Technically, headphones can only output sound through two channels: left and right. However, spatial audio technology can generate the illusion that sounds are coming from different directions, as might be the case in the real world. This can be ideal for purposes such as gaming. It’s simply important to understand how to optimize spatial audio to get the most out of this technology.
One way to optimize spatial audio is to experiment with it in different contexts. Alongside gaming, spatial audio can be perfect for VR (when available), as it can make a virtual experience even more real. Spatial audio can also make you feel like you’re inhabiting the world of a movie. On the other hand, as you’ll discover, spatial audio isn’t necessarily always the right option for fine-tuning your music listening experience. While it’s generally a remarkable new technology, you need to know how to take full advantage of it – and when it’s not worth using it – to understand its value.
Use only one spatial audio processor
Spatial audio technology can take various forms, including software implementations. For example, Windows users can enable Windows Sonic, a free app that provides spatial audio for headphones. Another option is Dolby Atmos, available as a subscription, while also being available directly through various devices, like some TVs and soundbars. Likewise, various headsets claim to offer spatial audio, although the quality may vary from device to device.
Either way, it’s important to stick to one system when choosing how to enjoy spatial audio. For example, if you purchased headphones intended to produce spatial audio effects, do not use them with spatial audio software. While you might think that stacking multiple spatial audio systems on top of each other will improve the effect, it’s actually more likely that what you’re listening to will sound muddled.
It’s also essential to do your research when considering spatial audio technology options. Not all headsets and spatial audio systems are equal. You want to be sure that you’re spending money on a headset (or other piece of equipment or software) that will actually deliver the quality you expect from that technology.
Don’t (necessarily) use spatial audio all the time
Spatial audio is one of those innovations that meets certain objectives very well. In competitive gaming, for example, depending on factors like the game’s audio engine, spatial audio can potentially help players hear footsteps coming behind them, allowing them to be more responsive to potential threats. In general, spatial audio benefits games and movies by providing a more immersive experience.
On the other hand, some listeners find that spatial audio isn’t as impressive when listening to music. This is partly because technology can actually distort the way music is typically recorded. Thus, it sometimes offers a less than authentic experience to an audiophile. In a real studio, for example, musicians would likely play from certain standard positions in space. If you were in the studio listening to a band, all the members would essentially be in front of you. As such, you expect music tracks to sound accordingly. Although spatial audio, which can make music sound as if musicians and individual tracks and instruments are coming from different directions, can offer some novelty, it is not necessarily ideal for purists.
Some listeners also find that the extent to which spatial audio benefits or does not benefit a song can vary greatly from track to track. For example, Apple Music Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos sometimes invigorates a track, while in other cases it can make a song sound like a cheap karaoke recording. As you experiment with this technology, you’ll have a better idea of ​​how to use it, such as when to turn off Dolby Atmos audio.
Experiment with other sound options and settings
As users discussing spatial audio in the Reddit /r/headphones community point out, in a gaming context, the audio quality of the game itself can influence the extent to which spatial audio affects gameplay or not. They also note that taking full advantage of spatial audio for some games may require adjusting the various audio settings in the games themselves. If a game gives you the freedom to change audio settings or choose different audio mixes, see if that improves the sound quality.
The same goes for other content you might listen to with spatial sound, like movies and music. While spatial audio can improve some audio experiences, it is by no means a silver bullet. As mentioned earlier, this can sometimes harm the audio quality. Even in situations where spatial audio is appropriate, it may be necessary to adjust the audio settings of the content itself to get the most out of your sound quality.
Remember that this is all mostly subjective. The recommendations here can definitely help you take your listening experience to new heights (and bass, and lefts, and rights, and every other direction, etc.) with spatial audio. In the end, what matters most is what sounds good to your ears.
