front channel
for many engineers. The channel itself was originally designed for dialogue
in matrix cinema surround systems and does not have a direct application in
music mixing, where a 2-speaker stereo stage is generally, and traditionally,
employed.
Many studio engineers with a background in conventional stereo music mixing
find that simple panning of a source to the centre-front (CF) channel makes
it fail to blend in with the stereo mix. However, if the CF channel is left
silent, consumers may believe there is a fault with the disc or with their
equipment. A way around this problem is offered by Trifield. The processor
typically takes a 2-channel L-R signal and renders it for L-C-R, and no
signals are sent to the CF except for those generated by the Trifield
processor. Not only does CF content now blend with the mix: in addition,
the resulting soundstage is more stable and listener-position independent,
while the listener can confirm that something is actually emerging from
their centre-front loudspeaker.
The Trifield process is included in some surround decoders and is generally
praised highly by reviewers, even though they generally don't know what it
is. The technique is patented and can be
licensed from Trifield Productions (see External links).
See also
- AmbisonicsAmbisonicsAmbisonics is a series of recording and replay techniques using multichannel mixing technology that can be used live or in the studio. By encoding and decoding sound information on a number of channels, a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional sound field can be presented...
- Meridian Audio, Ltd.Meridian Audio, Ltd.Boothroyd Stuart Meridian is a British manufacturer of high-performance, high-fidelity audio and video components and systems. Founded in 1977 by Bob Stuart and Allen Boothroyd, its products have proved popular among music and movie enthusiasts, and more recently in the lifestyle technology and...
, who include the technique in their surround processors - Stereophonic soundStereophonic soundThe term Stereophonic, commonly called stereo, sound refers to any method of sound reproduction in which an attempt is made to create an illusion of directionality and audible perspective...
External links
- Trifield Productions, who own the patent for the technique
- AGM Digital Arts GmbH, a licensed manufacturer of both hardware and software implementations (called TSS and ESsEX) (An article discussing the Trifield technique.)