An apparatus for generating filter characteristics for filters connectible to at least three loudspeakers at defined locations with respect to a sound reproduction zone includes an impulse response reverser for time-reversing impulse responses associated to the loudspeakers to obtain time-reversed impulse responses. The apparatus furthermore includes an impulse response modifier for modifying the impulse responses or the time-reversed impulse responses such that impulse response portions occurring before a maximum of a time-reversed impulse response are reduced in amplitude to obtain the filter characteristics for the filters.