Updated at: 18-05-2022 - By: Leo Hall

There is little doubt that the Pulse 3D headset is one of the best examples of PS5’s 3D audio technology.

What is PS5 3D Audio?

Despite the advantages of stereo and surround sound, nothing surpasses 3D audio when it comes to gaming. If you want to hear sounds as if they’re happening in three dimensions, you’ll need 3D audio. It elevates every scenario to a new level of intensity by putting you, the player, in the center of attention.

Instead of utilizing volume to imitate 3D audio, 3D audio employs timed effects and a range of ingenious audio algorithms to create genuine, true-to-life soundscapes that deceive your brain into pinpointing the precise location of each and every sound in your environment.

Sony claims that the PS5’s 3D audio is some of the most advanced currently available because to the usage of object-based spatial sound technologies. Expansion of the PSVR virtual reality headset’s ability to replicate 50 different sounds. Intricate sounds may now be found in hundreds on the PS5 – and in better quality, as well.

PS5 game creators would be able to construct scenes around audio as well as images, creating 3D acoustic paintings that enhance the gameplay.

Let’s say there was a lot of rain. Rain is now a single audio track in video games. When it comes to raindrops, Sony claims that the PS5 will be able to allow you to hear them as they fall in relation to where your character is situated in the game’s setting.

As an example, imagine a first-person shooter featuring PS5 3D audio: you’d hear someone’s spooky footsteps as they pass through the room above you…

PS5 3D Audio: Which Headphones are Compatible

How can I get PS5 3D Audio?

First and foremost, Sony intends to make 3D audio available via headphone headsets only. Sony’s main architect for the PS5 console, Mark Cerny, says that the console will also be able to offer 3D audio through your standard set-up — whether television speakers, sound bars, or surround sound systems.

PS5 3D audio will one day be compatible with your current hardware, but there are a number of open concerns around this, such as what the distribution format will be and whether there will be minimum spec requirements for the PS5. The PS5’s 3D audio isn’t going to be compatible with every sound system, thus the quality of the experience is going to be dramatically varied on different devices. With the PS5’s 3D audio, it’s safe to assume that a full surround sound system will produce superior Dolby Atmos than a TV’s integrated speaker system.

  • Everywhere you look, you’ll see Dolby Atmos, and that’s not always a good thing.

Sony may well launch speciality PS5 3D audio hardware in the future, with the aim of maximising the effect of the technology. In contrast, Sony is focusing on 3D audio through the Pulse 3D wireless headset, which will be available alongside the PS5 in the UK and the US and Australia for £90 when it launches on November 19th in the UK. When you consider that the PS4 Platinum wireless headset from Sony retails for $130, this is a good deal.

Future PS5 3D audio hardware may be developed by Sony to maximize the technology’s potential. PlayStation 5 will launch on November 19th in the UK (November 12th in the US and Australia) with the Pulse 3D wireless headset, which will cost £90 when it goes on sale. Not bad for the price of Sony’s PS4 Platinum wireless headset, which retails for about $130.

If you get the most out of 3D audio, however, your system must be carefully calibrated to function with Tempest 3D AudioTech, which requires specialized hardware.

What is the Tempest Engine?

PS5 users will be able to enjoy enhanced 3D audio without the need for a costly multispeaker setup thanks to Sony’s Tempest Engine, which employs an AMD graphics chip that has been re-engineered to process audio from a variety of in-game sound sources.

If you’d like to hear it straight from the source, check out Mark Cerny, the principal architect on the PS5 system, in the video and audio below. But be warned, this is a lot of information, so if you’d rather to continue reading, we’ve simplified it below.

The HRTF, or Head-related Transfer Function, is used by the Tempest Engine to produce 3D audio. An individual’s HRTF is used to determine how sound is received by their ears.

The issue is that everyone’s ear canals are unique, and as a result, everyone’s HRTF is unique as well (some may not be able to discern spatial audio at all).

Sony has generated five HRTF profiles for the PS5’s launch based on data from more than 100 users to address the issue. For the finest 3D audio experience, PS5 will assist you in finding the ideal profile and customizing it to suit your ears.

Sony, on the other hand, hopes to one day collect HRTF data for each individual user in the future. In this way, the PS5 would be able to provide each and every gamer with a unique 3D audio experience tailored to their individual ear shape.

We may be able to synthesize the HRTF based on a video of your ears and a 3D model of your head,” says Cerny. Using an audio game, you may be able to tune your HRTF by adjusting the HRTF as you play, and then finding the one that gives you the best score. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the next level of realism.”

How to enable 3D audio for TV speakers on your PS5

On PS5, 3D audio for TV speakers is not enabled by default, unlike 3D audio for headphones. Navigate to Sound > Audio Output in the Settings menu.

PS5's 3D Audio Will Almost Certainly Work with Your Existing Headphones - Push Square

Enabling 3D audio for TV speakers, applying measurement results to 3D audio and measuring the room acoustics are all choices under the area titled ‘TV’ in the settings. Enabling the ‘3D Audio for TV Speakers’ toggle is a good place to start. To activate DualSense, simply press the X button on the controller.

Measure Room Acoustics for 3D Audio

We recommend assessing the acoustics of your room if you want the finest 3D audio experience with your TV speakers. This screen will appear once you click on ‘Measure Room Acoustics for 3D audio.’

Prior to starting this procedure, ensure sure your DualSense controller is up to date with the current software version. After pressing ‘Next,’ you will be sent to the on-screen instructions if your controller is already up-to-date.

Your room should be kept as quiet as possible during calibration. Your TV speakers should be set to a volume you’re comfortable with, and the DualSense controller should be held directly in front of your face. Your TV speakers will emit audio cues that will be picked up by the DualSense controller microphone when you’re ready to proceed.

Make sure the ‘Apply Measurement Results to 3D Audio’ toggle is checked once calibration is complete.

In reality, the effect is more subtle than you might expect. In order to emphasize the 3D illusion, the sound of a character’s voice is not thrown miles to the side when heard coming from a specific direction, such, say, to your left. Despite the tiny adjustment in position, the impression of depth has been created by it. One of the first times I realized how effective 3D audio can be was in a sequence from Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, where a character wandered around Ratchet while speaking and the position of their voice moved with them. Restraint is one of its most remarkable aspects.. It would be too much if the effect was more dramatic, with sounds whirling about your head. They all struck a good balance in providing a sense of scale and expanse, but not in a way that was overbearing or intrusive.

It’s also helpful for creating a relaxing atmosphere. While playing Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, I was standing in the hot springs at the Hiyoshi Inn and listening to the water boiling and trickling around me. While I was riding my horse, a storm swept in and the sound of rain pouring and thunder rumbling in the distance enchanted me to the point of distraction. Similar to the wind howling on the volcanic plains and the patter of timefall in Death Stranding Director’s Cut, these sounds lured me into the world. Sound design in games has always been a big part of my enjoyment of playing them, but 3D audio has made it even better. In games like this, the 3D effect adds a lot to the sense of openness.

Aside from that, I like the way it simulates directional audio, whether it’s something as basic as in Demon’s Souls when a dragon flies over your head or anticipating an enemy’s approach by the sound of their footfall. Using 3D audio can have a direct impact on the gameplay of a game like this. Directed audio is nothing new in the world of video games, as we all know. Early 3D games let you track down opponents by listening to their sounds. The PS5’s 3D audio technology, on the other hand, creates a more dynamic and believable soundtrack. Going back to a game that doesn’t support it feels like a step backward. Because of it, I’ve ruined my hearing.

Additionally, the Pulse 3D’s unique design and construction contribute to its spatial audio performance. This is one of the few gaming headsets that is so light that I don’t even notice I’m wearing it. Because it is so understated, you may easily lose yourself in the sonic landscape. It’s a touch flimsy due to its light weight, but it’s a price worth paying for a headset you won’t get tired of wearing for hours on end. As a result of the closed-back cups’ excellent isolation of your ears from outside noise, the soundstage is exceptionally broad and open, which is critical to giving the impression of a large stereo image. It’s hard for me to find anything negative to say about the 3D Pulse, and this is coming from someone who is very choosy about audio hardware. I’ve had to return a lot of earphones.

Additionally, it’s well-integrated into the PS5’s hardware, with features like an adjustable EQ and a battery meter (which, incidentally, can be charged via USB-C) put in at the OS level. It’s possible to find better-sounding headphones if your budget is more than $100. Because of how the Pulse 3D functions as an approved PlayStation 5 attachment, it feels like something far more special than just plugging in a pair of random Sennheisers. It looks good next to the PS5 and DualSense, too, if you’re into that kind of tech homogeneity like I am.

When it comes to gaming, you may get the Pulse 3D wireless headset for as cheap as $100. If you don’t like the standard color, Sony recently produced a midnight black model. When a new PlayStation 5 game or upgrade is released, I always check to see if it supports 3D audio. What a joy it is to be able to share it with others. It’s a powerful influence, but a subtle one, so don’t expect too much from it if you decide to embrace it. As opposed to plugging your ears into an expensive surround sound system, this isn’t the same as that. Even so, it’s enough to give the PS5 titles that support it (see the whole list below) a welcome boost in terms of drama, scope, and immersion. Sony appears to have finally figured out how to make virtual surround sound work.

PS5 games with 3D audio support

  • Anthem*
  • Playing as an assassin Valhalla
  • Astro’s Toys & Games
  • Combat Evolved: Black Ops II
  • “It’s about time” for Crash Bandicoot 4.
  • No More Days *
  • The Director’s Cut of Death Stranding
  • The Souls of the Demon.
  • All-Stars of Destruction
  • Special Edition of Devil May Cry 5
  • The fifth installment of Dirt 5
  • FF14: A New Hope
  • Director’s Cut of Ghost of Tsushima
  • Grand Theft Auto 7
  • In the Forbidden West Horizon
  • “Heavens and Earths”
  • Fenyx Rising Immortals
  • the sequel to ‘The Last of Us’
  • Marvel Comics’ Avengers
  • The Show* in MLB 19
  • Remastered version of Nioh/Nioh 2.
  • It’s a game called “No Man’s Sky.”
  • Sorcery in the Strange World
  • There Is No Way Out
  • “Ratchet and Clank: Split in Two”
  • Village of the Resident Evil
  • Returnal
  • Sackboy Goes on an Epic Journey
  • Miles Morales, the next Spider-Man
  • Spidey’s re-imagined
  • Skater 1 & 2: Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater
  • It’s a 4*
  • Lost Legacy of Uncharted

FAQS:

Is 3D audio good on PS5?

Early 3D games let you track down opponents by listening to their sounds. The PS5’s 3D audio technology, on the other hand, creates a more dynamic and believable soundtrack. Going back to a game that doesn’t support it feels like a step backward.

PS5 3D Audio explained: What headset do you need and how does the tech work? | AllGamers

How do I get 3D sound on my PS5?

Navigate to Sound > Audio Output in the Settings menu. Enabling 3D audio for TV speakers, applying measurement results to 3D audio and measuring the room acoustics are all choices under the area titled ‘TV’ in the settings. Enabling the ‘3D Audio for TV Speakers’ toggle is a good place to start.

Does PS5 3D audio work with surround sound?

Tempest 3D Audio, a highlight feature of the PS5, was not compatible with the TV’s built-in speakers, necessitating players to use excellent over-ear headphones to get a feeling of the scope.

Do you need the Sony Pulse 3D headset to get the most from the PS5?

It’s clear that this headgear is geared at couch potatoes.

The Pulse 3D headset was released by Sony to go along with the PlayStation 5. Despite the fact that this headset was designed specifically for the console, it isn’t required to experience the full 3D audio. For those who currently own gaming headphones or are considering purchasing a new pair, the feature doesn’t necessitate the purchase of additional hardware.

How effective is Sony 3D audio?

If you’re a fan of immersive gaming, you’ll be pleased with the results of Sony’s Tempest 3D audio engine on the PlayStation 5. For the time being, headphones are the best option, and that’s where the majority of the company’s research has been done.

Depending on your speaker configuration and the size of your room, the effect will perform better or worse over speakers. Future upgrades are intended to increase sound quality on speakers in a variety of setups.

Further improvements to the HRTF options have been hinted at by Sony, with the possibility of entirely individualized HRTFs in the future. Despite what Sony has previously accomplished, there is still space for development.

Is Sony 3D audio a good thing for the consumer?

Sony 3D audio is either a good or bad thing depending upon your perspective. As a player who prefers to use headphones, this is fantastic news and something to celebrate. A new gaming headset isn’t even required to use this feature.

PS5 can use your TV’s speakers, stereo speakers, 5.1, and more, so you don’t have to buy a separate sound system for gaming. Using the PS5’s processing power, you may be able to breathe new life into your current speaker layout and location.

Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X features on your TV may not be worth the money you spent on the upgrade in the first place. There are some systems in the PS5 that are underutilized.

What Is PS5 3D Audio? [Simple Answer] - GamingScan

Even if you don’t intend to buy a PlayStation 5, the most significant thing to take away from all of this is that there is now another 3D surround sound format available. However, even if it is superior, it does not play well with the other competitors. The fact that Sony is gearing up for yet another format war should come as no surprise to anyone.

Conclusion:

That’s a commendable goal, but Sony’s approach to audio has certain limitations.

It would be fantastic if PS5 3D audio could be enjoyed by everyone with a pair of ordinary wired headphones and the DualSense controller. However, even if it’s only for the short term, informing someone who has spent thousands on a full Dolby Atmos speaker system that they must use headphones to get the greatest sound will be pretty galling.

There are also questions over whether or not PS5 3D audio will actually work with a wide range of home theater systems in the near future. In our opinion, it’s a massive project – Sony’s 360 Reality Audio music format hasn’t spread far and broad.

We’re still stumped on some of the more immediate issues. If you don’t have a Pulse 3D headset, can normal wired headphones be put into the DualSense controller and enjoy the complete PS5 3D audio experience? What about wireless headphones that aren’t Bluetooth-enabled? Wouldn’t a headset like the Platinum Wireless Headset (which currently provides 3D audio in a more basic form) suffice? Is it possible that some headphones will be better at delivering 3D audio than others?

On November 12th in the US and Australia, and on November 19th in the UK, we’ll be able to get our hands on Sony’s new PlayStation 5 console. Meanwhile, we are enthusiastic about Sony’s promise to deliver more immersive 3D audio with the PS5 system. I think this could be a game-changer.