• How to enable and use Windows Sonic surround sound. How to enable and use Windows Sonic surround sound What is 7.1 in headphones

    Razer Surround delivers the best virtual 7.1 surround sound experience, no matter what headset you're using.

    Many existing technologies for creating virtual surround sound are inaccurate because people perceive the simulated sound space differently. It is because of this that virtual surround sound is often inferior to conventional sets of speakers.

    The algorithms behind Razer Surround create an incredibly precise surround sound environment and allow the user to customize the position of sound sources. It is this calibration that allows Razer Surround to provide in-game accuracy and give gamers a gaming edge.

    Best-in-class 7.1 virtual surround sound

    Razer Surround is an advanced processing system that creates virtual 7.1 surround sound. High-quality sound will allow you to immerse yourself in the game. Conventional virtual sound processing systems use the principles of universality: the sound is formed based on the average size and shape of the ears. With this approach, it is impossible to customize the sound for a specific user.

    Razer Surround allows you to customize your sound and select your ideal settings. The system takes into account the shape of the ears and the capabilities of the headset and based on this creates the most realistic sound possible.

    Storing personal settings in the cloud

    First, you set the parameters of the sound environment by passing a series of simple audio tests. Based on the data obtained, the system, using unique processing algorithms, generates realistic sounds coming from any direction and distance: delays, sound overlap, amplitude and other factors are taken into account. Custom calibration parameters are automatically saved to the cloud so you don't have to repeat setups.

    When you come to a club, visit friends, or participate in a championship, you simply log into the system - and the optimal sound environment is immediately configured based on individual calibration of sound processing algorithms. Getting into the game is actually very simple.

    Supports all stereo headsets!

    Razer Surround is given to you as a bonus. When you use a regular stereo headset, the audio capabilities are only half realized.

    By calibrating in the Razer Surround Wizard, you'll discover the true potential of modern in-game audio—you'll learn to track your enemies with your hearing. Your games will sound new and you will be immersed in this world.

    If we consider existing acoustic types, we cannot ignore 7.1 speakers. Despite the fact that most files are not intended for such a wide system, formats adapted for such surround sound can already be found. This is one of the latest systems, which will become more and more popular every year, however, when watching movies and listening to music in a small room, 7.1 speakers will not only take up a lot of space, but will also make the sound too heavy.

    The eight-channel system is considered more advanced because it envelops the room from all sides and immerses the viewer in a holistic sound field. This enhances the effect of realism of the events taking place on the screen, but, as mentioned earlier, not all films and musical compositions are available for playback on such a system. However, even 5.1 speaker formats will sound deeper when using a 7.1 system, but it also comes at a higher price than previous versions.

    System components 7.1

    System 7.1 includes the following components:

    • a pair of front speakers;
    • a pair of side speakers;
    • one central column;
    • a pair of additional central speakers;
    • subwoofer.

    The first ones are installed in front of the audience and transmit medium and high frequencies. The side ones add volume to the sound, while they should stand in the middle of the room from the sides. The central speaker acts as a link that redirects frequencies to all other elements of the system. Additional central speakers, one of which is placed on the left, the other on the right, mainly in the back of the head from the viewer. This allows you to achieve maximum surround sound effect, as the sound waves cover a larger space.

    A subwoofer is necessary to transmit low-frequency waves. It is installed in any convenient place, and the resonance it transmits spreads throughout the room.

    Connecting 7.1 speakers

    For a 7.1 system to function correctly, it must be assembled correctly, and this task is not the easiest - unlike connecting a simple stereo pair, connecting all 8 speakers to a sound source without instructions may not be possible for an ordinary user.

    To connect 7.1 speakers you will need the following equipment:

    • sound source – computer with an 8-channel sound card or TV;
    • sound control unit in the case of a computer, receiver or amplifier for a TV;
    • full set of speakers;
    • two-channel amplifiers for each of the speakers, if they are passive;
    • a set of cables - RCA for connecting speakers and either a digital or analog cable for connecting the system to the sound source.

    Everything except the source can be included in one set. If system elements are purchased separately, make sure that they match in their characteristics. It is advisable to choose devices from the same manufacturer and from the same price category so that they sound harmonious.

    Connecting a 7.1 system to a computer

    The system is assembled as follows:

    1. Consider the control unit - you can find two groups of connectors on it, for incoming and outgoing signals. The speakers will be connected to the second, the computer to the first.
    2. Take an RCA to RCA cable and connect the red connectors on the front speakers to the red connectors on the control unit, and the black connectors to the black ones.
    3. Repeat the operation with all other columns.
    4. If the system is digital, connect the control unit to the computer via the S/PDIF interface; if it is analog, connect the unit to the sound card with a set of mini-jack - mini-jack cables, focusing on the inscriptions or colors of the connectors.
    5. Connect the system to the network and configure the sound on the computer - in the sound driver settings, select multi-channel audio output.

    Explanations for the picture:

    • 1st output - front left and right channels (2 and 4)
    • 2nd output - center channel and subwoofer (3 and 1)
    • 3rd output - rear left and right channels (7 and 6)
    • 4th output - side left and right channels (8 and 5)

    Please note that the sound will only be eight-channel if the soundtrack is designed for it; otherwise, only the front speakers will work.

    Connecting to a TV

    The assembly steps are approximately the same. Consider the situation with passive speakers:

    1. Each speaker is connected to amplifiers using RCA – RCA cables.
    2. The amplifiers are combined by a receiver or power amplifier; To do this, the primary amplifiers should be connected to this device with the same cables.
    3. An optical cable, a SCART cable, an HDMI cable, or a coaxial cable goes from the receiver to the TV, depending on the best quality interface available to your equipment.
    4. There is no need to configure anything - the receiver itself will adjust the sound to the conditions for its output.

    Thus, if you look at it, connecting even such a multi-component system should not cause serious difficulties. The main thing is to remember safety precautions and carefully study the user instructions supplied with the equipment.

    Hidden deep within Windows 10, Windows Sonic is a cutting-edge technology for creating virtual surround sound in games and movies. Let's figure out how to activate this function.

    The Creators Update brought a lot of new features to the Windows 10 operating system. Some of these new features have received a lot of attention and become widely known, but some others are not so popular at all and are still remaining in the shadows. This is the case with the new format function Sonic For Headphone Spatial Sound, which is essentially a surround sound emulator for headphones.

    The new spatial audio format in the Creators Update is primarily designed to expand the audio experience with HRTF (head related transfer function), built into Microsoft HoloLens. This technology works great with any good quality stereo headphones.

    I recently started exploring this new feature on my computer while watching some great Sci-Fi movies on Netflix. I plugged in my Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage wireless gaming headset, turned on the Windows Sonic headphone spatial audio feature, turned up the volume, and was blown away by the amazing sound of the special effects and music in the movies I was watching.

    Don't miss:

    The Windows Sonic Spatial Sound format works really well with both games and movies. And to some extent, it even works with your digital music.

    What is spatial sound?

    Dolby Atmos for headphones


    In Windows 10, you have a choice of which virtual surround sound algorithm to use:

    • Dolby Atmos is a paid option, you need to pay $14.99 to use it;
    • Windows Sonic is a free option, the technology was developed by Microsoft.

    Which of these two technologies to choose is up to you to decide. I’ll just say that the free version from Microsoft gives a very good result and you won’t hear a huge difference between Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos, although, I repeat, it’s up to you to decide.

    The Windows Dev Center description says that the Spatial Sound feature in the Creators Update supports Dolby Atmos for headphones. In order for this feature to be activated, you need to install the Dolby Access application, which you must download from the Windows Store. You can download it for 30 days for free, but to fully use it you need to buy the right to use it for $14.99. The audio and video demos that come with the Dolby Access trial app are amazing, I encourage you to listen to them with your own ears.

    Headphones for Sonic Spatial Sound

    Why am I so insistent that the headphones be good? It's simple - only good headphones can create a sufficiently voluminous sound picture and provide the necessary level of sound detail. Of course, you can connect absolutely any headphones to your computer, but in simple and cheap models you simply won’t hear the difference, or the sound may become even worse for you than it was before.

    Setting up Windows Sonic for headphones

    Setting up the Windows Sonic audio interface for headphones is easy. Check your version of Windows 10, you must have the global Creators Update installed.

    First, connect your headphones to your computer. If you don't connect headphones before starting setup, you won't have access to the Sonic Spatial Sound feature.


    After connecting the headphones, right-click on the Speakers icon on the taskbar. From the context menu, select Spatial Audio (None) as shown in the image above.


    When you select Spatial Audio, you will see the Speaker Properties dialog box with the Spatial Audio tab selected, as shown in the image above.


    To continue, click the down arrow and select Windows Sonic for Headphones as shown in the image above.


    When you do this, you will see that the " Turn On 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound» is installed automatically as shown in the picture above. This setting allows for proper multi-channel processing, so that the sound you hear in the headset will be perceived as fuller and more accurately positioned.

    Checking the effects of enabling the Windows Sonic feature

    Well, now the most interesting part - checking the effectiveness of virtual surround sound. Remember, for Windows Sonic to work, it needs material. This means that if you want surround sound when watching movies, make sure the movie has a 5.1 or 7.1 audio track. If the film has a regular 2.0 stereo track, you will not get the coveted surround sound.

    The same goes for games, if the game's sound engine supports 5.1 or 7.1 audio output then you'll be fine, but some games can't and so the Windows Sonic feature will be useless in them. But for the sake of peace of mind, I can say that 95% of modern games are perfectly capable of delivering sound in 5.1 format, so turn on Windows Sonic and go into battle!

    Last year, HyperX rolled out a whole host of new headsets in a variety of price and user segments: from the esports Drone and mainstream Stinger to a true flagship that combines excellent sound and one of the best microphones: the HyperX Cloud Revolver. During this time, the company managed to collect enough feedback on the latest model to re-release it, adding a feature with virtual 7.1, while simultaneously improving it on all fronts.

    What is virtual surround sound anyway? How can one even claim surround sound if a stereo headset’s hardware is almost no different from models with virtual surround sound? Let’s try to answer all these questions in order, and at the same time see what has changed in Revolver, which received the letter S at the end.

    How does sound work?

    You can delve endlessly into the physical process of emission and perception of sound waves, and write a large article, but we are analyzing a specific case, so we will limit ourselves to a simple and rather rough description: it is enough to remember the essence of the processes taking place.

    In the case of sound reproduction by equipment, a powerful magnet is located in the center of the speaker. Its field can be used to be repelled and attracted to it by passing current through a coil of wire that is attached to a sound-emitting membrane. The sound source produces certain electrical vibrations, they pass through the coil, excite a magnetic field, it interacts with the corresponding field of the magnet and the coil begins to move, dragging the membrane with it. The movements of this structure back and forth affect the layers of air bordering it.


    The result is waves diverging in all directions: low pressure, high pressure, low pressure, high pressure. Next, these waves penetrate our ear, interact with the eardrum, and then the reverse process occurs - the brain “decodes” the vibrations into what we understand as sound, and many years of training of the neuronal system allows us to understand speech, distinguish music from the sound of falling rubble, and so on further.


    The same thing happens when you hit, say, a stick on an empty barrel: the kinetic energy of the impact leads to vibrations of the surface, which shakes the air, and then according to the same principle.

    Surround sound

    The speed of sound in space is conditionally constant, depending on the density of the medium, but for the conditions of existence familiar to the brain, there is almost no difference in the speed of sound at high and low atmospheric pressure. Again, through evolution and maturation, the brain has learned to find patterns between the direction from which the sound came and the difference in signals between the right and left ears. In the case of nature, the difference in the arrival of sound to the left and right ear is provided by the source of vibrations itself. In films, sound sources are assigned at the creation stage, in games they are calculated in real time, relative to the position of the camera and the surrounding space, and if someone approaches you from behind, a signal is given to the corresponding sound channels, it goes to the speakers, which vibrate the air. The waves interfere with those reflected from the walls, emitted by other speakers, added and subtracted, depending on the phase, and eventually reach the ears. Next, the brain, taught by life experience and centuries of evolution, understands that now it needs to give the command to its legs to “Run away,” or at least turn around and identify the source visually.

    The nuances of surround sound

    The human body carries several unique patterns. All people have different fingerprints, the iris of the eye and the shape of the ears, which practically does not change in the process of growing up: the size of individual parts of the ear may change, but its relief and internal structure are rather scaled and change slightly. From about two months of life, the brain begins to learn to use the ears for their intended purpose: hearing abilities develop, and throughout life it hones the skill of determining the direction of sound not only by the difference in sound vibrations arriving in time, but also by how the sound is reflected / absorbed by different parts auricle before reaching the eardrum. The mechanism is complex, but quite effective: it’s not just that most developed mammals have complex-shaped ears - reptiles, (in particular, snakes) are almost deaf and perceive a limited range of frequencies.

    Ear examinations

    A special mannequin that simulates the structure of the head and its behavior in terms of absorption, reflection and propagation of sound waves, a bunch of high-precision microphones, a room with a sound-absorbing coating, a train of teraflops, a dozen scientists and a lot of time spent on calculations, made it possible to create general patterns of change in the sound wave, coming to the ears. The difference between the output signal, the microphone next to the mannequin, and the microphones in the “ears” made it possible to determine how the human body affects the propagation of sound.

    All this was necessary for maximum data cleaning from polluting influences. This data was then applied as a filter to the original data, and the main measurements were made with various ear models. The study looked for patterns between the shape of the outer ear and how signals coming from different directions are distorted - and they were found. It is these changes in the signal shape (averaged, of course) that are used to transform “regular” sound into “surround” sound when using stereo headphones without additional speakers.

    Works, but not perfect

    The audio card in the remote control can operate in two modes: stereo and 7.1. The system doesn’t care how many speakers you actually have, it will provide seven channels of sound. The game engine or multimedia player will read this information and produce the appropriate sound panorama, sending the required audio stream to each channel. Next, the built-in chip comes into play: it adds the difference in signal arrival for the left and right ears and applies the average changes obtained from the studies. Unless you have very prominent ears, this process goes some way to tricking your brain into determining direction, although not as well as it does in a real environment.

    HyperX Cloud Revolver S

    The main difference between the S-version and its predecessor is, of course, a new remote control with built-in audio, the ability to connect via USB and support for virtual 7.1, but in addition to these changes, something has been updated in the headset.



    The design of the case remained the same, but the materials were changed, no more “game” black and red coloring. Many users liked the strict design of the mid-line CloudX headset, and the re-release of the flagship received the corresponding colors: classic black with gray/silver elements. The new model with a detached microphone looks like the average audiophile headphones in a techno style.

    Improvements

    The elastic characteristics of the headband have been revised: the steel bracket has become softer, and the new Revolver S does not squeeze the head as tightly. In a similar way, the parameters for the self-adjusting headband were re-selected. Taking into account all the changes, the headset sits much softer on the head and puts even less pressure on the brain.

    The rest of the structure was left unchanged. The speaker cups have two degrees of freedom and adapt to any head shape, the ear pads and support arch are filled with polyurethane foam with memory effect, which is covered with high-quality leatherette with micro-perforation - the design breathes and wicks away moisture.

    The headset fits perfectly on almost any head, automatically adjusts to the owner and allows you to comfortably communicate, play or listen to music for several hours in a row.

    Communication

    The microphone migrated without any changes. The same detachable flexible rod is used, the connection is made through a classic 3.5 mm connector. It holds its shape, can be easily straightened, and the reliable and moderately bendable body will prevent you from damaging the internal wire.

    The element itself is still the same: electret, condenser, highly directional. Excellent sensitivity, noise reduction with a “beam” aimed directly at your mouth, built-in protection against blowing, and now also built-in microphone volume control in the USB remote control.

    USB sound

    The sound card is combined with a sound control panel. The design is minimalistic: three buttons (switching Dolby 7.1 mode, equalizer preset and muting the microphone), three indicator LEDs, two large and convenient wheels for adjusting the volume of the incoming and outgoing audio signal. There is a clip on the back side, you can hang the remote control on your sleeve or collar, or you can attach it to the same USB cable and thereby shorten its almost endless (2+ meters) length.

    Dolby 7.1

    The mode is activated by pressing a single button (without it, the headphones mix the set 7.1 into stereo). It will work when connected to a PC or PS4 / PS4 Pro. It does not require any drivers, it is determined by the system out of the box, there is no need to install additional software. In films with multi-channel audio, the technology works well: the sense of direction of the special effect is enhanced, although not as radically as with “honest” surround sound.

    In games, the effect is highly dependent on many factors. In racing simulators, I was able to hear the enemy “behind me” and feel from which side they were trying to get around me. In some shooters it was possible to more accurately determine the enemy's position by ear, but not in all. It was not always possible to understand the direction of the “diagonal” sounds: the opponent was in front-left or behind-left. In any case, the direction of movement itself is felt better than with a conventional stereo, and good. The opinions of friends who managed to listen to the headset were divided.

    Some clearly heard the direction of the sound, others could determine the direction very conditionally: in front, on the left, on the right, sometimes behind. In the case of listening to regular content (for example, music), Dolby 7.1 will simply stretch the stereo base. There will be some sense of being in a large room with speakers rather than sound coming from headphones.

    Equalizer presets

    In the basic mode (all indicator LEDs are turned off), the headset does not interfere with the audio stream in any way: it reproduces what you listen to in the form in which the audio signal was received from the PC. The first mode is an increase in low frequencies, the second is a stretching of the mids and a general “flattening” of the frequency response, the third is an increase in the vocal range and sharpness of the sound.

    One can be used for the corresponding musical genres, the other can be used to fine-tune the sound using the player’s software equalizer, and the last one can be used in games to better hear ringing sounds such as footsteps and the voices of party members.

    Sound of music frequency response

    Revolver S retains the sound feel of its predecessor. Uniform filling of low, mid and high frequencies, a small peak at 3 KHz, giving a feeling of “purity” of the sound. For relatively low-impedance headphones, the sound is surprisingly balanced. Rock compositions sound neat, guitars, vocals, drums - everything is heard extremely clearly, there is no feeling of being taken out of context or a clear dominance of one of the sounds over the other (at least on those tracks that are properly mixed by the sound engineer and balanced across the stage). Jazz and blues with brass aggressively burst into the consciousness, filling it with overtones and hoarse vocals, in which the “black” style of performance is immediately recognizable. Classical works and the playing of a modern orchestra are full-bodied and voluminous; when listening, you literally feel that subtle resonance of a mass of similar instruments playing in unison.

    Listening to music is pleasant, and individual preferences b O More low or mid frequencies can always be compensated with an equalizer. Gaming applications require headphones to have a wide stereo panorama and a clear sense of sound direction, and the headset does this well.

    The frequency response curve was measured by specialists from PCgames at a stand whose price is comparable to a good car. A mannequin of the head and torso, appropriate level of equipment for recording and analyzing the signal, compliance with all methods and several repeated measurements to average the obtained values ​​and search for deviations.

    Distortion:

    Balance:

    TL;DR: HyperX Revolver S - fully charged

    This is not the first time that the gaming division of Kingston HyperX listens to user feedback, carefully studies, analyzes and draws the right conclusions from the experiences of consumers of their products. The headset was upgraded on all fronts, without “cutting” any of the existing advantages.

    Want a more mature, formal design? Here he is. The body is still the same, but no more bright red accents. Barely noticeable stitching with light threads, a silver logo and white sectors, which do not reveal the gaming origin of the gadget.

    Complained that competitors have surround sound for the money? A universal audio card that works with PC and PlayStation is already included. This piece of hardware does not require special drivers and any software that consumes the resources of your computer, everything will work out of the box. And for owners of expensive audio cards and music lovers from mobile gadgets, the headset can still be connected via classic 3.5 mm connectors, an extension cord is included.

    Did the headset cling too tightly to your head and did not want to come off, slowly zombifying the wearer and forcing you to distribute HyperX products among your friends? We dealt with the first one, but the second one, sorry, is not a bug, but a feature. It’s a sin not to recommend good gadgets to your party members; you have to defeat another world evil with them, but they again don’t hear anything.

    Amazing sound and one of the best microphones in the headset industry are still here. Is it time to take stock?

    Equipment, price, where to buy

    Full specifications and equipment of HyperX Cloud Revolver S:

    Headphones

    • Type: Closed, with self-adjusting headband;
    • Weight: 360 g + microphone 16 g;
    • Speaker: membrane diameter 50 mm, neodymium magnet core;
    • Frequency range: 12 Hz – 28 KHz;
    • Impedance: 30 Ω;
    • Sound pressure level: 100.5dBSPL/mW at 1KHz
    • Harmonic Distortion:< 2%;
    • Power consumption: standby mode - 30 mW, maximum - 500 mW;
    Cable length and connectors
    • Headset (4-pole 3.5 mm jack): 1 m;
    • Audio card (USB): 2.2 m;
    • Extension cable (2x3.5 mm jack): 2 m.
    Microphone
    • Sensing element: electret, condenser;
    • Directional pattern: bidirectional, noise canceling;
    • Frequency range: 50 Hz – 18 KHz;
    • Sensitivity: -44 dbV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz).
    They are asking for about the same amount for the updated model as they were asking for the old one: 12,990 rubles. And in early April, you will be able to personally touch, try on and listen to the headset throughout the HyperX partner network. Well, in order not to miss the start of sales, then in Eldorado at

    Introduction

    Everyone knows that Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 does not perceive the speaker system as expected.
    You have to do a “dance with a tambourine” to get the 5.1/7.1 acoustics running properly. In most games, 5.1 / 7.1 acoustics give an advantage over the opponent, which has stereo acoustics.
    Let's start setting up from the very bottom...

    Installing drivers

    Realtek HD Audio Drivers


    In order for our speaker system to work properly and correctly output sound to the speakers, it does not require tricky manipulations, but rather the installation of firewood.
    Definitely a must put Realtek HD Audio Drivers R 2.79 - 125.40 MB (131494359) The weight is indicated so that you do not stumble upon various garbage on the Internet. !NOTE - The driver cannot be 200-1024 kbits!

    Installing the driver is insanely simple, we keep clicking further, further, further... reboot the computer and rejoice :) This completes the installation of the audio driver.

    Sound settings

    Installing drivers alone is not enough; you definitely need to adjust the sound.

    The setup is done as follows:


    1. Let's start by calling the "windowed" control panel ("Start" → "Control Panel"). Let’s find and open the “Sound” parameter → then, on the main “Playback” tab, designate the playback device as “Speakers” → at the bottom left, click on the “Configure” button (see the first screenshot). In the window that opens, in the “Sound Channels” list, select “Surround Sound 5.1”, and then don’t forget to click on the “Check” button (of course, all speakers should produce sound). After passing the test, we will move on to the next settings, where you need to specify which speakers will be wideband, rear, etc.
    ______________________________________________________________________________
    2. Having properly configured the speakers and clicking on “Finish”, we will return to our multi-tab window “Sound” → highlighting “Speakers” again, look at “Properties” → in the “Properties: Speakers” window on the “Enhancements” tab, check the box next to “ Environment", confirming the change with the "OK" button (screenshot). You can also scroll through and check the boxes for “Virtual Environment” and “Low Frequency Control”. This completes our manipulations with the “Sound” applet.
    ______________________________________________________________________________
    3. Now open the Realtek audio manager (see the “Realtek HD” option in the Windows Control Panel). On the “Speakers” tab, select the “5.1 speakers” configuration → check there that the “Virtual Surroundings” and “Bass Control Connection” items are activated. Let's close the dispatcher with the "OK" button (screenshot), and the control panel - of course, with a "cross".
    For those who have 7.1 acoustics, select accordingly, select 7.1 and that’s it
    ______________________________________________________________________________
    4. I also advise you to put K-Lite Codec Pack Mega, as it contains many codecs, both video and audio. You can download it from a torrent, of course :) Features of the Stereo Tool program:

    Stereo sound enhancement
    Two-way limiter
    10-band compressor/limiter
    10-way clipper
    10 band equalizer
    4 level output limiter
    Extra volume
    FM stereo coding
    FM RDS encoding
    Changing settings using built-in presets

    You can use it to customize the sound to your liking. Personally, I installed it for myself, and the sound was set up perfectly. I'm a music lover :)

    PS If the instructions helped, please like it and add it to your favorites too. Thank you!

    I checked it out and told him about it, and gave a moose to everyone in the game (:

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