Using Virtual Surround Sound For Battle-Royale Gaming
One of the easiest steps to make your current gaming rig even more powerful is to introduce virtual surround sound to your setup. With the right software and hardware, you can hear footsteps more accurately, place close-range and far-range shots, and even hear through walls. But there’s a lot of information out there. So let us demystify a few things for your about virtual surround sound so you can just keep gaming.
Understanding Virtual Surround Vs. Stereo
Possibly due to rising costs of home surround-sound systems, or the growing cultural shift to headphones, many gamers are now focused on virtual surround sound. Virtual surround sound is essentially an audio system that attempts to create the perception that there are many more sources of sound than are actually present. Stereo, on the other hand, only presents the perception of two sources of sound. You can get virtual surround sound through drivers, specialized headphones, or virtual surround sound apps that unlock the 5.1 or 7.1 in-game soundtracks. Want to learn more about virtual surround sound vs. stereo? Check this article out here, where we do an in-depth dive of the two.
But is Virtual Surround “Fake”?
Though virtual surround sound might not be true surround sound, the benefits are very real. Many audio software engineers have been working hard on simulating a surround sound experience on limited hardware, like stereo headphones. While normal stereo headphones will use volume to help you determine where a sound is coming from, virtual surround sound takes it even further. Fractional delays, processing tricks, and volume variations all trick your brain into thinking it’s hearing sound from more than two directions simultaneously. Still curious about how it all works? Go check out our in-depth article on virtual surround sound for headphones.
So What Virtual Surround Apps Do I Need?
There are countless virtual surround sound apps out there. It can be daunting to try to figure out which program might work best for you and at what price range, so make sure to do your research. For a seasoned gamer or someone starting new, the best option is generally one that is cost-effective, works with your current setup, and has features that you will use. You might find that virtual surround doesn’t work for your current setup, and that’s OK! In fact, while helpful in some specific cases, extra features can confuse users or cause excess CPU usage on your machine. Here’s a tip, though. We did the research so you don’t have to. Learn more about virtual surround apps here.
Do I Need Headphones for Virtual Surround?
The short answer: yes. The long answer: make the tech work for you, not the other way around. Just like with your Virtual Surround Sound apps, you’re going to do a little research to make sure you’re getting exactly what your setup needs. There are even some programs that allow you to use the headphones you already own to experience crystal-clear virtual surround sound. We looked into some of the top-rated surround sound headphones, and put them all in a list for you to check out here.
Fixing Your In-Game Settings FTW
If not configured properly, even your in-game sound can become an enemy. It’s no surprise that when you’re in the heat of the battle, you need to know exactly where your enemies might be sneaking up on you. We scoured the internet for tips and tricks for audio settings in Apex Legends, and we’re happy to dish out some of the internet’s best advice on making sure your settings are up-to-par. Check it out here.
As with anything, it’s best if you do as much research as possible before diving into buying something for your setup. If you’re like us, you want to seize every advantage you can when you’re duking it out with other players online. Whether it’s Fortnite, PUBG, or Apex Legends, even a small tweak to your gaming setup can make all the difference between a killscreen and sweet victory.
