Sound Test 5.1 featured in Tyneside Cinema’s film programme from February to April, 2014. It was produced in 5.1 surround sound with both stereoscopic 3-D and 2-D versions. The film was commissioned by Pixel Palace for Tyneside Cinema.

The motion graphics were designed to mirror the way the audio moves through the space in three dimensions. Under the guise of a sound test the work explores the mechanics of the 5.1 surround sound system, temporarily breaking the spell of the surround-sound illusion to draw the audience's attention to the location of the speakers within the cinema environment. Typical tests check the volume, frequency range and position of each speaker plus any synchronisation or phasing issues between them. The film is a playful riff on more functional speaker tests used by cinema projectionists to check that the sound system is operating correctly. For several months the film was surreptitiously inserted into the cinema programme, playing, unannounced, before all main features. A site-specific cinematic artwork designed especially for Tyneside Cinema’s auditoria. You can also click “Next” and go through the wizard to tell Windows which speakers you don’t have connected, if necessary.Sound Test 5.1 is a short sound film produced in collaboration with visual effects artist, Loday Gonpo.

Then close “Sound” properties, and you’ll be on your way. This can help you figure out if your speakers are positioned correctly.Īfter that, you’re free to hit “Cancel” or close the window with the “X” button in the corner. When you click a speaker, a chime will play through that specific speaker. If you’d like to test individual speakers, click on them in the diagram located in the right side of the window. If you want to stop the testing process, click the “Test” button again, which will read “Stop” while the chimes are playing. As each speaker plays, it will be highlighted in the diagram.

You’ll hear a test chime played one at a time through all of the speakers in the configuration. Next, click the “Test” button just below the channels list. For example, if you have 7.1 surround sound hooked up and want to test that, select “7.1 Surround.” In the list of audio channels, select the configuration you’d like to test.

Dolby 5.1 surround test