AudioNode.channelInterpretation

The channelInterpretation property of the AudioNode interface represents an enumerated value describing how input channels are mapped to output channels when the number of inputs/outputs is different. For example, this setting defines how a mono input will be up-mixed to a stereo or 5.1 channel output, or how a quad channel input will be down-mixed to a stereo or mono output.

The property has two options: speakers and discrete. These are documented in Basic concepts behind Web Audio API > up-mixing and down-mixing.

Syntax

var oscillator = audioCtx.createOscillator();
oscillator.channelInterpretation = 'discrete';

Value

The values are documented in Basic concepts behind Web Audio API > up-mixing and down-mixing.

In summary:

speakers

Use set of "standard" mappings for combinations of common speaker input and outputs setups (mono, stereo, quad, 5.1). For example, with this setting a mono channel input will output to both channels of a stereo output.

discrete

Input channels are mapped to output channels in order. If there are more inputs that outputs the additional inputs are dropped; if there are fewer then the unused outputs are silent.

Example

var AudioContext = window.AudioContext || window.webkitAudioContext;

var audioCtx = new AudioContext();

var oscillator = audioCtx.createOscillator();
var gainNode = audioCtx.createGain();

oscillator.connect(gainNode);
gainNode.connect(audioCtx.destination);

oscillator.channelInterpretation = 'discrete';

Specifications

Browser compatibility

Desktop Mobile
Chrome Edge Firefox Internet Explorer Opera Safari WebView Android Chrome Android Firefox for Android Opera Android Safari on IOS Samsung Internet
channelInterpretation
14
12
25
No
15
6
≤37
18
25
14
6
1.0

See also

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Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/AudioNode/channelInterpretation