Skip to main content
Answered

Arc has only 5 audio channels according to Sonos?

  • June 22, 2020
  • 5 replies
  • 1484 views
E
Forum|alt.badge.img+5
  • ekwok
  • Prominent Collaborator I

In the webpage https://www.sonos.com/support/en-us/sonos-user-guide/index.html#t=sonos-user-guide%2Farc%2Farc.htm , it states that:

 

  • Arc’s advanced processing creates five phased-array channels that deliver sound to your ears from all directions.

What are those five channels? Where do the height channels fit in there?

Best answer by Ryan S

Hi @ekwok, I remember seeing this in another thread too.  Those five channels are the front right, front left, center, rear right, and rear left. Those are the phased-array channels designed to bounce sound around the room. The height channels aren’t listed on that bullet point because they’re not phased in the same manner. The Arc on its own is considered to simulate 5.0.2 audio, when you add a Sub, it hits 5.1.2. And if you add surround speakers, it’s still considered 5.1.2. The side firing speakers that were being used for the rear simulation, will adjust to help out the rest of the audio instead, not add additional channels.

I see how it can be unclear, and will mention it to the team. If you’re wondering “how many channels of audio does the Arc produce” than the answer is “7”.

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

    5 replies

    F
    • Felion
    • Lyricist II
    • June 22, 2020

    They would fit in at 5.1. 2

    E
    Forum|alt.badge.img+5
    • ekwok
    • Author
    • Prominent Collaborator I
    • June 23, 2020

    They would fit in at 5.1. 2

    Arc itself is 5.0.2, then there should be 7 channels, shouldn’t it? 

     

    But in the user guide, it states “Arc’s advanced processing creates five phased-array channels”. That is what I am wondering about.

    Ryan S
    Forum|alt.badge.img+26
    • Ryan S
    • Retired Sonos Staff
    • Answer
    • June 23, 2020

    Hi @ekwok, I remember seeing this in another thread too.  Those five channels are the front right, front left, center, rear right, and rear left. Those are the phased-array channels designed to bounce sound around the room. The height channels aren’t listed on that bullet point because they’re not phased in the same manner. The Arc on its own is considered to simulate 5.0.2 audio, when you add a Sub, it hits 5.1.2. And if you add surround speakers, it’s still considered 5.1.2. The side firing speakers that were being used for the rear simulation, will adjust to help out the rest of the audio instead, not add additional channels.

    I see how it can be unclear, and will mention it to the team. If you’re wondering “how many channels of audio does the Arc produce” than the answer is “7”.

    Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
    E
    Forum|alt.badge.img+5
    • ekwok
    • Author
    • Prominent Collaborator I
    • June 23, 2020

    Ryan S,

     

    Great!! That is the answer I was looking for exactly!

    You explained it very clear. There is a reviewer who insists that the up firing speakers simulate the Rear left and right channels.

     

    Cheers

    Ryan S
    Forum|alt.badge.img+26
    • Ryan S
    • Retired Sonos Staff
    • June 23, 2020

    If that Arc isn’t getting Atmos content, the up-firing speakers help a little with the surrounds, but I believe they mostly would be helping with the bass in that situation.

    Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
    Terms & ConditionsCookie settingsAccessibility statement