PS5 3D Audio: Experience games on a new sound level

PS5 3D Audio transforms your gaming experience. How? It lets you hear sounds precisely from all directions. This makes every game more intense. In this article, you will learn what PS5 3D Audio is, how it works, and how you can use it.

The most important information at a glance

3D Audio and Dolby Atmos provide an immersive sound experience, with 3D Audio developed specifically for the PS5 to maximise sound localisation and enhance spatial awareness through positional audio.

The Tempest 3D AudioTech allows you to customise the sound experience to your personal preferences and improves immersion by processing the audio output in real time.

Compatible devices are essential for using 3D audio; special headphones as well as speaker systems can significantly enhance the experience.

What is 3D audio and Dolby Atmos for games?

3D Audio creates an immersive soundscape that gives you the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. With 3D Audio, players can precisely perceive the direction of sounds such as footsteps, which is particularly advantageous in action-packed games. The main goal of this technology is to create a completely new gaming experience through three-dimensional sound.

Dolby Atmos and 3D Audio both offer an immersive sound experience, but there are differences. While 3D Audio on the PS5 was specifically developed to provide excellent sound localisation, Dolby Atmos uses a design with 3D sound sources located in a virtual space. The integration of Dolby Atmos on the PS5 also gives gamers the option of creating a personalised 3D audio profile to further enhance their sound experience.

To realise the full potential of 3D Audio, it is important that the device used is supported. Speaker systems and soundbars can often also support 3D Audio, significantly enhancing the sound experience when gaming. Devices like the Sonos Arc are also suitable for using 3D Audio on the PS5. Headsets with passive noise isolation can further enhance the 3D Audio experience by preventing external sounds from interfering, ensuring a more immersive and focused gaming session.

Tempest 3D AudioTech: the technology behind the sound

The Tempest 3D AudioTech is Sony’s proprietary sound solution for the PS5 and a key feature of the console that intensifies the gaming experience. This technology makes it possible to create a three-dimensional sound space that completely immerses the player in the game world. The Tempest engine processes the audio output in real time and adjusts it to the game environment.

A particular highlight of Tempest 3D AudioTech is the choice of five HRTF settings, which allows gamers to adapt the sound to their individual perception. These settings make it possible to create a customised 3D audio profile that is tailored to your own listening preferences. These customisation options significantly enhance immersion and improve the overall gaming experience.

Using a wired headset can further enhance sound quality and microphone clarity, offering excellent value and performance. Models like the HyperX Cloud III and Razer Kaira X are particularly noted for their durability and impressive audio experiences across various gaming platforms.

The integration of 3D audio also improves visual perception in games. Sounds add additional details and depth to graphics, making the gaming experience even more realistic. This combination of visual and acoustic stimuli creates an extremely immersive environment that draws players deep into the game world.

3D Audio can be played through headphones or speakers to create spatial sound and deepen the experience. The versatility of this technology makes it possible to use it in a variety of setups, whether it’s with high-quality gaming headsets or powerful soundbars that transform your living room into a home cinema.

Benefits of PS5 3D Audio

The PS5’s 3D audio technology offers several benefits that elevate your gaming experience to new heights. One of the standout advantages is the ability to pinpoint the source of sounds within the game. Imagine hearing footsteps behind you or the rustle of leaves to your left; 3D audio makes these auditory cues incredibly precise, enhancing your spatial awareness. This is particularly beneficial in first-person shooters or horror games where knowing the exact location of sounds can be a game-changer.

Another significant benefit is the sense of depth and distance that 3D audio creates. By simulating how sound behaves in the real world, it makes you feel like you’re truly in the game environment. Sounds don’t just come from a flat, two-dimensional plane; they emanate from specific locations, adding a layer of realism that traditional audio setups can’t match.

Moreover, PS5 3D audio enhances the overall audio quality of games. The technology provides a more nuanced and detailed soundstage, making every in-game sound—from the subtle hum of machinery to the explosive roar of a dragon—feel more lifelike and engaging. This improved audio quality not only makes games more immersive but also more enjoyable to play.

How to enable 3D Audio on your PS5

To activate 3D Audio on your PS5, go to the Settings option in the PS5 menu and select ‘3D Audio for headphones’. This feature is specially designed to optimise sound over headphones and enhance your gaming experience. Activating it is easy and can be done in just a few steps.

The technology allows players to enjoy 3D Audio without special speakers or headsets, as long as they connect compatible devices. You can either have the audio output on your headset switched automatically or adjust it manually in the audio settings menu. If your headset does not appear in the list of output devices, check that it is properly connected or turned on.

Users can create a personalised 3D Audio profile to customise the audio experience to their own hearing preferences. While playing, it is also possible to adjust the balance between game and chat audio via the PS5 quick menu. These settings will ensure you have the best possible audio experience on your PS5.

Compatible devices for 3D Audio

To experience the full potential of 3D Audio on PS5, you need the right devices. Here are some headphone models that are optimised for 3D Audio on PS5:

• Sony

• Astro

• Razer

• SteelSeries

These headsets offer excellent sound quality and are specifically designed to support the immersive experience of 3D Audio.

In addition to headphones, there are also a variety of speaker systems and soundbars that support 3D Audio and can significantly enhance the gaming experience. These devices offer impressive sound quality and are ideal for those who want to experience the full potential of 3D Audio in their living room.

Below, we will take a closer look at some of the best headsets and speakers.

Gaming headsets for beginners and pros

The Sony Pulse 3D Headset is designed specifically for the PlayStation 5 and supports 3D audio. It offers excellent sound quality and is an excellent choice for beginners. However, for more ambitious gamers, there are also high-end options such as the Astro A50, which also offers excellent support for 3D audio on the PS5.

Another noteworthy headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P, which offers both Bluetooth connectivity and long battery life of up to 38 hours. This headset can connect simultaneously to the PS5 and a Bluetooth device, enhancing multitasking and convenience for gamers. For those planning even longer gaming sessions, the HyperX Cloud III Wireless Headset is an excellent choice, with battery life of up to 120 hours.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 offers four preset sound profiles for quick customisation of the sound experience. For those looking for a less traditional option, the HORI 3D Surround Gaming Neckset offers virtual 3D surround sound and is comfortable to wear for longer gaming sessions. Special headphones for the PS5 also feature a microphone for communication.

TV speakers and soundbars

The Logitech G560 speaker system supports DTS:X Ultra and allows gamers to accurately perceive sounds from different directions. This is particularly useful in action-packed games where the precise location of sounds can be crucial.

One of the best options on the market is the Sonos Arc smart soundbar, which supports Dolby Atmos and offers an immersive sound experience. Other recommended soundbars include the JBL Bar 2.1-channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer and the Sony HT-A7000, both of which offer excellent support for 3D audio.

Speakers and soundbars are crucial for experiencing 3D Audio on the PS5 and significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.

Optimizing Your Gaming Setup for PS5 3D Audio

To fully harness the power of PS5 3D audio, optimizing your gaming setup is crucial. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this groundbreaking technology:

1. Use a Compatible Headset: Not all headsets are created equal when it comes to 3D audio. For the best experience, choose a headset specifically designed to work with the PS5’s 3D audio technology, such as the Pulse 3D wireless headset. These headsets are engineered to deliver the immersive soundscapes that 3D audio promises.

2. Adjust Your Audio Settings: Make sure to tweak your audio settings to take full advantage of 3D audio. This might involve enabling 3D audio in the PS5’s settings menu or adjusting the audio settings within individual games. Customizing these settings ensures that you get the best possible sound quality tailored to your preferences.

3. Use a High-Quality Audio Device: While the PS5’s 3D audio technology can work with various audio devices, using a high-quality device can significantly enhance your overall audio experience. Consider investing in a dedicated gaming headset or a high-end pair of wireless headphones to enjoy the full spectrum of 3D audio.

4. Minimize Background Noise: Background noise can detract from the immersive 3D audio experience. To minimize distractions, use a headset with active noise cancellation or play in a quiet room. This ensures that you can fully appreciate the directional audio cues without interference.

5. Experiment with Different Audio Modes: Some games offer different audio modes that can further enhance the 3D audio experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these modes to find the one that works best for you. Each mode can offer a unique auditory perspective, adding another layer of immersion to your gaming sessions.

By following these tips, you can optimize your gaming setup to take full advantage of the PS5’s 3D audio technology, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Games that make the most of 3D Audio

Some games make particularly effective use of 3D Audio, offering an unrivalled sound experience. Cyberpunk 2077, for example, is praised for its use of 3D Audio, which enhances the immersive experience. The Resident Evil (2, 3, 4 and 7) remakes also deliver a superior 3D Audio experience, especially in horror scenarios.

The Dead Space remake makes effective use of 3D audio to intensify the atmosphere. These games show how 3D audio can increase immersion by providing audio clues to help players locate enemies when they are not visible.

The number of games that use Tempest 3D AudioTech and Dolby Atmos is expected to continue to grow. Developers could add a Dolby Atmos update to existing games after they have already been released. Newly developed games could come with 3D Audio built in from the start if they are in the early stages of development.

The future looks bright for gamers who value an immersive audio experience.

Differences in the suitability of games for positional audio

Games with immersive environments such as shooters or adventures benefit particularly from 3D audio because it improves spatial perception. Horror games are also ideally suited because they can create a more intense atmosphere with 3D audio. Racing and sports titles can use 3D audio to create a more realistic experience, but not as much as action or role-playing games.

The quality of 3D audio use varies greatly between different games, even if they use the same technology. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 have been specifically designed to take full advantage of 3D Audio. It is important to check that a game uses the Tempest 3D Audio engine before you buy it, as not all titles advertised as having ‘3D Audio’ support this technology.

First person shooter games are well suited to 3D Audio, whereas strategy games or 2D games like Super Mario are less so. Therefore, when choosing games, it’s worth picking out which titles make the best use of the technology to get the most out of 3D Audio.

Dolby Atmos on PS5

Dolby Atmos and Tempest 3D Audio both use a design with 3D sound sources located in a virtual space. The conversion of Tempest 3D Audio to Dolby Atmos works quite well and is absolutely lag-free. This means that gamers can enjoy the immersive sound experience of Dolby Atmos without experiencing delays or quality loss.

Activating 3D Audio on the PS5 is done through the settings, where users can choose between TV speakers and headphones. For headphones, there is the option to create a personalised 3D Audio profile to customise the listening experience. This flexibility allows players to tailor the audio experience to their personal preferences and the acoustics of their room.

Speaker systems and many soundbars are compatible with Tempest 3D AudioTech. The sound sources in Dolby Atmos are objects positioned in a virtual, three-dimensional space. This provides an incredibly realistic sound experience that further enhances immersion in the game world.

Future developments and updates

The PS5 has supported Dolby Atmos since mid-September 2023 thanks to firmware updates that have added functionality. These updates are crucial to integrating the latest technologies and enhancements into the console. Dolby Atmos is activated via beta firmware 8.00, giving users the opportunity to test the latest audio features and provide feedback.

Developer support for Dolby Atmos has been enabled to integrate the technology directly into their PS5 games. This means that future games could be equipped with Dolby Atmos from the outset, or existing games could receive this functionality through updates. The range of games supporting the Tempest 3D AudioTech engine and Dolby Atmos will increase in the future.

The Tempest technology enables real-time audio effects that depend on the player’s position and their interactions with the game environment. Future games could potentially include the 3D audio feature in their development phase. This opens up exciting possibilities for even more immersive gaming experiences and shows the enormous potential of this technology.

Summary

The PS5’s 3D Audio technology offers a revolutionary sound experience that significantly improves immersion in the game world. From precise sound localisation to customisable sound profiles, 3D Audio takes gaming to a new level. Tempest 3D AudioTech and Dolby Atmos are key components in delivering this immersion and intensifying the gaming experience.

With a wide range of compatible devices, from entry-level headsets to high-end speakers and soundbars, and a growing number of games supporting these technologies, 3D Audio on the PS5 offers endless possibilities for every gamer. Stay tuned for future developments and updates that will further exploit the potential of this technology. Immerse yourself in three-dimensional sound and experience games like never before!

Frequently asked questions

What is 3D Audio and why is it important for gaming?

3D Audio creates an immersive sound experience that helps players to localise sounds spatially, increasing the intensity of the gaming experience. This technology is crucial for creating a realistic and captivating environment in games.

How do I enable 3D Audio on my PS5?

To enable 3D Audio on your PS5, go to Settings and select the option ‘3D Audio for headphones’. This feature is also usable without special speakers or headsets, as long as you have compatible devices connected.

Which headsets are best for 3D Audio on PS5?

For 3D Audio on PS5, the Sony Pulse 3D Headset, Astro A50, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P and HyperX Cloud III Wireless Headset are particularly recommended as they offer excellent support and long battery life.

Which games use 3D Audio most effectively?

Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and the Resident Evil (2, 3, 4 and 7) and Dead Space remakes make particularly effective use of 3D Audio to intensify the gaming experience.

What are the future developments for 3D audio on the PS5?

Future developments for 3D audio on the PS5 will be driven by firmware updates that support Dolby Atmos and integrate new games. Tempest technology will also provide real-time audio effects and significantly enhance the gaming experience.