I was recently reading a magazine article about a new type of mp3 format called mp3 surround. Without going into too much detail, it basically re-encodes existing mp3 files into 5.1 surround sound automatically. Using mp3 SX program and the specifically created player, a user can listen to their newly created mp3 surround files using 5.1 speakers or standard headphones. With the click of a button, the player can emulate 5.1 surround sound in standard 2.1 speakers or headphones. I thought this was too good to be true and had to give it a go.
I encoded Earl's Court's Tie Your Mother Down into the new format and played it with standard headphones and was disappointed, after the article I read was full of praise.
I decided to upload these here for you to make up your own mind if you wish.
You need to download the special player:
ftp://ftp1.fraunhofer.de/institute/iis/amm/mp3surround/MP3sPlayer2.0.exe
To encode your own you need to download the converters:
ftp://ftp1.fraunhofer.de/institute/iis/amm/mp3sx/MP3SXConverterV1.1.0.exe
Rapidshare of Tie Your Mother Down: link
To play the file on standard stereo speakers whilst emulating surround click the headphones button in the player. The file will play in any mp3 player, without the 5.1 surround information.
I personally don't think it works too well, but see what you think. I would be particularly interested in your view if you actually have 5.1 speakers as I don't. Just thought I would share - read the article in Personal Computer World UK magazine.