We previously gave graphs showing
the energy relations for a Dolby Pro-
Logic decoder under various
conditions. The Pro-Logic decoder
is not optimal. We can do the same
for our new decoder. See Figure 19
Figure 19; Solid curve - the center output channel
attenuation needed for the new LFL and LFR if the energy of
the center component of the input signal is to be preserved in
the front three channels as steering increases toward the
front. Dotted curve – the center values for a standard
decoder
As can be seen, the needed rise in the level of the center channel is quite steep – the rise
is many dB of amplitude per dB of steering value. This steep change in amplitude is
audible in practice. Although the relative balance of the center channel information in a
popular recording is well preserved, if one is standing close to the center speaker the
sudden changes in level can be annoying. A larger problem is the very high value of
center channel loudness. A consequence of this loudness is that the localization of all
sources shifts strongly to the center. We tested this curve and found that the center
loudspeaker dominated the front sound stage, and left-right separation was minimal.
There is a better solution. The center attenuation shown in figure 19 is derived assuming
the matrix elements previously given for lfl and lfr. What if we used different elements?
Specifically, do we need to be aggressive about removing the center component from the
left and right front outputs?
Listening tests show that the March 1997 elements are needlessly aggressive about
removing the center component. Acoustically there is no need that they should do so. The
energy removed from them must be given to center loudspeaker. If we don’t remove this
energy it comes from the left and right front speakers, and the sound power in the room is
the same. The trick is to put just enough energy into the center speaker to fix the image
there, while minimizing the effect on width.
We can find the optimal center attenuation by trial and error. We can then solve for the
decrease in center level needed in the left and right front outputs to keep the power of the
Cin component in the soundfield in the room constant.