quadraphonic

American  

[kwod-ruh-fon-ik] / ˌkwɒd rəˈfɒn ɪk /

Also quadriphonic;

adjective

1. of, noting, or pertaining to the recording and reproduction of sound over four separate transmission or direct reproduction channels instead of the customary two of the stereo system.

   a quadraphonic recording.

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Etymology

Origin of quadraphonic

1965–70; quadra-, variant of quadri- + -phonic, as in stereophonic

Explanation

Anything quadraphonic involves four-channel audio — music or other sounds that are transmitted from four separate directions. Quadraphonic sound is obsolete today. Quadraphonic records and sound systems were briefly popular in the 1970s, and many musicians recorded albums especially for the four-channel system. Similar to some versions of "surround sound" today, quadraphonic sound involved four speakers arranged around the listening area, and music that was split into four different sections, or channels. It eventually failed because it was expensive and had various technical problems. Quadraphonic comes from the Latin quadri-, "four," and the Greek phone, "sound."

Example Sentences

Although the technology was not yet commercially viable, he recorded the songs in four channels, known as quadraphonic sound.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

The package, overseen by Yoko Ono, contains raw studio mixes, remastered quadraphonic mixes, demos, a documentary, a 120-page book and more.

From New York Times • Sep. 12, 2018

All he needs is the rhythm — in this case, voluminous quadraphonic sound set in four corners of an active room.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2018

In full effect, the quadraphonic sound in this cavernous space is a triumph of engineering, and a feast for the ears.

From The Guardian • Feb. 10, 2013

Her main task was to update Roget's often Victorian language, deleting some of the fustier phrases, adding or redefining 20,000 others, including, for example, Watergate, streaking, hype and quadraphonic sound.

From Time Magazine Archive