31 Mar 11, 12:36AM
OpenAL handles virtual channels, it's the soundcard driver and the OS that actually do surround sound. In other words, it should be automatic if everything is set up properly (can't verify myself, stereo puritan that I am).
Jamz: proper 3D sound positioning essentially replicates the processes described, so in theory at least nothing stops an API from fully emulating the HRTF (head-related transfer function); in practice, such cleverness requires using headphones as normal loudspeakers can't fool us huashusahusahu
flowtron: only ever had experience with DirectSound at the lowest level (naturally heheheh); if I find the time, I will have a proper go at OpenAL - I read the docs several times and am not certain my preferred "channel virtualisation" approach would work on it, though it may well be that the intended functionality of it is available. Can't tell without a proper prototype testing.
Jamz: proper 3D sound positioning essentially replicates the processes described, so in theory at least nothing stops an API from fully emulating the HRTF (head-related transfer function); in practice, such cleverness requires using headphones as normal loudspeakers can't fool us huashusahusahu
flowtron: only ever had experience with DirectSound at the lowest level (naturally heheheh); if I find the time, I will have a proper go at OpenAL - I read the docs several times and am not certain my preferred "channel virtualisation" approach would work on it, though it may well be that the intended functionality of it is available. Can't tell without a proper prototype testing.