Two-Channel Stereo

TLDR: Stereophonic sound, or stereo as it is usually called, refers to any system of recording or sound transmission using multiple microphones and loudspeakers that are placed in a geometrical array corresponding to the microphone array.

Abstract: Stereophonic sound, or stereo as it is usually called, refers to any system of recording or sound transmission using multiple microphones and loudspeakers. Signals picked up by the microphones are routed to loudspeakers that are placed in a geometrical array corresponding to the microphone array. In this manner, many of the spatial aspects of the recording environment are preserved, and the listener can perceive, more or less accurately, the spatial perspective of the original performance in its acoustical surroundings. Stereo need not be limited to two channels. Motion picture systems have included upwards of six channels. For home use, however, stereo is presently limited to two transmission channels.