Multi-channel spatial audio over stereo audio devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method for processing a multichannel audio signal for playback over a stereo audio device through an operating system. The method includes receiving the multichannel audio signal containing spatial audio information representing sound positioning in three-dimensional space. A monitoring service monitors an audio format request for a number of channels issued by an audio engine to virtual audio processing components or an audio driver. The monitoring service returns an audio format response to the audio engine in place of a response from the audio driver, indicating that the number of supported channels is greater than eight. The multichannel audio signal is processed by virtual audio processing components to generate a processed multichannel audio signal for stereo audio device playback. The processed multichannel audio signal is then output for playback over the stereo audio device.

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