Having high-end equipment like the latest generation console, HD TV or monitor, or stable internet connection is crucial in gaming.
Investing in a vibrant sound system becomes another necessity for every serious gamer. Most modern games like Alien Isolation, the recent battlefields, The Witchers 3, Dead Space, and the current battlefields are scored with SFX, music, and voice acting.
To enjoy this kind of gaming experience, a decent set of headphones will not be adequate. Gamers will require a surround sound setup that will help them enhance their gaming performance.
Are you not aware of how surround sound will benefit your gaming performance? Are you wondering what will be the best audio setup for gaming?
If yes, then read the article to get answers to all our questions related to surrounding sound!
Virtual Surround Sound Versus True Surround Sound.
Virtual surround sound and true surround sound are not the same and are two different sound systems. Virtual surround sound typically includes stereo headphones and soundbars to create the delusion of surround sound. The virtual surround sound headphones consist of two separate speakers.
The stereo headphones that we regularly use provide variation in sound magnitude, but the virtual sound headphones take it a little further. The external or internal pre or mix apps in these virtual models convert the surround sound or stereo signals.
The sound enters your ear actually only from one speaker. It is modified to make it seem like it originated from many sources.
It utilizes various audio tricks like volume changes, slight delays, and the shape of your ear to make your brain think that you hear the sound from more than one direction at a time. Typically, these virtual headphones redirect sound from the speaker, which hits the outer ear edges, and instead of directly moving in the ear, it rolls in for some time.
The primary benefit of virtual surround sound is that it is not pricey. They are much more common, effective, affordable, and make the brain happy.
What is True Surround Sound?
True surround sound is similar to a home theater system, where you have numerous physical speakers in various locations for audio from those angles. It consists of multiple speaker drivers, each on one side, located around the ear in a way that reflects the optimal location for each channel’s speaker.
True surround sound is similar to a home theater system, where you have numerous physical speakers in various locations for audio from those angles. It consists of multiple speaker drivers, each on one side, located around the ear in a way that reflects the optimal location for each channel’s speaker.
Now that we have understood what surround sound is and its different types, let us see the best audio setups for games.
What is the Best Audio Setup for Gaming?
The best audio setup for gaming differs from one person to person. It varies with what type of games you want to play, your budget, and the space available around you while playing. Gamers may choose between the best three audio setups currently available: headphones, home theatres, and soundbars.
Stereo Headphones and Headsets
Gaming audio is crucial for playing at your finest. Stereo headphones and headsets are the most popular and preferable audio options for games that heavily rely on audio.
In these headphones, the sound is much closer to your ears, the headset muffs cancel out the external noises, making the sound more audible and letting the players focus on the game.
It is compatible with every type of game, be it in single-player mode, multiplayer mode, or online Esports competitions. Stereo headphones offer two drivers, excellent audio quality, and are reasonably affordable.
Home theaters
Home theatres would deliver the most pleasing audio experience if you really want to indulge in the game. It offers the finest audio quality and immensely enhances your gaming experience.
In this type of audio setup, multiple speakers are set up in various locations in a room. It is compatible with single-player or casual games that do not require precise navigation.
The major setback is that it requires a lot of money, more space, and a tiresome installation procedure.
Soundbars
If you are a dedicated gamer or want to experience the actual cinematic experience of the game, soundbars are not at all made for you! Soundbars are a type of portable speaker that offers an improvement over your Tv speakers.
The drawback with soundbars is that the sound comes only from a single direction and has a negligible effect on players.
It has a few benefits like it is portable, tends to be easy to set up,pocket-friendly, and more flexible. It is a good option for people who do not want to buy an expensive audio setup and are contented in playing games using decent stereo sound.
Is Surround Sound Actually Better Than Soundbars For Gaming?
Yes, surround sound is a far better option when compared to soundbars if you are a dedicated gamer. Soundbars can be a good option if you do not want to get totally immersed in a game.
However, surround sound is the most suitable option for a professional gamer as it makes the entire gaming more engaging and immersive. It eliminates all the distractions and lets you focus on your game.
Apart from enhancing the cinematic experience, it also readily helps detect where other players are located.