Method and apparatus for encoding mixed surround sound into a single stereo pair

A method for encoding mixed surround sound into a single stereo channel, said mixed surround sound including a plurality of spatially separated acoustic signals, and said single stereo channel including a pair of stereo signals, said method comprising the steps of:

• spatially positioning a plurality of speakers within an acoustic enclosure, said positioning for ensuring maximum locational displacement at extreme sound level and sound equalization, said plurality of speakers for generating said spatially separated acoustic signals, and said acoustic enclosure for optimizing spatial reference of said spatially separated acoustic signals from said plurality of speakers;
• positioning a recording head within said acoustic enclosure, said recording head including a pair of phase-accurate microphones for receiving said spatially separated acoustic signals and for converting said spatially separated acoustic signals into said pair of stereo signals;
• generating one or more audio signals, each of said one or more audio signals corresponding to one or more first sound tracks containing recorded sounds;
• mixing said one or more audio signals to form one or more mixed surround sound signals;
• communicating said mixed surround sound signals to said plurality of speakers;
• and
• recording said pair of stereo signals onto a pair of second sound tracks.

An apparatus for encoding mixed surround sound into a single stereo channel, said mixed surround sound including a plurality of spatially separated acoustic signals, and said single stereo channel including a pair of stereo signals, said apparatus comprising:

• a recording head including a pair of phase-accurate microphones for receiving one or more spatially separated acoustic signals and for converting said spatially separated acoustic signals into said pair of stereo signals;
• a plurality of speakers positioned around said recording head, said positioning for ensuring maximum locational displacement at extreme sound level and sound equalization, said plurality of speakers for generating said spatially separated acoustic signals;
• a device for generating one or more first audio signals, said one or more first audio signals for driving said plurality of speakers;
• and
• a device for recording said pair of stereo signals to form said encoded stereo channel.