quadrophonic

Sound from everywhere

Quadrophonic describes a sound system using four audio channels, typically with speakers positioned at the four corners of a listening space.

The format emerged in the 1970s as an expansion beyond stereo's two channels, promising more immersive sound.

It never achieved widespread adoption and was largely superseded by later surround-sound formats.

Also spelled quadraphonic.

1970s

vinyl

Synthetic resin plastic

eight-trackMagnetic audio format, 1960s-70s
stereoTwo-channel audio system
prog-rockAmbitious, complex popular music

psychedelic · disco · funk · hi-fi · receiver · console · reel-to-reel · Genesis · audiophile

spatial

surround

Enclose on every side

immersionState of being submerged
envelopmentAct of surrounding completely
soundstageIndoor film production space

ambience · panoramic · multichannel · directionality · imaging · depth · width · presence · wraparound · atmospheric

technology

decoder

Device that unscrambles signals

matrixOrdered numerical arrangement
discreteIndividually separate, unconnected
encoderFormat conversion component

panning · separation · localization · phase · carrier · demodulator · cartridge · stylus · compatible · downmix

equipment

amplifier

Signal-strengthening electronic device

receiverOne who accepts transmission
turntableRotating music player
speakersAudio output devices

headphones · reel-to-reel · cassette · cartridge · stylus · console · rack · wiring · preamp · cabinet

Opposites

number of audio channels

quadrophonicmonophonic

Having one voice

mono · monaural · stereophonic · stereo · binaural

Family

phone, symphonic, quadrangle, phonograph, quadruped, quadratic, phonics, quadraphonic

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G