Sounds and Music 

Active 5.1. Connecting a surround sound system to your computer

The 5.1 acoustic format is most often used for home theaters. Everyone knows this very well. Everyone also knows that 5.1 systems use one large subwoofer and 5 satellites. But, still, what is 5.1 acoustics? Not every user knows how audio equipment in this category works.

The implementation scheme for such acoustic installations is in many ways similar to the 2.1 format systems that are popular all over the world. The only difference is that they use more additional speakers, each equipped with a midrange speaker and tweeter. The role of satellites can be performed by small speakers of equal power. There are also combined options: the main sound stream located opposite the viewer, a pair of front floor-standing speakers, and three bookshelf speakers acting as rear satellites.

Everything works on the same principle: he is responsible for reproduction low frequencies in the range up to 300 Hertz.

Diagram of the correct placement of speakers in a 5.1 home theater

So, 5 columns. What are their functions? Two of them are called frontal. As the name implies, they are located in front, mainly in front of the screen home theater. Rear-type speakers are installed at equal distances behind the user. The general picture looks like this: speakers are placed in the corners of the room, which, when playback starts, create a full-fledged presence effect. An important point in connecting 5.1 format is not to confuse the speakers. Each must stand in its place, otherwise the musical picture will be disrupted. This, perhaps, is one of the main differences from the 2.1 format.

Acoustics 5.1. How to choose?

To avoid making a mistake, be prepared to spend a lot of money. No, no one says that there are no cheap 5.1 systems, but, as practice shows, most budget models inferior in sound reproduction quality to average two-channel speakers.

Once you have decided on your budget, you should pay attention to the power of the options offered. Not because this parameter is the main one, but because you need to correlate the acoustics capabilities with the area of ​​the room. Based on the proportion of 100 watts per 10-12 m2.

Ideal placement of acoustics according to the 5.1 scheme

Once you have an approximate value for the required power, you can discard those models that fall far outside the acceptable range. Having narrowed the range of options, look at the frequency response indicator sensitivity and, of course, the frequency range. The amplitude-frequency response should be smooth and the frequency range should be wide. The name of the manufacturer plays not the least role in this matter. First of all, we recommend that you look at products from leading brands: , Monitor Audio, and so on. Based on this, you can make the right decision.

Acoustics 5.1 How to connect?

There are only two important points in this matter:

* First - correct connection columns There is a label on the back of each speaker indicating where it should be placed. When connecting wires, also be careful. Each cord leads to a corresponding speaker.

* The second is the location of the subwoofer. A loudspeaker that emits low frequencies should be installed where the sound quality will be optimal.

To identify a suitable point in the room, play loud music with powerful bass and move the subwoofer and listen to the timbre of the sound. Through trial and error, you will soon be able to decide on the best option.

CINEMA 510

Recently, consumers have been paying more and more attention to the innovative Cinema 510 model from the JBL brand. This acoustic installation pleases the ears of users with bright musical shades, softness of playback and variety of sound. The total power of the system is 310 watts, which is quite enough for a room of 20 m2. Subwoofer - 60 Watt, and 5 speakers of 50 Watt each. frequency range systems extend from 150 Hz to 20 kHz. At this interval, all colors and tones are revealed. Cinema 510 creates a distinct musical image in the room, enhanced by soft highs and powerful low notes.

With a system of this level, watching movies turns into pure pleasure. The effect of presence completely envelops the viewer and takes him into the thick of the events of the film.

Acoustics 5.1 active

Active acoustics 5 1 occupies a special place in the niche of audio systems intended for installation in a car. Today, passive acoustics compete with active acoustics, and in our article we will find out the difference between them.
In addition, we will conduct a review where the test will be 5 1 active acoustics, the choice of which is a difficult task for many. This is not surprising, because on modern market There are dozens of similar products.

What is the difference between active and passive speakers

First, let’s find out what the difference is between active and general and what advantages and disadvantages both have.

Amplifier

This element plays an important role in any acoustic system, whether active or passive. An amplifier is often called a receiver, because it is through this component that the sound goes directly to the speakers.
Sound amplification is carried out in the following ways:

  • The sound of the speaker itself is amplified. Such amplification is often found in computer speakers or in expensive car speakers.
  • First, the sound passes through the amplifier, and only then goes to the speakers.

Passive speaker and its disadvantages

The topic of the amplifier was raised for good reason. It is this component that makes the difference between the two speakers.
Let us now consider the disadvantages of passive speaker system:

  • In passive speakers, most of them are equipped with an amplifier of average power (see). The sound produced by different speakers is neither good nor bad.
  • The second option for installing an amplifier in passive systems already involves the use of good and powerful amplifier, but only works with some models. This is easy to explain, because the manufacturers of such an amplifier cannot know in advance what kind of acoustics it will work with.
  • It’s no secret that during speaker operation, all electronics heat up, including the crossover, since the output power is concentrated on it. The amplifier loads the speaker electronics, which causes the sound quality in passive speakers to suffer.
  • Another disadvantage of passive speakers involves the selection of a powerful amplifier. As is known, to passive speakers could cope at critical moments with the incoming power of the amplifier, the power of the second should be less than the power of the speakers themselves.
    There is no feedback from the amplifier to the speakers in a passive speaker. So it turns out that this is a big drawback, because the amplifier, in fact, cannot monitor the load and when it needs to send less power.

Active acoustics

It is advisable to choose her.
Now let's find out why:

  • The design of this speaker provides feedback between the amplifier and speakers. Appears unique opportunity change the load on the speakers at moments of maximum concentration of the entire system. This prevents damage to the speakers and lasts much longer.

Note. Even if the active speaker is small, it will have good acoustic output. This can be explained by the fact that the amplifier is connected directly to the speakers, due to which maximum efficiency is achieved.

  • The crossover in active speakers, unlike passive ones, does not heat up. This component is capable of filtering the signal for a long time, thereby eliminating the problem of the amplifier-to-speaker ratio. In this case, the amplifier can simply be configured as required.
  • Active speakers provide very high sound quality.
  • The active speakers are not affected by long distances, because the speakers can be arranged as you please.
  • Active speakers are capable of operating under heavy loads and for a very long time.

What is active acoustics 5 1

We figured out the difference between active and passive acoustics.
Now let’s find out what active 5 1 acoustics are:

  • Speakers that have a built-in amplifier, as mentioned above, are called active acoustics. It is enough to just connect them to a sound source, turn on the power and they will start working.
  • Set 5 1 is a ready-made set of 5 satellites and a subwoofer (see). In this case, the control unit and amplifier are a priori built into the subwoofer housing. The subwoofer is the main element here and the switching connectors are located at the rear of its housing.

Note. In most cases, on the back of the active acoustics subwoofer 5 1 there are several stereo inputs and a multi-channel analog input for connecting a DVD player, car radio or other device.

What models of acoustics 5 1 are most popular:

  • The greatest interest for buyers today are mid-price acoustic sets, the price of which does not exceed $250. The speakers of this system have a wooden frame.
    As for the dynamic heads of the speakers, they are more or less made with high quality. This also applies to the rubber suspension of the midrange driver and the dome fabric tweeter.
  • There are also cheaper models of this speaker, which are more of a decorative value and are chosen by buyers because of their beautiful appearance. appearance from photographs.

Note. Of course, there is an alternative to ready-made acoustic sets 5 1.
In this case, the kit is assembled from individual components, such as a multi-channel AV receiver, speakers and active subwoofer. In this case, the costs will increase significantly and you will have to count on an amount of at least $400.

  • It is worth noting that the advantage of 5 1 acoustics, which consists in a set of miniature heads that supposedly provide full-fledged sound, is erroneous. The fact is that small size The diffuser is in no way capable of producing a full-fledged strong sound.
    Full sound cannot be provided by decorative speakers, because there are restrictions imposed by the laws of physics. For this reason, it is better to purchase 5 1 acoustics with large speakers.
  • Full frequency loudspeakers 5 1 s normal size speakers will make it possible to install more heads High Quality and use separate speakers for high frequencies and mid/low ranges. The volume of air mass, among other things, which is collected inside the housing, can be used to enhance low frequencies if a bass-reflex acoustic design is used.
  • Obviously, the dimensions of the speakers alone are not capable of ensuring quality. Today on the market you can find sets of inexpensive full-size acoustics, the quality of which is not far from decorative small speakers.

Review of the most popular models of active acoustics 5 1

Let's now move on to testing the most popular models of these acoustics.

Genius SW-HF5.1 5000

So:

  • Genius SW-HF5.1 5000 has the following satellite dimensions: 14x21.5x15.5.
  • Diffuser diameter – 9.
  • The tweeter is equipped with a Mylar driver.
  • The subwoofer is equipped with a resonant chamber.
  • There is no equalizer.
  • Approximate price: $155.

Playing this system in a pronounced coloration in the mid-frequency region. If this fact is considered a disadvantage, then it will be expressed in a noticeable timbre change in the sound of various musical instruments precisely at mid frequencies. There is also a compression effect, leading to rapid hearing fatigue.
But the subwoofer of this system plays well. The resonance chamber produces a characteristic hum-like sound.

Edifier S 5.1

So:

  • A more expensive model with satellite dimensions of 15x23x16.
  • The diffuser diameter is the same – 9.
  • The tweeter is already in the form of a fabric dome.
  • Subwoofer circuit - FI.
  • Availability of 6.1 amplifier.
  • Approximate price: 260 dollars.

This system has a shortage high frequencies. As for the mid frequencies, they have a pronounced strong color.

Microlab H-500

  • The dimensions of the satellites are 13x22x18.
  • Diffuser size – 8.
  • Polymer suspension material.
  • The tweeter is a fabric dome.
  • Availability of external control unit.
  • Approximate price: 280 dollars.

When choosing computer acoustics, you need to immediately understand its usefulness; the main goal when designing it is maximum ease of connection to a computer; the sound quality here can be noticeably inferior to Hi-Fi, and even more so Hi-End systems. However, this is not always a minus for a computer or laptop: if the built-in sound card acts as a sound source, then connecting a highly sensitive discrete amplifier to it will make it possible to enjoy the entire spectrum of interference instead of music (it happens that you can even clearly hear movement wireless mouse). Rough built-in amplifier computer acoustics these interferences simply will not be noticed.

If you are interested in sound quality, then in this case you can choose a fairly high-quality kit, unless, of course, there is a desire or opportunity to assemble a “DAC + amplifier + passive speaker system” kit.

Recommendations for choosing speakers for a computer will be largely traditional: first of all, you should take into account the size and quality of the speaker cones; small-sized acoustics will not only not provide high-quality bass, but will also wear out more. At least 125 mm midrange drivers in durable MDF housings will be quite sufficient for a 2.0 system, but for the quality of the “bottom” a subwoofer will never be superfluous.

Computer acoustics have their own characteristic nuance with ease of control: almost always the amplifier is placed in one of the speakers, and the controls are also located there. Many manufacturers hide the controls on the back wall, apparently believing that the user will be able to adjust tone and volume from the sound card control panel. However, the most convenient are the kits where the controls are located “on the face” of the speaker closest to the right hand, so as not to overpay for remote controls.

We've all heard a lot about 5.1 surround sound. A system that immerses you in the world of cinema and surround music. You may have even heard with your own ears what such an audio system is capable of. And we decided to buy one for ourselves.

So how do you choose the right surround sound audio system that won't frustrate you and waste your money? In this article we will try to help you with this.

Do you like working with sound? Then pay attention to program for cutting sound (music) called Jet Audio.

And so you decided to buy the system high-quality sound. First of all, you need to immediately see if you have anything to connect it to. If you have a good DVD player, then you can connect it without problems, but if you are relying on your computer, then immediately make sure that your sound card can reproduce 5.1 sound. This is not as difficult to do as it might seem. Just look at the place on your computer where you plug your headphones in, there should be 5 or more audio jacks on the back panel. There must be a black socket, if there are only 3 inputs, then you won’t be able to connect 5.1. That is, you will connect the system and the speakers will play, but it will be in stereo mode, and you will not get any surround sound. If you still want to, you will have to buy another sound card that supports 5.1 audio format. Don't worry, it's not that expensive; a sound card for a computer with 5.1 support will cost you somewhere between 35-50 US dollars.

I suggest you familiarize yourself with columns Bishkek. Choice of audio system for every taste.

I would immediately advise you to take a good sound card, since the sound quality depends on it. And so you have something to connect your future audio system to.


You can go to the store to choose your equipment. Remember one thing, a cheap 5.1 audio system will not play. And if it does, it will not be high-quality sound. Choose well-known manufacturers and buy from good stores technology. You should definitely have a guarantee for what you are buying, since it is impossible to immediately understand what kind of system it is, you need to listen a little. Do not think that five speakers and one subwoofer wound with one wire is a 5.1 system. If only two plugs come out of the system, namely the network and one “jack”, then this is not 5.1, this is simple stereo sound from 5 speakers. In the store they will tell you that one jack is normal and the buffer itself distributes the sound over 5 speakers. This is a marketing lie designed to sell you this equipment. What a high-quality audio system should look like. There is a large subwoofer and 5 satellites (speakers). The power of the system is measured by summing the power of each element of the system. For example, your subwoofer produces an output power of 50 watts and each satellite produces 20 watts, the total output power output will be 150 watts. 150 watts for a home is normal power, if they write on the box that the output power is 300-400 watts, then this is most likely a lie (the so-called Chinese watts). Or this system will be very expensive. Be sure to look at what each element is made of. Choose only wood! Don't buy plastic speakers, you won't hear quality in them. Let's move on to see if it's 5.1 or just stereo. There is a large subwoofer and 5 speakers. The speakers are connected by separated wires to the subwoofer; there must be 3 jacks coming from the subwoofer, and 6 tulips into the subwoofer itself. Why is this? One wire with 2 tulips and 1 jack is the subwoofer and the center speaker itself, the second cord is 2 front satellites, the third is 2 rear satellites. Only with this channel distribution can you achieve 5.1 surround sound. When the consultant says that with 1 jack there will also be surround sound, you can react with laughter, turn around and leave this store.


How to connect? Connect speakers and tulips according to the instructions that are in your audio system box. Connect the subwoofer and center speaker to the orange hole of your sound card, front speakers (2 front) in a black socket, and rear speakers (2 rear) in a green one. After that, in the computer settings (control panel>sound devices>sound>configure), select 5.1 surround sound, after which a picture of your audio system will appear, where you can test it. Don't forget to enable 5.1 mode on the buffer itself.

The audio system will not play surround sound if the media file does not support this format. That is, if you download a movie from the Internet, look at the sound of this film, if there is an inscription 6 ch, then this is what you need. Enjoy high-quality sound.

Many connoisseurs of music and high-quality sound prefer to use a 5.1 speaker system to listen to songs and watch high-quality films. This kind of acoustics essentially consists of six channels to which their own speakers are connected - a subwoofer (low-frequency speaker), two front speakers (left and right), a central front speaker and a pair of rear speakers (also left and right). We'll talk about how to connect 5.1 speakers to a computer below.

Assembly and installation of a 5.1 speaker system

The subwoofer is traditionally installed on the floor and houses an amplifier with a power supply, to which all other components of the system are connected. But there are exceptions when the receiver is made separately, and all the acoustics are connected to it. The terminals for connecting each speaker are marked. The symbols used to identify the front speakers are FR (Front Right) and FL (Front Left), CEN (Center), RR (Rear Right) and RL (Rear Left). If the subwoofer is passive, that is, it does not include an amplifier, then it is also connected to the receiver itself, which has the corresponding SW marking. According to this marking, the first step is to connect all the speakers and place them in the appropriate order in the room.


Connecting speakers to a computer

To connect a 5.1 speaker system to a computer, you must have a sound card installed on it that allows you to reproduce sound in 5.1. This can be either a sound card integrated into the motherboard or a sound card installed separately in the PCI slot.

The 5.1 system is connected by three pairs of cables, which have a mini-jack on one side for connecting directly to a computer, and on the other side “tulips” (stereo RCA) for connecting to the receiver’s inputs (Audio Input). Here you should pay attention to the fact that to connect speakers to the receiver (subwoofer), “tulip” type connectors with the designation Audio Output and speaker markings (FR, FL, etc.) are also used. You cannot plug computer cables into these connectors!

Correctly connecting the computer's audio outputs to the correct inputs of the receiver will allow you to quickly set up the system and enjoy high-quality sound. So, the front channel (front speakers) should be connected to the green jack, the rear channel (rear speakers) should usually be connected to the black jack, and the subwoofer and center speaker channel to the orange jack. To ensure that everything is completed without errors, you should first carefully study the manual for your motherboard or a sound card, where it should be indicated which of the sockets is responsible for which channel.

Setting up 5.1 sound in Windows 7/10

After all the cables are connected, you should proceed to setting up the 5.1 acoustics in the most operating system Windows 7 or 10: Open Control Panel and go to Sound. Here, go to the “Playback” tab, where select “Speakers” from the list.

Next, click the “Customize” button at the bottom of the window and select “5.1 surround sound” in the window that opens. At this stage, you can check that the speakers are connected correctly by clicking on one or another speaker and checking that the speakers match the diagram. If necessary, check that the speakers and audio outputs from the computer are connected correctly. Complete the 5.1 audio setup by following the steps until the end.

As a rule, no further action is required from you; the only thing you should pay attention to is the system operating mode switch on the receiver (subwoofer). On many models, in addition to 5.1, there are other operating modes, such as stereo and, if there is a digital input, SPDIF. When connecting using the above method, the switch must be set to position 5.1. If your sound card does not support five-channel sound, then you can play regular stereo sound on a 5.1 system by simply moving the corresponding switch to the desired position. Of course, in this case you will not be able to enjoy truly five-channel sound. The same applies to the audio files themselves, which are recorded as stereo. Even when using a 5.1 sound card, they will sound like stereo, only on 5 pairs of speakers.