Roland RSS-10 - Manual (Page 35)

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE RSS SYSTEM
The RSS System allows you to obtain 3D sounds without using any extra playback equipment. However, to make the best
use of the system, various conditions may be required as follows.
Notes in monitoring
The results you can attain from the RSS System vary depending on the monitoring system you use, or its location. While
using the system, please pay attention to the following points.
<When monitoring through speokers>
A non-reverberant control room is suitable for use with the RSS System.
The ideal speaker system for the RSS System is the single way type or multi-way type with a coaxial
or virtual coaxial design that focuses the sound image to one point.
Be sure to monitor the sound at the sweet spot of the RSS System.
Speakers with broad diffusion characteristics provide a wider sweet spot.
The sense of sound localization from the rear direction differs depending on the listener.
<Monitoring using headphones>
The sound localization to the distant front cannot be perceived clearly.
Sense of the Sound Localization
The RSS System simulates how people perceive positioning within the sound field. The actual impression of the sound
localization differs depending on the tone of the sound, sound image direction, etc. Also, perception will widely vary
depending on the listener. The following explains how the sound location can be perceived under different conditions,
and explains the effective way of using the RSS System for various situations.
<lmpression of the sound localization caused by tone difference>
The different impression of the sound localization is dependent not only on the nature of the RSS
System, but also on the nature of human beings. For instance, it is more difficult for a person to
perceive the location of lower frequency sounds at the upper direction, while it is difficult to
perceive higher frequency sounds at a lower direction. Also, the sound localization of the source
of sine waves or sounds with fewer harmonic contents cannot be clearly perceived.
Experimentation will confirm these findings.
<Sound Localization from the rear>
Sounds located in the front or back can be recognized through the difference in the frequency
response, and therefore the sounds located behind the listener will be perceived differently
depending on the individual. In particular, for sounds located straight back, there is a conspicuous
amount of difference between individuals.
It may be effective to create the sensation of diagonal motion when working with sounds to be
located behind the listener.
<Sound Localization Above and Below>
The sound located above and below the listener is highly subjective, because it is recognized
through the difference in frequency response. This appears to be especially true of the sound
localization of the front-center upper and lower directions.
The reverberation characteristics of the control room also affect the perception of the sound
localization to upper and lower directions, when you are monitoring through speakers. Using
headphones eliminates the effect of any room conditions.
To accurately hear the sound localization to the upper or lower directions, it may be effective to
use sustained sounds, such as strings, and move the sound occasionally.
The impression of the sound localization to the upper or lower direction is again affected by the
tone of the sound. Careful experimentation should help you learn it.
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