A surround sound system is not affordable for every sound enthusiast. Instead of using a true surround sound system, many prefer to use virtual surround sound which is cost effective.
For those who don’t know about what is virtual surround sound and how it works, this article is for them.
Can a virtual surround sound replace surround sound?
I don’t think so, but it’s a close call to differentiate while using 7.1 surround sound headphones.
What is virtual surround sound: let’s dive into it.
Virtual surround sound is an audio technology that attempts to create the same environment like there are multiple sound sources present.
In other ways, Virtual surround sound systems use algorithms to simulate the effect of sound coming from different directions. This technique creates the perception that sounds from various directions, including behind and above the listener.
You can still experience the surround sound using two stereo speakers and headphones without multiple surround sound speakers.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and DTS are known technologies that are used to manipulate audio signals in real time to create the illusion of surround sound.
Virtual surround sound is used in surround headphones and soundbars. As a gamer, you can use surround sound-enabled headphones.
How Virtual Surround Sound Works?
The working process of virtual surround sound looks simple but it’s not. Few virtual surround sound software make it easy.
By analyzing spatial cues and applying techniques like HRTF filtering, it creates the illusion that sound coming from different directions.
This process works for both stereo devices like headphones and 2-speaker systems.
Virtual surround sound actually tricks the brain that a particular sound is coming from a specific direction. However, it does not work perfectly like surround sound systems but it improves from time to time.
Virtual surround sound vs True surround sound
Both surround sound have their advantages and disadvantages, chosen according to the use cases. In a few cases, virtual surround sound might better option than true surround sound.
This considerable things can help you to choose one of them:
1. Technology:
- Virtual: Virtual surround sound uses DSP technology to simulate the effect of multi-channel surround sound. You can’t play virtual surround sound without software involvement.
- True: Strategically placing multiple surround speakers around the listener to create a surround sound.
2. Cost-effective:
- Virtual: A stereo speakers setup needs only 2 speakers, which will cost you less than a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system. On average $100 to $300 will be enough for it.
- True: A good quality 5.1 or 7.2 surround sound set will cost you $500 to $10000. Want to build budget budget-friendly setup, then choosing a stereo speaker will be the best option.
3. Accuracy:
- Virtual: It may be able to create a convincing illusion of surround sound, but not match the accuracy and precision of true surround sound. But the good thing is, this technology updates itself.
- True: A true surround sound system known for its pinpoint directional sound which feels like you’re in a live action. When it comes to sound quality, true is always preferable.
4. Space Requirements:
- Virtual: A stereo sound system contains only two speakers, which will consume less space in your living room or theater. As a virtual surround headphone user, you can skip this point.
- True: A true surround sound requires a minimum of 5 channels to perform, which means you need a 5.1 and more speakers sound system. So obviously it will take more space.
5. Speaker placement:
- Virtual: An ideal position for two speakers is in front of the seating area or two sides of your TV. If you have a soundbar, place it under the TV.
- True: Placement of the surround sound speakers always plays a crucial role in producing true surround sound quality.
Following this article you can identify where to place surround sound speakers.
6. Installation and scalability:
- Virtual: Installation cost of a virtual sound system like stereo speakers is much easier. You don’t need to hire professionals.
- True: Installation of a true surround sound system may cost you a couple of hundred dollars. If you want to install in-wall surround sound speakers, the cost will go up. You can add more surround speakers to the existing surround sound system.
7. Versatility:
- Virtual: Virtual surround sound can be experienced through stereo speakers, headphones, or soundbars.
- True: Using surround speakers is the only option to produce true surround sound.
What is virtual surround sound headphones?
It is a headphone equipped with technology that simulates the effect of multi-channel surround sound. A 7.2 surround headphones can produce immersive sound quality.
Virtual surround sound headphones are popular in the video gaming field. They love to use surround headphones to play action and open-world games. All headphones that claim to provide surround sound are actually virtual surround sound headphones.
A virtual surround sound-enabled headphone can help you pinpoint the direction of gunfire, explosions, running cars, and other environmental cues.
However, as a gamer, surround sound headphones are not the first choice, in a competitive scenario. Â
Playing an action game with surround sounds feels like you’re in a live-action. Playing video games like NBA 2K21 with Surround sound can replicate the atmosphere of real NBA games.
Can You Add Virtual Surround Sound to Any Headphones?
Yes, you can add virtual surround sound to any standard headphones.
Using the head-related transfer function (HRTF) any headphone can play surround sound, it just tricks your brain into filling in sound that comes from different sound sources.
If you have stereo-type headphones, the following ways can help you to enjoy virtual surround quality:
- Using Software: Many software available that are capable of producing virtual surround sound. This software basically processes the sound through algorithms. As an example, we can see Razer Sound, Windows Sonic, etc.
- Gaming Amplifiers: A few gaming amplifiers also process virtual surround sound. Using gaming amplifiers you can convert your stereo headphones to virtual surround headphones.
- Using platforms: Many gaming consoles and platforms like PlayStation and Xbox have settings for virtual surround sound. Having this device can allow you to play surround sound with stereo headphones.
This method is not as accurate as true surround sound, but you can use it for watching movies or open-world games.
Consider before having a virtual surround sound system
Virtual surround sound is not a big thing now. You can enjoy virtual sound using existing stereo speakers. Only using software or amplifier kits can convert your stereo speaker to a virtual surround sound system.Â
There are a few points to keep in mind if you are looking for a virtual surround-sound system:
- Room size: Virtual surround sound works more efficiently in the living room. If you have irregularly shaped walls, it may not work like you want. For an open wall or large room, a stereo sound is preferable.
- Include Subwoofer: Many stereo sound system comes without a subwoofer. For better sound quality, choose a 2.1 system including a subwoofer.
- Cost Effective: A surround sound system may cost you $1000+. If you have budget for the sound system lower than $500, choose a pair of stereo speakers.
- Options: You have two options, one is a pair of speakers and the other is a soundbar. Soundbars are becoming more popular and their slim attractive looks can improve your room decoration. As a gamer, there are many surround sound headphones available.
If I have a budget of $500 to $700, I would like to wait for a few months and add a few more couple of hundred dollars to buy a true surround sound system.
Final Word:
Virtual surround sound is a technical process that tricks your mind into simulating the effect of sound coming from different directions. Although virtual and true surround sound is becoming closer in terms of sound quality, we need to wait for more accuracy.
Who doesn’t know about what is virtual surround sound and how it works; we covered all the things related to this topic. We’d like to hear more related questions from you.
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.
