Who doesn’t want to enjoy 3d audio using a stereo sound system or headphones?
But many users don’t know what it is and how does 3d audio works with stereo speakers and headphones.
A 3D audio technology can fulfill the sound quality requirement for enjoying movies and high-end gaming. Through this article, we’ll discuss the working process and facts about it.
It’s a technology that creates the illusion that sound comes from every direction. In short, it tricks your brain. Many listeners are confused about 3d audio and surround sound. However, both can produce immersive audio.
What is 3D audio technology?
It’s a revolutionary audio processing technique that creates a three-dimensional sound field around the listener. 3D audio has a very long history, but now it works with the latest audio technologies.
This technology will work for both stereo speakers and standard headphones. As a PS5 user Pulse 3D headphones would be the first choice for you. Not only because of sound quality, it has a slim design and is a budget-friendly product.
how does 3d audio work in every scenario?
As I told you, 3D audio creates the illusion through audio technology that tricks you and feels like sound comes from different angles. But the question is, how does it work so precisely with speakers and headsets?
While stereo speakers are mostly used for watching movies, headphones are used for high-end gaming. Now explore how both systems work:
3d audio works on Stereo Speakers:
3D audio in a pair of stereo speakers uses various techniques to create sound effects that come from different directions. A traditional stereo setup has two speakers, generally, it is placed on the left and right side of your TV.
- 3d sound technology adjusts the volume and timing of the audio signal sent to each speaker to create the illusion of sound coming from different angles of your seating areas.
- HRTF is a mathematical model that can help to create a 3d sound effect. This is a technology that is also used in surround sound. It also tracks your ear to experience sounds like this.
- Using software like Boom 3D can help you to experience 3D audio. But, with only two speakers you may not experience pinpoint sound accuracy.
- Few smart TVs and sound systems come with the 3D sound option. 3d sound may work better on a soundbar than two stereo speakers. The soundbar has the capability to play 3d and surround sounds. Â
3d audio works on Headphones:
While few headphones have the built-in feature of 3d audio, few use amplifiers or 3rd party-kits. Let’s dive into it, to learn how every method works:
- HRTF is an audio technology that uses a mathematical algorithm to create multiple sound sources. This technology measures your ear, head, and ear canal properties to work efficiently. This commonly used technology for all directional sounds like 3D audio, surround sound, 360 reality audio, etc.
- Interaural time differences (ITD) and interaural level differences (ILD) are the spatial cues that help to create the illusion of 3d audio on headphones.
- As a PS5 user, use Tempest 3D audio-enabled headphones. It has an inbuilt feature to create 3d audio.
- There are many software available that can create 3d sound effects virtually. Every software uses different presets to achieve sound quality like this.
How do I know if my headphones have 3d audio?
To know whether your headphones support 3d audio depends on multiple things. Here we listed a few legit ways to know if your headset surrounds 3d audio:
1. Product Specification: Check the product specifications provided by the seller or manufacturer. Mostly check the product package box, if this premium feature is available it must be highlighted there.
2. Search online: Having standard-quality headphones means the details available online. You need to search with the exact model number and check if there are any mentions regarding 3d sound.
3. Audio Technologies: If you see any audio technology like virtual surround sound, Dolby Atmos, DTS, or other spatial audio options means that the device supports 3d audio.
4. User Manuals or Guides: Most of the standard headphone companies provide user manuals. Check carefully if anywhere mentions about 3d sound or supported technologies.
5. Settings: If your high-end headphone comes with additional applications, check if there is any setting to enable 3d audio. For example, Razer headphones come with Razer surround software.
6. Contact Manufacturer: At last, I suggest you contact the manufacturer and ask them about 3d sound. Also, you can contact the seller whom you buy from.
If you still need to know if your headset supports 3d audio or not, play any 3d enabled game and check if it works well. Except few headphone companies, most of the standard stereo-quality headphones can play 3d audio. Sound quality enhancement software and kits play a crucial role in generating 3-dimensional sound quality.
Alternatives of 3D audio:
In the field of sound quality, there are dozens of alternatives available. But we listed a few closest ones, that can produce the same or higher sound quality.
1. Surround Sound: Surround sound technology is the closest to 3D audio. A surround sound system may cost you thousands of dollars, but virtual surround sound is capable of playing with stereo speakers. Also, many surround sound headphones are available for gamers. Using proper surround sound can give you immersive audio quality, that feels like you’re in the live action.
2. 360 Reality Audio: 360 Reality Audio from Sony also sounds like 3d audio. It uses the latest sound technology that feels like sound comes from every corner. I would like to choose 360 reality audio rather than 3d audio.
3. Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos is one of the most used sound technology in modern TV and gaming consoles. You can play Dolby atmos using stereo speakers, soundbars, and home theaters. I also using it for a long time and it never disappoints me.
Here we discussed those sound technologies that I used or listened to somewhere. There are new audio technologies evolve every year, and it’s difficult to experience all of them.
Final Word:
Using the latest audio technology 3D audio creates the illusion that tricks your ear and feels like the sound comes from different sources. You can play 3d audio through stereo speakers and headsets. You may need software or aditional kits to work properly. Few sound sources already have settings to play it and inbuilt headphones may work automatically.
If you still have any questions regarding how does 3d audio works with stereo speakers and headphones, comment below. You can follow the user manuals to work them more efficiently with a PC or any sound source.
I’m sourav, a music lover and sound enthusiast. After experiencing multiple sound qualities, I thought many people searching regarding this topic, but there is not enough detailed information on it. That’s the main reason why I created this blog.
