Yes, you need a center channel speaker for music if you have a surround sound system.
As the name implies, a center channel speaker is the one you position in the middle of a sound system because it is engineered to have no sound orientation. Center channel speakers usually have a design that looks different from the rest of the audio setup.
If you’re new to the surround system, here’s everything you need to know about a center channel speaker and how it can transform your home into a mini-theater.
Do You Need A Center Channel Speaker For Music?
Yes, a center channel speaker is a great gear for a surround sound system. A center channel speaker is programmed to play up to 70% of all the audio content in a modern home theater setup. The audio content includes the vocals in music and movies as well as the dialogues.
A center channel speaker allows you to have immersive and realistic acoustics that you may not experience with a set of speakers.
A lot of movies made and produced in recent years undergo digital re-mastering that are designed to perform better in home theaters. Therefore, a center channel speaker brings the audio to the front, creates continuity, and imparts realism to the experience.
The modern type of music, such as DTS and Dolby, also have surround sound system encoding formats. This means that the sounds are mixed in such as way that it is directed to a center channel, which makes it necessary for a separate speaker. This encoding also applies to DVDs, broadcasting, and streaming content.
Another reason why a center channel speaker is needed for a surround sound is the flexibility. A center channel speaker allows you to access the sweet spot even when you move around the room. If you don’t have a center channel speaker in a home theater system, the quality of the sound deteriorates considerably when you move about.
Manipulating the volume in the center channel speaker is also easier with a center channel system. You can increase the volume or decrease it in the center channel speaker without affecting the speakers’ volume on the left or right. This is a fantastic option when you are watching a movie or playing music.
This freedom to work with a center channel speaker is also a great feature when you have guests or a party. You can play the soundtrack on the speakers and lower the volume of the dialogues in the center channel, which is fantastic.
What Is An Ideal Center Channel Speaker?
Generally, any generic speaker can function as a center channel speaker unless it is a subwoofer.
However, the best speakers for center channels are those that have a square, horizontal, or cabinet design.
A horizontal center channel speaker can easily fit below or above a TV or a projector screen. Besides, the horizontal center channel speaker also looks better aesthetically.
Other important tips to look for in a center channel speaker include:
- If you are on the market for a home theater system, consider getting a speaker setup that includes a center channel speaker. Not only is this great for the overall sound output, but it also eliminates the need to look for a center channel speaker separately.
- If you already have a music setup, look for a center channel speaker from the same brand and with the same or similar sonic characteristics as your speakers.
- If it is not possible to get the same brand, consider tweaking the AVR equalizer to get a tonal balance between the speakers.
- Consider a center channel speaker with a three-way design as it will allow for a more immersive experience.
Conclusion
For a home theater and a surround sound system, a center channel speaker is the heart of the audio output. It produces the core of the sounds, but it is also versatile, so you can lower the volume independently without affecting the speakers.
Apart from experiencing a realistic surround sound in the comfort of your living room, a center channel speaker in the setup also lends a professional and elegant look to the interiors.
A surround sound setup is incomplete without a center channel speaker. Manufacturers and brands would not have made it if there was no need for a center channel speaker in acoustics.
