Endpoint Mixing® (EM) Speaker Placement Guideline
- Moses Wai-Ming Wong
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Introduction
Endpoint Mixing® (EM) is a groundbreaking audio technology developed by SIREMIX GmbH, designed to redefine the way we experience sound. By leveraging a unique speaker placement methodology, EM optimizes spatial audio reproduction, creating an immersive and natural listening environment that surpasses traditional stereo or surround sound setups.
Unlike conventional speaker placement strategies, EM introduces a structured approach to arranging speakers, ensuring precise sound staging, depth, and clarity. This guideline covers the three primary speaker placement configurations used in Endpoint Mixing®:
Tiered Placement: A vertical separation where the front layer and back layer are positioned at different heights to enhance spatial depth and imaging.
Flared Placement: A horizontally separated configuration where both layers share the same height but are angled differently to widen the soundstage.
Flipped Placement: A unique approach where the back speakers are directed towards the wall, utilizing reflections to create a more diffused and enveloping sound field.
Each of these configurations has been meticulously designed to maximize the potential of EM technology, providing listeners with an unparalleled auditory experience. The following sections will detail each placement type in the context of recommended use-case scenarios to help you achieve the best results with Endpoint Mixing®.
* Please refer to the attached images for a visual representation of each placement type.
Part A. Speaker Placement in a Room-Scale Environment
A.1 Tiered Speaker Placement in a Room-Scale Environment - Lowered Back Speaker
Unlike traditional stereo setups, Endpoint Mixing® (EM) uses a multi-layered speaker arrangement for natural acoustic summation, enhancing depth and realism with minimal room treatment. The front layer is positioned at ear level for clarity, while the back layer is lower to expand depth. The ideal listening spot is at the center of the room, but excellent sound quality extends to nearby positions to the left and right. Using the back layer as a reference, the front layer should be 30% forward, although this can be adjusted between 10% and 40% depending on your room acoustics. While our EM technology ensures excellent sound in untreated spaces, strategic enhancements to room acoustics can further optimize the experience. SIREMIX’s patented Endpoint Mixing® redefines sound quality, delivering a perfectly balanced, deeply immersive, and lifelike listening experience.
A.2 Tiered Speaker Placement in a Room-Scale Environment - Raised Back Speaker
This configuration is designed to accommodate specific environments. Instead of lowering the back speakers, they are raised to suit settings where wall-mounting is preferred or where a more spacious environment use of speaker stands is more desirable. This setup enhances sound dispersion and ensures optimal audio performance in larger or more open spaces.
Part B. Speaker Placement for Desktop Spaces
B.1 Tiered Speaker Placement for Desktop Space - Raised Back Speaker
Endpoint Mixing® (EM) enhances nearfield listening, creating a precise and immersive soundstage for desktop setups. The tiered speaker arrangement ensures that direct and reflected sound waves blend seamlessly, enhancing depth and spatial accuracy. Desk reflections with the front speakers may reduce clarity, but using speaker stands or tilting them upward minimizes interference and enhances imaging. The primary listening position is centered at the desk, with excellent sound quality extending across the workspace. Positioning the front layer 30% forward relative to the back layer ensures optimal depth, with flexibility for desk size and acoustics. While EM technology delivers exceptional sound in untreated spaces, simple acoustic refinements can further enhance the experience.
B.2 Flared Speaker Placement for Desktop Space
The flared speaker placement method arranges the front and back speakers horizontally rather than vertically. This setup allows for simple positioning without needing elevation devices such as stands. However, it requires a wider frontal arrangement, which results in a slightly larger spatial footprint for the overall setup. This configuration is ideal for desktop spaces where maintaining an expansive yet balanced soundstage is a priority.
Part C. Others
C.1 Flipped Speaker Placement
The Flip Speaker Placement method is designed for compact setups where space optimization is a priority. Unlike traditional speaker arrangements, this configuration relies on reflective surfaces to create the back layer of sound. The back speakers are positioned facing the wall to generate indirect sound reflections.
Configurations:
Frontal Speakers: The front speakers should be positioned at ear level in a standard left-right arrangement, with a slight inward rotation towards the listening position to enhance clarity.
Backend Speakers: The back speakers are placed at ear level, aligning with the front speakers but facing towards the wall. These should also have a slight inward rotation in a flipped manner towards the audience to improve overall audio balance and reduce excessive sound bouncing between the back wall.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Minimizes space requirements, making it ideal for compact listening environments.
Cons:
Expert audition tests indicate that this method results in reduced clarity, particularly in the mid-low frequency range.
Requires precise tuning with the front and back speaker angles to mitigate sound loss and unwanted reflections.
While Flip Speaker Placement offers a practical solution for tight spaces, its overall performance is inferior compared to other configurations. To get optimal results, users should consider alternative setups, such as tiered or flared placements, to achieve superior audio fidelity.
C.2 Other Use Cases
For vehicle use, e.g. car, boat, flared speaker placement is generally recommended.
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