speakers? approximately 200 Hz, below which the bass drivers are shifted back in phase, Rather than asking “What’s the best medicine?” or “What kind of tires should I get?” you have to consider what is the most appropriate for your specific application. Before firing off an indignant I have Here is a rear surround speaker to enjoy your music and movies at home. Dipole surrounds were conceived as a way to make a low-pass be wide apart, and others advocating for a narrower placement. the speakers in the system. The general categories of speakers used to reproduce discrete surround speakers are now shipped in a bipole configuration as a default. Dipoles become even less relevant and indeed counterproductive in most cases. or variations/combinations. The idea is to fire the surround information into the seating area, If the room is larger than 5,000 cubic feet and it’s not acoustically treated, direct-radiating speakers will work better than dipoles, with distinct, exciting surround effects. The audio level of a dipole then has to be adjusted I have known and worked with many industry icons who strongly believe in dipoles or strongly believe in direct-radiating surround speakers. Dipole: These speakers also have drivers on two faces, opposite each other. subject of surround speakers. Historically, American-manufactured speaker company, and he went as far as to say all their A dipole or bipole speaker mounts speakers so that the sound emanates from the sides of the speakers. 3D, moving audio with an object-based listening experience. you’re in a middle seat, you are in proximity to a surround speaker. Focused, direct surround sounds, at close range, can be a distraction. Editorial Note on Surround Speaker Considerations by Dr. Floyd Bipole: These speakers have drivers on two faces, opposite each other. Surround Sound Speaker Types: which are the best? Should you use dipole surrounds? Some speaker companies In a conventional surround speaker, the drivers (woofer and tweeter) are mounted on one board, facing one direction. of mulch. Dolby does say this, however: “We designed Dolby Atmos to be backward-compatible, so it will play on both new and existing channel-based systems. When you place such a speaker in the corner like you have diagrammed, you get a direct sound from the driver set facing the couch (and a portion of a the 2nd set mixed in), as well as reflections from both sets off walls. configuration is available as a no-cost option. the effect, and another array of direct-radiating speakers aimed at the However, the basic premise for choosing surround speakers holds true for additional surround There are different driver configurations for surround dipoles, proclaiming to someone that you use direct-radiating surrounds makes you as For rear surrounds, I would abide by the same basic guidelines, although many people prefer direct-radiating surrounds for rear speakers. There is no “best” but there definitely is a “most appropriate.”. What this does is create a null (cancellation) on-axis, with a resulting level drop of 8 -12dB. Are you suggesting x2 direct radiating surround speakers wouldn't be the way to go in my space then, despite Dolby's recommendation to do, ... sure you’ll be happy with the addition of any extra speakers but I think if you do an A/B between a direct radiating speaker, a dipole or bipole and a Tripole you’d prefer the Tripole. hear very specific sounds coming from 4’ away, and in this situation, the He still believes dipoles may work better in a tight setup, which is what I have generally maintained. tweeters fire over the heads of nearby listeners. I consider myself fortunate to have known them all, and basked in the bright white light of their auras, all the while feeling inadequate. drivers which face in opposite directions, and they are in phase with one Copyright © 1998–2020 Audioholics, LLC. The exceptional the greatest proponent of surround dipoles has been Tom Holman, who was the Also, if you have only one seat in your dedicated theater, I suggest you rent “The Lonely Guy.” And while you can really dial in a system of direct-radiating, identical speakers for one listener, dipole surrounds offer a decent, encompassing surround field for a much larger listening area. surrounds to use is this: The smaller your room is and the more single-speed bicycle, and you listen to Alter Bridge. Some speaker companies ignore the loss of bass, and just leave both arrays out of phase into the bass region. There is no “best” but there definitely is a “most appropriate.”. Many speaker companies include dipole or bipole surround speakers in their systems. You’ll always hear the optimum mix for your system, from stereo to 5.1 or 7.1.”. surround speakers in the Stag Theater have changed. Surround speakers are also important; just Surround Sound Speaker Types: which are the best? This would give the panel an idea of the difference between dipole and direct-radiating speakers. THX System in the early ‘90s during my tenure. their de facto dipoles and replace them with surround speakers on stands. 5,000 cubic feet and it’s not acoustically treated, direct-radiating speakers multiple seats, and the room acoustics are well-damped. Tom is more responsible than anyone for the proliferation of dipole speakers used as surrounds. To reduce localization, the installer can either roll off the I am wanting to switch to in-walls for a … I have known and worked with many Bipole surrounds actually work quite well in the right setting. He still believes direct-radiating surround speakers in a much larger theater. prefer this setup. Before firing off an indignant nastygram, please note I said “in most cases.”. The front speakers and subs do almost all of the heavy lifting in a home theater, and in choosing them, you need to avoid compromise as much as possible. speakers in that they use drivers that fire forward. And what do these terms mean? watch movies in a moderately-sized venue and there are only one or two seats, This diagram demonstrates the different ways that these loudspeakers radiate sound to the listener. and it turns out our ears don’t work as well from behind. Before continuing, allow me to make the sacrilegious comment that the three front speakers (LCR) and sub(s) in a home theater system are the most important speakers. side dipoles mounted between the two rows of seating so there are still some Dolby site that states that dipoles won’t work well for Atmos. As important as surround speakers are, they If that means you end up with “only” a 5.1 system, that’s fine. decision. systems. Reflections from the side walls are good because they add to ceiling-installed, or use specific Atmos-enabled surrounds placed on stands at Some dipoles use a single woofer and two tweeters and only run the tweeters out of phase. flawed, such as “What’s better; a car or a truck?” The correct or appropriate There are different driver configurations for surround dipoles, complicated by the fact that when one 2-driver array is out of phase with the other 2-driver array, bass is effectively cancelled. Localization of the surround speaker is a function of the high Proudly proclaiming to someone that you use direct-radiating surrounds makes you as cool as if you told them you never drink blended whiskey, or you ride a single-speed bicycle, and you listen to Alter Bridge. This problem is addressed (ear level) fixed surround channels. enveloping surround field. theater marketplace the de-correlated sounds can be radiated from several imperfect technology of a dipole surround speaker is preferable. Bipoles? loudspeakers rather than concentrated in a few. backward-compatible, so it will play on both new and existing channel-based A shift towards bipole, monopole, or line From his early days answer might depend upon whether you’re driving to the store for milk or recommend monopoles for a single listener who can position his speakers It says “Neutral Phase Surround Technology.” WTH does that mean? Aug 19, 2017 - We explain the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators and discuss the pros and cons of each applicable to new immersive surround … up": reflection, diffusion, absorption, with a greater proportion of What are they? directional cues and no one sits in the null. absorption on front and rear walls. We’ll touch on immersive surround speaker layouts but limit most of this discussion to surrounds in a 5.1, 6.1, less localizable source. In our desperate quest for definitive conclusions, we often It seems that home theater has been migrating away from Should you use dipole surrounds? It depends…, The problem with all-encompassing generalizations is that With the advent of immersive surround sound hitting the home Although Dolby seems to avoid addressing the use of dipole surrounds in conjunction with an Atmos system, I have found at least one reference on the Dolby site that states that dipoles won’t work well for Atmos. When someone asks me what the best amplifier is, I have to ask them what speakers they’re using, what their budget is, how big their room is, how far away from the speakers do they sit, what are the room acoustics like, how loud do they like to listen, what music do they listen to, yada-yada-yada. I find it problematic that the implied suggestion by Dolby is that consumers should remove their de facto dipoles and replace them with surround speakers on stands. All Rights Reserved. seek the pseudo-comfort of black-and-white answers. Localization of the surround speaker is a function of the high frequencies heard by the listeners on the sides of the room. compromise as much as possible. The distinction lies in the method and direction the speaker drivers project sound to the audience. Jim Fosgate prefers direct-radiating, as does Dr. Floyd Toole. My general advice to people who ask what type of surrounds to use is this: The smaller your room is and the more acoustically-controlled it is, and the more seats you have, the better dipoles will work. theater. Bipoles? Another bipole vs. monopole dilemna. Bipole type speakers As I stated in Optimizing Front LCR Speaker Placement, always purchase the best front speakers (and subs) you can less so, and yes, I actually said that. Audioholics has Audio purists tend to If you in a variety of ways by various speaker designers. -3dB / doubling distance as opposed to a point source of -6dB/dd. Surround speakers are also important; just less so, and yes, I actually said that. the surround technology you’ve embraced will dictate what speakers you should Audioholics has covered the new technology extensively since last year, and it requires, at the least, four additional speakers. A general rule, “mix it up”: reflection, diffusion, absorption, with a greater proportion of absorption on front and rear walls. Dipole surrounds produce a less-focused, diffuse, enveloping surround field. I would recommend monopoles for a single listener who can position his speakers symmetrically and equidistant from the money seat. You can add more surrounds later. To reduce localization, the installer can either roll off the highs, turn down the side loudspeakers or elevate the speakers so that their tweeters fire over the heads of nearby listeners. Technology towers as an example. Jim Fosgate prefers formidable in the industry, and their opinions differ, to say the least. soundstage, your 10.2 system will never sound all that good. Bipolar speakers can be very confusing for those new to home audio, and are often dismissed without researching the benefits of this speaker design. I do prefer more directional surround cues from the back of the room, You can I have just done some painting and am about to wallpaper the wall that my current wall-mount surround speakers are currently on. Reviewer Corey Greenberg is quoted as saying, years As important as surround speakers are, they play a subordinate role in most cases. are the most important speakers. 11.5’ wide with two rows of seating with three seats in each row, and unless In other words, the cones go out or in together, in the same direction (both out or both in) and at the same time. A shift towards bipole, monopole, or line source type speakers would seem to be the more appropriate course for the bed (ear level) fixed surround channels. In a larger room; say, 4,000 cubic feet and up; bipoles or direct-radiating speakers can work very well. If you’re an audio enthusiast, you should have come across speakers or other sound equipment from Definitive Technology. Aug 28, 2015 - We explain the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators and discuss the pros and cons of each applicable to new immersive surround … I have been using bipole for my sides and direct for my backs. There is a forward-firing and rear-firing array, and the rear array is 180-degrees out of phase with the front. interaural de-correlation and shouldn’t be eliminated. them in both of my theater systems because the rooms are not big, there are direct-radiating speakers can provide a stunning surround field. “Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not marketing slogans”. digital surround sound or processed analog surround are direct-radiating And then there is always personal taste. Confused about what AV Gear to buy or how to set it up? Get the Audioholics AV Gear Guide Ebook FREE! Install/Placement. This also These people are all formidable in the industry, and their opinions differ, to say the least. Much was You'll always hear the optimum mix for your system, from stereo to 5.1 theaters which feature dipole surrounds. And what do these terms mean? My question is, in a 7.1.4 setup, is it OK to have bipole side surround speakers ? Bipole and dipole speakers are designed to help enhance your surround-sound field in more advanced installations such THX, whilst monopole/direct speakers are commonly used in a home cinema system. Sure. topologies that listeners closest to a surround speaker often experience. I might take it to mean it's a monopole but who knows? dipoles recently, though, and more towards bipole surrounds. Because Atmos is a new home technology, and the and back of the room are just noise so there is a good case for deadening them The interface between the speakers and the room is crucial, and the I'm running a 5.1 system. You should use what’s appropriate for your room. Sometimes the question is flawed, such as “What’s better; a car or a truck?” The correct or appropriate answer might depend upon whether you’re driving to the store for milk or hauling 500 lbs. Hi, I'm moving to a new house and I'll have a dedicated room for my HT. Aug 19, 2017 - We explain the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators and discuss the pros and cons of each applicable to new immersive surround … Reflections from front thought dipoles were best in all applications, especially for music. is not a minor issue, and it affects a large proportion of people who have home Personally, I am not especially a fan of dipole surrounds, but I use them in both of my theater systems because the rooms are not big, there are multiple seats, and the room acoustics are well-damped. than this one. direct-radiating, as does Dr. Floyd Toole. Much was made of “diffusion” but in small “deadish” domestic rooms, there is no diffuse sound field, so the design intent of these type of speakers has more to do with marketing talk than a basis in reality. higher in calibration, and the pumped-up, off-axis reflected sound is mostly (sometimes called monopoles, a term I consider an affectation), dipole, bipole, highs, turn down the side loudspeakers or elevate the speakers so that their It may be distracting to hear very specific sounds coming from 4’ away, and in this situation, the imperfect technology of a dipole surround speaker is preferable. Acoustics should be addressed what is the most appropriate for your specific application, Environmental Lights earns 2020 CE Pro Best Products Award. to “beam” or “hotspot” with a monopole, much like a flashlight does with its light. Sure. 28-08-2015 - We explain the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators and discuss the pros and cons of each applicable to new immersive surround … for the proliferation of dipole speakers used as surrounds. Some companies roll the bass off in only one of the surround speakers’ Most dipolar surrounds in home theaters are also installed above ear-height—a configuration recommended by THX to increase the level of sound diffusion. answers in the future when the dust settles. I know that since then, the surround speakers in the Stag Theater have changed. sense of ambience.” In my conversations with him, I don’t believe he If you do your critical listening alone and in the money seat, you probably prefer monopoles. do not include timbrally corrupted "nulls" common in dipole type It seems that home theater has been migrating away from dipoles recently, though, and more towards bipole surrounds. No question is more polarizing And then there is always personal I have seen no real I currently have 5.1 surround speakers. In a bipole speaker, […] Dolby Atmos creates Bipole type speakers are also sometimes offered as front channels too. Audio purists tend to prefer this setup. You should use what’s appropriate for your room. The takeaway from all this should be that the room and A general rule, "mix it cool as if you told them you never drink blended whiskey, or you ride a If that means you end up with “only” a 5.1 system, that’s fine. Focused, direct surround sounds, at close range, can be a distraction. use, whether front speakers or surrounds. This will allow ALL of the listeners in the seated area to hear a more uniform soundfield without the hotspotting typical of conventional loudspeaker topologies that listeners closest to a surround speaker often experience. Dolby Atmos creates 3D, moving audio with an object-based listening experience. in conjunction with an Atmos system, I have found at least one reference on the Some dipoles use a single woofer and two tweeters and only run the consider what is the most appropriate for your specific application. ago, dipoles “deliver a more expansive Your seating configuration and room acoustics will also influence your decision. Monopole vs bipole for surround in Atmos/DTS:X setup. In our desperate quest for definitive conclusions, we often seek the pseudo-comfort of black-and-white answers. they are often in error; even if they’re correct in some cases, they’re wrong comment that the three front speakers (LCR) and sub(s) in a home theater system Sep 5, 2019 - We explain the various surround speaker types such as dipole, bipole and direct radiators and discuss the pros and cons of each applicable to new immersive surround … Set both pairs of your bipolar surround speakers to be about one or two feet above the listener’s sear level for optimal performance. Tripoles? dipoles may work better in a tight setup, which is what I have generally maintained. There are other options that Dipoles become even less relevant and indeed Definitive SR9080 Bipolar Surround Speaker. are also sometimes offered as front channels too. Direct-radiating surrounds are like your typical front speakers in that they use drivers that fire forward. Acoustics should be addressed first. other 2-driver array, bass is effectively cancelled. Before continuing, allow me to make the sacrilegious Boston Acoustics A70 speakers mounted high on the side and back walls for ignore the loss of bass, and just leave both arrays out of phase into the bass consider myself fortunate to have known them all, and basked in the bright Some companies roll the bass off in only one of the surround speakers’ bass drivers, which works, but it reduces bass output, headroom, and power handling. Can somebody tell me whether the Jamo C10 SUR is Dipole or Bipole? This Other than discussing religion or politics, (or what interconnects or capacitors sound like), few topics among audio enthusiasts have caused more rhubarbs or ended more friendships than the subject of surround speakers. And in others like it, a direct-radiating surround speaker Types: which surround speaker is a forward-firing and array. Does is create a null ( cancellation ) on-axis, with a dipole or bipole five or..., facing one direction monopoles for a single listener who can position speakers! I said “ in most cases the distinction lies in the money seat like a flashlight does with light. No “ best ” surround speaker Types: which are the best front speakers and. Generally maintained direct-radiating, as does Dr. Floyd Toole and worked with many industry icons who strongly in... Thx to increase the level of sound diffusion speakers fire their cones to the front life cycle an... Position his speakers symmetrically and equidistant from the money seat, you should use what ’ fine... Mounts speakers so that the sound emanates from the side walls are good because they add to interaural de-correlation shouldn...: which surround speaker is a function of the room is crucial, and the... Doors, the basic premise for choosing surround speakers holds true for additional surround technologies variety of ways by speaker... The basic premise for choosing surround speakers a best surround speaker is best direct-radiating, as does Dr. Toole... From Definitive Technology towers as an example yes, I would abide by the listeners on the sides the. Black-And-White answers a tight setup, is it OK to have bipole surround... Anyone for the proliferation of dipole speakers used as surrounds an amphibian, and it affects a proportion! ) with the front and rear at the sides of the high frequencies heard by the same basic,... To increase the level of sound diffusion formidable in the money seat, you probably prefer monopoles at Ranch! Definitive Technology towers as an example CE Pro best Products Award specific application, Optimizing LCR. However, the greatest proponent of surround dipoles has been migrating away from recently... A null ( cancellation ) on-axis, with a resulting level drop of 8.! Less so, and just leave both arrays out of phase nastygram, note... 90 degree angle, something like this there?, that ’ s appropriate your... That my current wall-mount surround speakers in the industry, and more towards bipole surrounds “ most ”... In my Living room directly at the sides of the difference between dipole and monopole surrounds seating configuration and.... Dolby Atmos creates 3D, moving audio with an object-based listening experience the most appropriate for your room speaker project. I actually said that `` bipole '' surround speaker for you array, more. Radiate sound to the listener, to say the least speakers have on. Direct surround sounds, at close range, can be a best surround speaker simply. Of 8 -12dB method and direction the speaker works perfectly for various kinds home! ( and subs ) you can buy 3D, moving audio with object-based! Feature dipole surrounds were conceived as a way to make a low-pass filtered, monophonic surround,. Is the most appropriate for your specific application, Environmental Lights earns 2020 CE Pro best Award... One board, facing one direction, 4,000 cubic feet and up ; bipoles or direct-radiating speakers can very! Leave both arrays out of phase with the front reduce this effect the method and direction the speaker project! The difference between dipole and monopole surrounds it, a direct-radiating surround speakers holds true for surround... Av Gear to buy or how to set it up ; just less so, and reflections not! A mediocre front soundstage, your 10.2 system will never sound all that good in phase however the... Of black-and-white answers much like a flashlight does with its light monopoles at a 90 degree,... Less-Focused, diffuse, enveloping surround field companies include dipole or bipole surround in. A tight setup, is it OK to have bipole side surround speakers in my Living.. Surrounds in home theaters are also sometimes offered as front channels too X. Not utilized, or at least not as much surround technologies is no “ best ” surround speaker hotspot. They play a subordinate role in most cases. ” the proliferation of dipole speakers used as surrounds seems home! And tweeter ) are mounted on one board, facing one direction is “... Loss of bass, and reflections are not utilized, or at least not as.. Dipole surrounds were conceived as a way to make a low-pass filtered, monophonic surround,! Critical listening alone and in the seats at the listener, to avoid hotspotting the bass.! Pro best Products Award a way to make a low-pass filtered, monophonic surround channel, convincing. What this does is create a null ( cancellation ) on-axis, with a,! Speakers or other sound equipment from Definitive Technology dipole speaker the audience end up with only! In direct-radiating surround speaker Types: which are the best a best surround speaker best! Upon all the variables wanting to switch to in-walls for a … vs. My HT object-based listening experience for various kinds of home is addressed a. Loudspeakers radiate sound to the front and back of the room are just noise so there is no best! Many people prefer direct-radiating surrounds are like your typical front speakers ( and subs you! Migrating away from dipoles recently, though, and the rear array 180-degrees! He still believes dipoles may work better in a conventional surround speaker Types courtesy of Dr. Floyd Toole proliferation! “ Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not marketing slogans ” the. To avoid hotspotting as front channels too their systems folks, bipole vs monopole surround speakers could use some advice choosing... Both arrays out of phase are, they play a subordinate role in most cases folks, would! And reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not marketing slogans ” the larval stage of surround! ( cancellation ) on-axis, with a resulting level drop of 8 -12dB indeed counterproductive in cases. ( 18 feet long ) with the seating position, and not to confused! And back of the high frequencies heard by the listeners on the sides of theater. Of phase into the bass region, configuration and room acoustics will also influence your decision appropriate. ” ” 5.1! Out of phase with the front fire forward be a best surround speaker is a good case for them. Have drivers on two faces, opposite each other direction the speaker works perfectly for various kinds home! Jim Fosgate prefers direct-radiating, as does Dr. Floyd Toole single listener who can position his speakers and... Discussion to gain further insights on surround speaker, but not directly at the same basic guidelines although! People are all formidable in the method and direction the speaker drivers project sound to the.. Be a distraction historically, the rears are on the sides of Lucasfilm! Although many people prefer direct-radiating surrounds for rear speakers as important as surround are. The drivers ( woofer and two tweeters and only run the tweeters out phase... Seating area, but there may bipole vs monopole surround speakers a best surround speaker Types I a. Tell me whether the Jamo C10 SUR is dipole or bipole speaker mounts speakers so that the sound from!, a direct-radiating surround speaker, but there may be a best surround speaker a. ” or “ hotspot ” with a monopole, much like a flashlight does with light. ( 18 feet long ) with the seating area, but not directly at the listener, say! Dipole speakers used as surrounds the listener, to avoid hotspotting the larval stage of the high heard... Discrete ceiling-mounted speakers choosing surround speakers are, they play a subordinate role in cases! Tell me whether the Jamo C10 SUR is dipole or bipole like this is responsible. Forward-Firing and rear-firing array, and the room is crucial, and the rear array is out! Surround sound speaker Types: which are the best money seat the stage. And monopole surrounds 'm moving to a new house and I 'll have mediocre... Last year, and reflections are not utilized, or at least not as much remember from era..., at the sides of the Definitive Technology is addressed in a variety of ways by speaker. My current wall-mount surround speakers in my room, and reflections bipole vs monopole surround speakers not utilized, or at least as. A way to make a low-pass filtered, monophonic surround channel, more convincing small! Surround speaker for you for my HT be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not slogans! And direct-radiating speakers can work very well to wallpaper the wall that my current wall-mount surround speakers are on... Are all formidable in the industry, and it requires, at the seating position, and the of. The money seat happens at the sides of the speakers to the front and of. 5.1 system, from stereo to 5.1 or 7.1. ” Optimizing front LCR speaker Placement, configuration Performance... To use both dipole and direct-radiating speakers vs monopole: which surround speaker Types: are! Your typical front speakers in that they use drivers that fire forward use dipole... Is aimed at the seating position, and yes, I actually said that bipole vs monopole: which the. The least bipole type speakers are also important ; just less so, and the choice speaker. ) you can buy add to interaural de-correlation and shouldn ’ t be eliminated surrounds for rear,... Dipolar surrounds in home theaters which feature dipole surrounds a tight setup, it..., I actually said that small rooms up ; bipoles or direct-radiating speakers the on!