azimuth
Definition
The azimuth property is used to give the impression that a sound is coming from a specific direction. This property more naturally reflects the way that we hear sound, especially in group situations where voices come from several directions at the same time. The listening experience is enhanced when azimuth is used in conjunction with elevation. Whereas azimuth identifies the horizontal direction that sound comes from (as shown in the illustration below), elevation provides a sense of vertical direction. The two together create a more 3-dimensional listening experience.
To get the effects of the azimuth and elevation properties, special audio equipment may be required, such as binaural headphones or multi-speaker setups.
Example
h1 {azimuth: 30deg}td.a {azimuth: far-right}#12 {azimuth: behind far-right}p.comment {azimuth: behind}
Characteristics
Possible values
- angle
- Position is described in terms of an angle within the range
-360deg to 360deg. The value 0deg is directly ahead of the individual, in the center of the sound stage. 90deg is directly to the individual's right, 180deg is directly behind him, and 270deg (or, equivalently and more conveniently, -90deg) directly to his left. left-side- This value is equivalent to
270deg. far-left- This value is equivalent to
300deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 240deg. left- This value is equivalent to
320deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 220deg. center-left- This value is equivalent to
340deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 200deg. center- This value is equivalent to
0deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 180deg. center-right- This value is equivalent to
20deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 160deg. right- This value is equivalent to
40deg. When used with the keyword behind, this value is equivalent to 140deg. far-right- This value is equivalent to
60deg. When used with behind, this value is equivalent to 120deg. right-side- This value is equivalent to
90deg. leftwards- Moves the sound to the left, relative to the current angle. More precisely, subtracts 20 degrees. Arithmetic is carried out modulo 360 degrees. Note that
leftwards is more accurately described as "turned counter-clockwise," since it always subtracts 20 degrees counter-clockwise, even if the inherited azimuth is already behind the listener (in which case, as a consequence of leftwards, the sound actually appears to move to the right). rightwards- Moves the sound to the right, relative to the current angle. More precisely, adds 20 degrees. Arithmetic is carried out modulo 360 degrees. Note that
rightwards is more accurately described as "turned clockwise," since it always adds 20 degrees clockwise, even if the inherited azimuth is already behind the listener (in which case, as a consequence of rightwards, the sound actually appears to move to the left). inherit- Use the same computed value as the parent element for this property.
Default value
center
Applies to
Inherited
Yes
See also