Virtual surround sound 5.1/7.1

[El Metronome]

I would like to ask how I can get virtual 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound with my ordinary audiophile (non-gaming) headphones. Mainly for movies with 7.1 audio and FPS games for the positional cues. It should not be a problem since its mostly a software thing? Or am I wrong on that.

Would I need to get any dedicated sound card, or specific surround sound card? Or onboard will do fine? My guess is onboard audio also can support the 7.1 sound, but having a dedicated sound card will have better sound since they are using better DACs and amps?

 

[shadow84]

If your headset cant support 7.1, then no point... Cant hear the full experience of 7.1... At most, bits of it here and there nia.

 

[hengheng220]

If your mobo supports 7.1 and your headset also supports then its possible. From what I know, its is not completely software thing. The hardware also got their limitations

 

[Kairos]

Dear TS,

As far as I know, headphones/headsets are stereo.
True 5.1/7.1 are only possible if you use 5.1/7.1 speakers.
So, surround sound on headphone/headsets is virtual??!!

You can try Razer Surround Personalized 7.1 Gaming Audio Software if you wish.

 

[mav3rick]

the video speaks for itself...

 

[Maverick_83]

the video speaks for itself...

The Sound sent tingles down my spine man.... thanks for the share! Believe that the Cetera algorithm is being used for much of Virtual Sound software tech.

 

[royfrosty]

Virtual surrounds - Mimics a form of sounds that comes from different directions by producing a delay in certain sounds and reflects back to the user ears.

True surrounds - comes from individual speakers that is placed in an omni sphere shape in order to produce the surround sound that is encoded by the source. Each have its own discrete encoded signals for each speakers. And using an decoder such as an AV receiver to send out the sound to the proper channel speakers.

A virtual surround headset capable is something that the it has speakers that are placed in a way to make reflex sounds to bounce back to your ears. It gives you "surround" that you are suppose to hear. Such stuffs can be found from sound bars. Sound bars have speakers placed and tilt at a different angle in order to make sound travels at different directions and bounces back to the users ears to create a virtual surround.

On the other hand you could use a virtual surround software to produce virtual surround on any ordinary headphones. Such softwares delays the sound that is supposed to be played and also increases/decreases certain part of the volume that travels and that creates a virture surround feel. Such as amd surround gpu. But however this types of surround is not as good as special angled speakers and true surround.

Lastly, sound cards. You can use a soundcard that supports 5.1/7.1 audio output. You will need to connect a multimedia speakers using normal 3.5mm jacks connected to soundcard. This will give you true surround sound when you place your speakers in a omni direction.