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[Wesayso]

I'm quite taken with what the JRiver Effect Surround Field does for my stereo setup. But I'd like to know why.
Is there an explanation of this effect somewhere? I did a search and all I found that it is loosely based on Blumlein Shuffling
as this statement was posted in a thread on here somewhere.
Is it as simple as a mid/side processor that's boosting the side level before reverting back to stereo or is there more to this effect?

The setup I use are large full range line arrays I've build myself and they are being processed within JRiver with use of Convolution
with DRC-fir. The Surround Field gives me the impression of more depth compared to the convolved stereo signal by itself.
But I'd like to know/learn why. I've spend quite some time setting up the speakers and still, this effect has great influence
on the perceived sound. So that makes me really curious.
I have played with the free Voxengo MSED vst and it seems boosting the side level in it's mid/side processing has a very similar result.

Here's a picture of my setup:


With a distortion measurement at the listening position (left + right speaker playing)


More info on the line arrays here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/242171-making-two-towers-25-driver-full-range-line-array.html

[JimH]

It might be best to just enjoy the sound.

[Wesayso]

  While I really do enjoy the sound of it, I'd really like to understand why.

I've spend a lot of time researching, and after that building my speakers.
Next step was digital processing, where JRiver was a real big help to aid me
setting up the DCR-fir created filters. Combined with some room treatment it worked out
very well. But it's a bit baffling to have this effect have such a huge impact.

The effect has 4 different levels, that's it. And by not knowing what it does I'll
never know if there's more to be had  .

All of the steps I've taken were quite clear and based on common sense. That's why I'd
like to know what this magic button is doing.

[JimH]

I'm sorry, but we don't provide that kind of detail.

[Wesayso]

OK, that's a clear answer...

I'll just have to figure it out myself with some measurements then. I still have to know...

[mojave]

Wow! Incredible build! Its going to take me a while to get through the build thread, but I like the end result. I have two-way line sources and am thinking about going active with them. I use Audiolense and convolution for my system.

Matt, JRiver's Chief Technical Officer, said that the surround field effect "correlates roughly to Blumlein's M/S shuffling." You may have already read this, but didn't realize it came from a developer of JRiver.

[Wesayso]

Thanks!

Yes, that's the quote I read earlier. Good luck with going active... it opens up a world of possibilities.
I think it's worth it though. Should work very well with Audiolense.