A 7.1 surround sound system consists of eight channels:

Download a 7.1 channel check file (MP4, MKV, or FLAC) from a reliable source (see Part 5). Play the test tone:

Playing a tone through each speaker sequentially to verify correct wiring and orientation.

Ensure your AV Receiver (AVR) is set to a "Direct," "Pure Direct," or "Standard" Dolby Surround mode. Turn off "Virtual Surround" or "Neural:X" up-mixers initially—you want discrete channel testing.