Define "imaging" and "soundstage"

[kvk]

These terms get thrown around a lot when describing speakers. From context, I kinda get what I think they may mean but wonder what the absolute definition is (if there is one, like everything else audio, I'm sure there's some debate).

So, how would you define each?

[bjorno]

Hi,

Look here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/recording...2/ch2_10.shtml

b

[BlueWizard]

Excellent explanation at the link given by Bjorno.

If you are a rock fan, think of sound stage as the 'wall of sound' effect you find with almost every modern band.

Within the 'Wall of Sound' you perceive the image (if you have a vivid imagination) of he bass player on the left, the lead guitar on the right, and the singer in the middle.

If the 'wall of sound' or sound stage is too fragmented or poorly realized, the music becomes lifeless, it loses its cohesion.

Now you could have a great 'wall of sound' but within that wall, the instruments or vocals are poorly defined, muddy, and unclear. Again this spoils the illusion.

I also like the Phantom location effect the author spoke of. I remember one example clearly where tubular bells seemed to float high above everything else, even though it was the drummer who was manipulating them. The sound appeared to come from an impossible location.

Just a few thoughts.

Steve/bluewizard

[pdan]

In other words; phantom words for phantom events; nothing at all to do with the reality of sound or music. Nothing to get hung about.


Cilla

[kvk]

Thanx, I think I get it. Soundstage is like the whole picture and imaging is the individual elements within the picture.