What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones: Experience Real 3D Audio

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones

Windows Sonic for Headphones is a Windows 10 feature that provides an immersive virtual audio experience. 

If that sounds interesting and you want to learn about the latest technology in the sphere of simulating three-dimensional space merely through sound, you’re in the right place!
Read on, as we cover the benefits and disadvantages of some of the most prominent virtual spatial sound software and answer questions like “What is Windows Sonic for Headphones?” and “How do you use Windows Sonic?”.

What Is Spatial Sound?

Spatial sound is a type of audio technology that creates a three-dimensional sound effect. With this technology, the sound appears to be coming not only from each side of the room, but from above as well, allowing for a more immersive experience.

This is made possible through the introduction of additional sound channels that create a perception of depth. This is typically achieved through the so-called “height” speakers that are placed right under the ceiling, creating the effect of sound coming from above. Alternatively, the same effect can be achieved through upward-firing speakers that send sound into the ceiling from where it bounces off, creating the illusion of height speakers.

So, is spatial sound good for gaming? Absolutely, the spatial sound technology allows gamers to elevate their virtual experience to a new level.

If you are interested to learn more about one of the best go-to gaming platform for gamers read this article.

Nevertheless, using spatial sound technology for music is not recommended, as music is primarily recorded in stereo, which means that it uses two audio channels. On the other hand, spatial sound requires multiple channels to deliver the special 3D effect, which would result in a distorted sound if used on a stereo recording.

But, what is the spatial sound Windows Sonic for Headphones? Let’s take a look.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for Headphones is a software program developed by Microsoft in an effort to create a virtual spatial sound effect on any set of stereo headphones. With this feature now available on Windows 10, you can play video games with your regular headset and still get a similar experience to what you would get from a spatial sound system.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones.

Advantages Disadvantages 
Great for movies and gamingNot recommended for music
Easy to configureDoesn’t perform well through speakers
Inexpensive
No special equipment is needed

So, does Windows Sonic make a difference? As seen from the table above, you don’t need to purchase any special high-quality headphones for this software to work. Nevertheless, you do need regular headphones, as it doesn’t work well on either internal or external speakers.

What Is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Dolby Atmos for Headphones is another spatial audio software available on both Microsoft 10 and Xbox One, as well as on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Even though Dolby Atmos comes with a 30-day free trial, users must pay the 15$ fee to continue using their services after the trial period ends. By paying the mandatory fee, you obtain a license that allows you to enjoy their high-quality three-dimensional sound experience.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

Advantages Disadvantages 
Available on  a TV, computer, or home theatre systemRequires a license after the free trial
Increased height of spatial sound for a better experienceRequires high-quality hardware 
30-day free trial
Available for both speakers and headphones

As shown in the table above, Dolby Atmos software allows for a spatial sound experience on other devices other than headphones, but you do need to buy compatible hardware to use it.

What Is DTS for Headphones?

DTS for Headphones, also referred to as DTS Headphone X, or DTS:X, is one of the best spatial sound software currently available.

Compared to Dolby Atmos, DTS doesn’t require any special equipment to work properly, and your regular speaker setup should suffice. That being said, while having height speakers isn’t necessary for DTS, it would add to the sound quality and elevate the experience to a new level.

Additionally, while there are a few streaming services that support DTS:X, big platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime don’t provide this service. Luckily, DTS is available on both Windows 10 and Xbox One.

Let’s go over some advantages and disadvantages of DTS for Headphones.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
2-week free trial19.99$ fee after the trial period
Realistic, high-quality soundNot many platforms support it
Customisable sound
Doesn’t require special equipment

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages that DTS offers is the possibility to customise the sound to your needs at a given moment. Namely, you can manually adjust the volume of voices in dialogues and lower the background sound whenever necessary.

Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos vs. DTS: Which Spatial Sound Is Your Choice? 

Budget Wise

Windows Sonic is completely free, and there are no additional charges that could surprise you if you enable it. That being said, both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X come with a one-time payment, which ultimately makes all of them very affordable. 

If you are unsure about your decision, you can use the trial period to make up your mind. Atmos comes with a 7-day free trial, followed by a $14.99 fee, while DTS:X offers a 14-day trial period, after which you can pay a $19.99 fee to continue using it.

Gaming – DTS Sound Unbound vs Dolby Atmos

While all three software provide high-quality sound, gamers will find DTS and Dolby Atmos to be most beneficial for their virtual experience

The biggest advantage DTS has over Dolby is that most headsets are already compatible with this software. Nevertheless, to enjoy the optimal sound experience, you may want to invest in a good set of DTS-compatible headphones. 

In addition, you get the benefit of customising the sound according to your own liking. For instance, you can easily tone down the background during dialogues between characters and reverse it afterwards. 

On the other hand, Dolby Atmos has a built-in feature for the height channel, creating the overhead sound. This feature adds to the dimension of sound and creates a deepened sense of direction when playing video games.

Movies

If you’re looking for spatial sound software primarily for watching moves, Dolby Atmos is the best choice. Many platforms and streaming services support this software, so you’ll be able to enjoy the virtual 3D sound experience on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Disney+

Make sure to invest in some high-quality equipment for the optimal home theatre experience.

Spatial Sound Experience

All three spatial sound software provide solid quality of sound using virtual multi-channel technology. Whichever one you choose to try, you won’t be disappointed. You can compare them during free trial periods and decide if you want to invest or stick to the Windows Sonic, already available on your PC.

How to Activate Windows Sonic?

Windows Sonic is the only spatial sound system already integrated into Windows 10 software. But, how do you use Windows Sonic? First, you have to activate it, as it isn’t enabled by default; nevertheless, the process is quite simple. You can do this either directly through the System Tray of your PC or through the Control Panel.

To activate Windows Sonic from your System Tray, follow these steps:

  • Click on the System Tray
  • Right-click the Audio icon
  • Click on Spatial Audio
  • Select Windows Sonic for Headphones

If your Audio icon is not located directly on the System Tray, click on the little upward arrow next to the Internet access icon. There, you will find the Audio icon that resembles a speaker.

To activate Windows Sonic from your Control Panel, follow these steps:

  • Open Control Panel
  • Click on Sound
  • Double-click on your active headphones
  • Click on Spatial Sound
  • Select Windows Sonic for Headphones
  • Click on Apply

To find Control Panel, use the search bar located on the far left of the System Tray. In the section Hardware and Sound, you will find the Sound icon where your headphones options are located. Make sure your headphones are plugged in or connected, and choose the ones you’re currently using.

Bottom Line

Windows Sonic for Headphones is currently the most easily attainable spatial sound software, as it’s already integrated into Windows 10, and you can enable it completely free of charge. Nevertheless, if you are a gamer or want to invest in a home theatre system, you might find Dolby Atmos or DTS to be a perfect choice. 

FAQs

1.What is Windows Sonic for Headphones & how to turn it on/off?

Windows Sonic is a spatial sound software that can improve the sound quality of video games and movies. If you’re a Windows 10 or Xbox One user, then you already have the software installed on your computer. You can turn it on and off from your taskbar by right-clicking the sound icon, selecting the Spatial Sound tab, and selecting the desired sound option. 

2.Is Windows Sonic for Headphones free?

Yes, Windows Sonic for Headphones is completely free of charge, and you don’t need any additional hardware or specific headphones to use it. Simply enable it and use it with standard headphones.

3.Is it worth using Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic is not only free but also already integrated into your Windows 10 software. Additionally, there are no risks involved, as you don’t have to worry about the trial period passing. If you are still unsure, check out the advantages and disadvantages of Windows Sonic in our “What is Windows Sonic for Headphones?” guide.

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