Need help comparing virtual surround sound processed by headset VS processed by PC

[mckenziepiping]

My interest is solely gaming/movies.

I am torn between two options:

1. Purchase a virtual surround sound headset

2. Purchase a stereo headset and use a utility such as Sound Blaster Cinema or Razer Surround 7.1 to generate the virtual surround sound to be played by the stereo headset

I've never actually had the chance to don a surround sound headset. I have, however, experimented with option 2 and I've found that stereo headsets receiving a virtual surround signal will convey fairly decent positional accuracy except for when the sound is 180 degrees behind you, in which case it ends up sounding like it's right in front of you.

Any thoughts?

 

[Sheninat0r]

What is a "virtual surround sound headset"? Are you talking about those headphones with multiple drivers inside each cup? If that's the case, definitely go with 2. and get yourself a decent pair of headphones instead of fake surround sound crap.

You'll get a much better experience with software-based surround if it's well implemented. Software approaches simulate the transmission of sound waves through and around the human head using a generic (i.e. works well enough for most people, but doesn't work perfectly for anyone) HRTF or head-related transfer function. That means that it simulates the miniscule timing delays and tonal changes that occur when you hear a real sound source from a distant position and the sound waves hit one ear first, which will be way more immersive and realistic than just blasting four/five tiny drivers right next to your ear (which obviously wouldn't account for the HRTF).

Also, fake surround headsets universally have terrible sound quality, and I cannot emphasize just how terrible it is. Yes, I do mean every single one. You would be better off with a pair of good, real headphones + good software instead of a gaming headset.

 

[BrightCandle]

Option 3 - Get a sound card with either CMSS (Creative) or Dolby Headphone (Asus Xonar or some other C-media card) and combine that with a decent quality pair of headphones.

Set Windows to 8 channels (7.1) and enable the surround sound effect and get surround sound in all the modern games. Some of them even do their own surround in their own software.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Option #2

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/surround-sound-headset-benchmark,3125-12.html

 

[mckenziepiping]

What is a "virtual surround sound headset"? Are you talking about those headphones with multiple drivers inside each cup? If that's the case, definitely go with 2. and get yourself a decent pair of headphones instead of fake surround sound crap.

You'll get a much better experience with software-based surround if it's well implemented. Software approaches simulate the transmission of sound waves through and around the human head using a generic (i.e. works well enough for most people, but doesn't work perfectly for anyone) HRTF or head-related transfer function. That means that it simulates the miniscule timing delays and tonal changes that occur when you hear a real sound source from a distant position and the sound waves hit one ear first, which will be way more immersive and realistic than just blasting four/five tiny drivers right next to your ear (which obviously wouldn't account for the HRTF).

Also, fake surround headsets universally have terrible sound quality, and I cannot emphasize just how terrible it is. Yes, I do mean every single one. You would be better off with a pair of good, real headphones + good software instead of a gaming headset.

Virtual surround sound is 1 speak per ear with onboard HRTF processing. "True" surround sound is what you've described, which is a total gimmick.

 

[HeXen]

Of all the virtual surround options, CMSS has always seemed more precise in my experiements with BF3, Razers the least.

Option #2

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/surround-sound-headset-benchmark,3125-12.html

I disagree with their review of 3d tactic sigma. I have those and I have earbuds that do better.

 

[BrightCandle]

The head-fi guys do have quite a good guide to gaming sound in general. It goes over all the options and compares them and explains how they work. Its a long and worthwhile read.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the...-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound