Which related audio creation process shares a conceptual ancestor with multi-room distribution through its requirement to manage discrete audio elements independently?

Multi-track recording

While multi-track recording is related to audio creation rather than consumption, it shares a fundamental conceptual link with multi-room distribution. Multi-track recording involves capturing different instruments or sounds onto separate, distinct tracks that must be managed independently before being combined during the final mixing phase. Similarly, multi-room audio involves managing discrete audio signals (different sources or zones) independently within the home before they are outputted to the respective speakers. Both processes rely on a deep understanding of managing and controlling multiple distinct signal channels concurrently.