Sound?! Surround Sound? Possible Help

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Starrynite

Yes
Well after taking a survey it asked if I had played my game in 5.1 Surround Sound. Now this caught me off guard, as (im not a soundophile) but Ive never heard of that. Asking friends they even said theres a 7.0 sound or something. Are these relatievely easy to have with tv systems? Is it just as simple as buying it and hooking it up, are they costly (5.1 or 7.0?) Help as all the information online is quite um exhausting and I feel like navigating a labrytinth when im searching.
 
since i also bought a gaming TV recently and this sort of topic has been going around between me and my friends, i would like to know as well what does all that mean
 
The 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, etc refer to the number of speakers in the setup plus the subwoofer {the "1"}. 7.1 is pretty much the norm these days. In this setup you have your subwoofer {dedicated LFE channel, or low frequency, i.e, Bass}, a center channel speaker, 2 main speakers, 2 side speakers, and 2 surround speakers. You can buy a set that comes with all the speakers, or build it piece by piece if you want something bigger. Sets can vary widely in price, and it will be up to you to decide what you can afford or not. You'll also need a surround sound receiver if the kit does not come with one {most don't}.
 
What x2 said.

I use a 5.1 headset (Turtle Beach HPA2s). Playing with surround sound can really help with immersion, as well as improve your skill in some multiplayer games. I roll with just 2 standard speakers when I don't want to wear headsets, though.
 
UPDATE: What X2 said. :D

Yes, the current consumer sound systems available are 5.1 and 7.1.

5.1 is 5 speakers plus a subwoofer (that's where the .1 comes from.) So you have 2 front speakers for both left and right, 2 rear speakers for left and right, and 1 center speaker. The center speaker is where most of the voices come through, while the rest output ambient sounds that you would normally hear as if you were in the game.

7.1 is similar to 5.1 except you have two extra speakers. The two extra speakers go in between the front and rear speakers. Which means they would be to your immediate left and right sides where you would be sitting.

You can buy complete all-in-1 sound systems for both of these standards. Those are as easy as just hooking them up to your TV. If you're wondering which one to get, keep in mind a few things. First, how much space do you have in your room? Second, do you have sources that will actually take advantage of 7.1? (The PS3 does I believe and certain blu-ray titles.) Third, your budget. How much are you willing to spend.

Once you hook the system up, you will have to make sure that all of your sources are set to output to 5.1 or 7.1.


That's the basics. When I return, I'll try to explain the different sound codecs. It shouldn't be a big deal for you guys. It's mostly for those who can actually hear differences in the audio and spend quite a bit of money on their systems.
 
Starrynite said:
What if I just get surround sound headphones, is that worthwhile and worth it?
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I would only recommend them if you don't have the space for a system or need to keep the noise level down. Surround Sound headphones only simulate and won't give you the full range that a dedicated system can.
 
CreepinDeth said:
I would only recommend them if you don't have the space for a system or need to keep the noise level down. Surround Sound headphones only simulate and won't give you the full range that a dedicated system can.
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Yeah when I was looking them up, Im just afraid of sound levels since its an apartment and I tend to push the volume up a lot (usually I have to turn it down during quiet hours) and I was afraid that the systems can suck out lots of power.
 
Starrynite said:
Yeah when I was looking them up, Im just afraid of sound levels since its an apartment and I tend to push the volume up a lot (usually I have to turn it down during quiet hours) and I was afraid that the systems can suck out lots of power.
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I personally would just recommend some really good stereo headphones. Maybe someone else on the forum has some experience with them.
 
CreepinDeth said:
I would only recommend them if you don't have the space for a system or need to keep the noise level down. Surround Sound headphones only simulate and won't give you the full range that a dedicated system can.
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It really depends on the headsets. Mine, for example, are true 5.1 -- there's literally 4 speakers in each ear, properly placed to create surround sound. It has its own amplifier with individual speaker volume control. It's fantastic, yet not very portable -- it requires a USB connection for power and has four 3.5mm cables to plug in to your computer (center/bass, front, surround, and mic).

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/pc-gaming-headsets/ear-force-hpa2.aspx
 
kirbyrockz said:
It really depends on the headsets. Mine, for example, are true 5.1 -- there's literally 4 speakers in each ear, properly placed to create surround sound. It has its own amplifier with individual speaker volume control. It's fantastic, yet not very portable -- it requires a USB connection for power and has four 3.5mm cables to plug in to your computer (center/bass, front, surround, and mic).

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/pc-gaming-headsets/ear-force-hpa2.aspx
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True, but it's not just about the amount of drivers but the placement. Sometimes headphones have to simulate even with that amount of drivers since they're in by your ear instead of around your person. So it has to simulate placement of a true 5.1 system because it can't possibly give you the same effect with the drivers so close to your ear without it.

The one thing that people seem to forget about is the word "surround." You can not have true surround sound if the drivers are not surrounding you.

Either way, I'll step aside since I don't use 5.1 headphones.
 
Hm, I think I will consider the headphones. I saw 7.1 headphones but none of my games and blu-ray even have support beyond 5.1. So I think its a waste for me to look into those. I guess these are nice since it seems easy compatible with PS3 and has glowing Amazon reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Tritton-AX720-Digital-Gaming-Headset-Pc/dp/B002ZS6Y64/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#productPromotions
 
CreepinDeth said:
True, but it's not just about the amount of drivers but the placement. Sometimes headphones have to simulate even with that amount of drivers since they're in by your ear instead of around your person. So it has to simulate placement of a true 5.1 system because it can't possibly give you the same effect with the drivers so close to your ear without it.

The one thing that people seem to forget about is the word "surround." You can not have true surround sound if the drivers are not surrounding you.

Either way, I'll step aside since I don't use 5.1 headphones.
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I felt the same way until I tried them out. They beat my old 5.1 setup by a long shot for me. As long as it surrounds my ears, it sounds legitimate enough for me.
 
kirbyrockz said:
I felt the same way until I tried them out. They beat my old 5.1 setup by a long shot for me. As long as it surrounds my ears, it sounds legitimate enough for me.
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Cool, I'm glad you're enjoying them. As for me, headphones can never replicate the full range of a decent subwoofer. Also, the Center channel is awesome. This is mostly the reason why I stick with true 5.1 systems.
 
I don't mean this rudely at all, but you sound like me six months ago, haha. I was adamant about not getting any 5.1 anything headsets, especially simulated 5.1. Then I go a chance to try these babies out.

If only I could let you give them a go... :lol They don't beat the best 5.1 setups out there (by brand, I mean), and any 7.1 speaker setup will surely blow it out of the water, but they're great. The Center drivers are positioned right at the front tips of the cups, and like speaker 5.1 setups sounds "tinny" due to the fact that the second line with all the lows goes straight to the subs. Makes it easy to distinguish in-game where gunfire is coming from.
 
kirbyrockz said:
I don't mean this rudely at all, but you sound like me six months ago, haha. I was adamant about not getting any 5.1 anything headsets, especially simulated 5.1. Then I go a chance to try these babies out.

If only I could let you give them a go... :lol They don't beat the best 5.1 setups out there (by brand, I mean), and any 7.1 speaker setup will surely blow it out of the water, but they're great. The Center drivers are positioned right at the front tips of the cups, and like speaker 5.1 setups sounds "tinny" due to the fact that the second line with all the lows goes straight to the subs. Makes it easy to distinguish in-game where gunfire is coming from.
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I know what you're talking about, it's just that headphones of any kind can't replicate the range of a sub because of the type of drivers that headphones use. That's a scientific fact because headphones can't have subs. I'm not saying 5.1 headphones can't sound good, I would just prefer having a really nice sub. I also have the room and don't have much of a restriction on noise levels, so I prefer to have the rumble of a true subwoofer for my home theater. Which is another thing headphones can't really simulate.

For the most part, you're talking to a guy who actually prefers headphones for everything except for home theater. I'm a member of the head-fi forums. I take my music listening very seriously, so I use Beyerdynamic headphones at the moment until I can afford some nice sennheisers. They're hooked up to my PC through a DAC/Amplifier. I might possibly get some AKGs but I'll have to listen to them first. I know what headphones can do and also, just as importantly, what they can't. ;)
 
kirbyrockz said:
I don't mean this rudely at all, but you sound like me six months ago, haha. I was adamant about not getting any 5.1 anything headsets, especially simulated 5.1. Then I go a chance to try these babies out.

If only I could let you give them a go... :lol They don't beat the best 5.1 setups out there (by brand, I mean), and any 7.1 speaker setup will surely blow it out of the water, but they're great. The Center drivers are positioned right at the front tips of the cups, and like speaker 5.1 setups sounds "tinny" due to the fact that the second line with all the lows goes straight to the subs. Makes it easy to distinguish in-game where gunfire is coming from.
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So you are happy with the headphone experience?
 
CreepinDeth said:
I know what you're talking about, it's just that headphones of any kind can't replicate the range of a sub because of the type of drivers that headphones use. That's a scientific fact because headphones can't have subs. I'm not saying 5.1 headphones can't sound good, I would just prefer having a really nice sub. I also have the room and don't have much of a restriction on noise levels, so I prefer to have the rumble of a true subwoofer for my home theater. Which is another thing headphones can't really simulate.

For the most part, you're talking to a guy who actually prefers headphones for everything except for home theater. I'm a member of the head-fi forums. I take my music listening very seriously, so I use Beyerdynamic headphones at the moment until I can afford some nice sennheisers. They're hooked up to my PC through a DAC/Amplifier. I might possibly get some AKGs but I'll have to listen to them first. I know what headphones can do and also, just as importantly, what they can't. ;)
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Yeah, I understand the subs issue. There's a nice subwoofer in the house that's not getting any use anymore because we have far too many computers (and users) in the "computer room" of the house... we've all had to switch to headphones. My headsets have sub drivers in them that surround the entire cup, but if you put them too loud the other drivers start "rattling" and it can really ruin the tones coming out. Other than that issue (actually, it's more of a limitation), I have no complaints on my headsets -- they blew away my old 5.1 setup in terms of immersion.

I was actually gonna pick up some Senns (555s) until I was told about the HPA2s. I wish I had a set to compare my current headsets with. When it comes to serious music listening, I just use some earbuds (Zune premiums). The sound quality's great, but earbuds in general get so annoying to wear after awhile. I wish I could use my headsets for music, but like most headsets they leak a lot, so I have to keep the volume down on those with music... lest I feel weird having other people hear what I'm listening to. :p

Starrynite said:
So you are happy with the headphone experience?
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For sure. They're no replacement for top-of-the-line 5.1s and almost any 7.1 setup, but especially in situations where you can't keep the volume loud on speakers, headphones are great. I use mine in lots of different PC games (and have a few adapters so I can use it on my 360, as well), and it's great.
 
The 555s are awesome. They're definitely on my wish list.

As for the HPA2, Turtle Beach makes good products, but it sounds like these are a bit hit or miss. Here's a review on them -

Rating
6.0 out of 10

The Turtle
Beach Ear Force HPA2 5.1 Surround Sound Headphones fail to deliver the
5.1 audio you love and hoped for in a headset. Although the headphones
themselves look great they squeezed my jawline and temple area the
entire time and I found them incredibly uncomfortable to wear for
extended periods of time. Although the headset sounded great in music
and movies, any attempt at surround sound simply came up flat and
devoid of any depth whatsoever. A headset that fails to deliver on a
heavily touted feature adorned all over the retail packaging is
something consumers should avoid. Simply put, the Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA2 failed to impress and deliver the immersive sound I was hoping for in games.
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CreepinDeth said:
The 555s are awesome. They're definitely on my wish list.

As for the HPA2, Turtle Beach makes good products, but it sounds like these are a bit hit or miss. Here's a review on them -
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I'm still considering getting some 555s for music, but I want to hear from someone who actually has them on how much they leak.

As for the review, I don't ever go by reviews, no matter how reputable the site/reviewer... they don't mean anything because everybody is different. I go through word-of-mouth from a friend or actually using it myself, which is what I did here. For example, here's a review of the 555s:

This user purchased this item from Newegg


7/26/2009 10:17:21 PM
meh

Pros: look

Cons: very uncomfortable, wear it for less than 30 min. and your head starts to hurt. wires are VERY weak. not that great sound quality
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=26-106-392&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&SelectedRating=2&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Keywords=

The 555s I know by reputation are of high quality and comfort (otherwise I'd be really confused as to why Senns are so popular, haha). These reviews don't really mean anything.
 
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