What is time alignment?

Time alignment, also known as time delay, is a function used to adjust when the sound from different speakers reaches the listener.

In a car, you rarely sit midway between the speakers. As the driver, for example, you sit closer to the left door speaker than the right one, meaning sound from the left side reaches you slightly earlier.

Time alignment lets you delay sound from the speakers closest to the listener so that sound from the different speakers arrives more nearly at the same time.

What are the benefits of time alignment?

• Clearer soundstage: Voices and instruments can appear more accurately positioned.

• Better stereo imaging: The soundstage can appear more centred in front of the listener.

• Better interaction: The speakers can work together more effectively, even when they are at different distances.

• Improved bass reproduction: Correct time adjustment can improve the interaction between the subwoofer enclosure and other speakers.

How do you set up time alignment?
You usually measure the distance between the listening position and each speaker. You then enter the distances or corresponding time delays in the car stereo’s or DSP’s settings.

For the best possible result, the settings may need to be fine-tuned through listening and using measurement equipment.

Time alignment is available in many audio processors and also in some more advanced car stereos.