Audio (Headphones, 2.0 vs Spatial 3D)

[jacanuck]

Can someone explain the technical differences between having the game render a sound somewhere in space and mapping it to 2.0 channel to my 2.0 channel headphones (hint all headphones with 2 drivers are 2.0 regardless of what the advertisement for yours said) and using 3D spatial sound on the same 2.0 channel headphones?

I've been playing games for 30+ years in 2.0 without any trouble discerning where a sound is generated from - what benefit is in it for me to use 3D spatial sound vs. 2.0? What are the cons? (compression?)

I'm very sensitive/particular to audio, and I don't want to have to play through the entire game again twice to determine which setting I prefer (but thats likely the case).

[Ivylifestyle]

It's hard to describe 3D but its a massive difference in horror and shooters. Idk how to explain sound tbh but its worth it

[jacanuck]

I want to know the difference in this game only (not in general "horror and shooters").

The game engine has 3D placement of sounds already mapped to 2.0 in most cases, and sounds incredible across genres - so what's the deal with this specific setting in game, why would one pick it vs. 2.0 when wearing headphones?

[Bluetonic47]

Originally posted by jacanuck:

Can someone explain the technical differences between having the game render a sound somewhere in space and mapping it to 2.0 channel to my 2.0 channel headphones (hint all headphones with 2 drivers are 2.0 regardless of what the advertisement for yours said) and using 3D spatial sound on the same 2.0 channel headphones?

I've been playing games for 30+ years in 2.0 without any trouble discerning where a sound is generated from - what benefit is in it for me to use 3D spatial sound vs. 2.0? What are the cons? (compression?)

I'm very sensitive/particular to audio, and I don't want to have to play through the entire game again twice to determine which setting I prefer (but thats likely the case).

I copy pasta this ...hope that help's

3D positional audio is an advanced audio feature seen on many different devices. With the feature, speakers and headphones can manipulate the sound to make it seems like it's coming from in front of you, behind you, above you, and from the left and right. Essentially, the device creates a 3D sound bubble around you.

[jacanuck]

this isn't a device feature. This is a game specific setting.

The game has a 2 channel setting or a spatial 3D setting. I want to know about this setting, not generic copy / paste from the web.

[Ivylifestyle]

Originally posted by jacanuck:

I want to know the difference in this game only (not in general "horror and shooters").

The game engine has 3D placement of sounds already mapped to 2.0 in most cases, and sounds incredible across genres - so what's the deal with this specific setting in game, why would one pick it vs. 2.0 when wearing headphones?

well for this game I did it on PS5 : "3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analog or USB) or TV speakers." and basically I didnt need to use joels hearing thing through walls to locate enemies. I am unsure what you expect in "general" unless you expect a sound engineer to pop in here. You just get directional sound that is superior and you can always turn it off my dude

[Bluetonic47]

Originally posted by jacanuck:

this isn't a device feature. This is a game specific setting.

The game has a 2 channel setting or a spatial 3D setting. I want to know about this setting, not generic copy / paste from the web.

It's a device feature, headphone's & speakers are sound devises ? wtf

Try using them lol

[jacanuck]

Originally posted by Ivylifestyle:

Originally posted by jacanuck:

I want to know the difference in this game only (not in general "horror and shooters").

The game engine has 3D placement of sounds already mapped to 2.0 in most cases, and sounds incredible across genres - so what's the deal with this specific setting in game, why would one pick it vs. 2.0 when wearing headphones?

well for this game I did it on PS5 : "3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analog or USB) or TV speakers." and basically I didnt need to use joels hearing thing through walls to locate enemies. I am unsure what you expect in "general" unless you expect a sound engineer to pop in here. You just get directional sound that is superior and you can always turn it off my dude

I'm looking for information that will contribute to "superior" or "inferior". Your experience on the PS5, I'm not sure its transferrable knowledge to this same setting on PC or not? Have you tried both options on PC?

[Ezhnovex]

@jacanuck - I understand your question. It's all software processing, focused on accuracy of sound placement and volume in the 3D space your playing in. Games that recommend headphones because the game was recorded binaural (two microphones), creates a similar effect. Though you have to use headphones for it to work, otherwise using desktop speakers, ect, you turn your head and ♥♥♥♥ up the spacial effect. In this case, the 3D audio setting might be slightly better in accuracy but not necessary better in sound quality. Over the years I've tried a lot of sound gimmicks in gaming - none made my gaming experience "better". Good quality headphones and a game with decent bitrate sound files is as immersive and we can get with today's technology. In the end everyone's range for sound and sensitivity is different. The disappointing solution to your question is just try switching back and forth between the two settings a few times over the same section of the game and decide which sounds better to you and use that.

[Credelle]

It's 7.1 emulation, basically garbage software mixing and delaying sound to give a 3d space feeling, if you have a good studio headphone you don't need it

[Ivylifestyle]

Originally posted by jacanuck:

Originally posted by Ivylifestyle:

well for this game I did it on PS5 : "3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analog or USB) or TV speakers." and basically I didnt need to use joels hearing thing through walls to locate enemies. I am unsure what you expect in "general" unless you expect a sound engineer to pop in here. You just get directional sound that is superior and you can always turn it off my dude

I'm looking for information that will contribute to "superior" or "inferior". Your experience on the PS5, I'm not sure its transferrable knowledge to this same setting on PC or not? Have you tried both options on PC?

it's the same engine and game. Yes, I have tried 3D audio on PC and have before refunding the last of us.