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The PS5 3D Audio Design & Headset Gamers

Rolla

Banned
I was sold on a PS5 mid way through this generation. There are sequels to exclusives that I simply refuse to miss out on. But I must admit, the only thing that frustrates me about the PS5 is the lack of info on PS5's new 3D audio design. I game on headsets for the more (in my opinion of course) immersive experience. I'm currently using the Corsair Virtuoso and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless.

But with the new PS5 hardware comes new 3D audio tech aimed and designed specifically to enhance the sound experience but beyond the base pulse 3D headset

ASgEohC3bbmkuradCx3zcb.jpg


I have no idea if I need a new headset or if there are any headsets in development that can and will harness the new 3D audio engine.



And I'm wondering what other headset gamers are planning to do come launch? When I suspect a lot of headset for PS5 will become, for want of a better word, redundant?
 

Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
I was sold on a PS5 mid way through this generation. There are sequels to exclusives that I simply refuse to miss out on. But I must admit, the only thing that frustrates me about the PS5 is the lack of info on PS5's new 3D audio design. I game on headsets for the more (in my opinion of course) immersive experience. I'm currently using the Corsair Virtuoso and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless.

But with the new PS5 hardware comes new 3D audio tech aimed and designed specifically to enhance the sound experience but beyond the base pulse 3D headset

I have no idea if I need a new headset or if there are any headsets in development that can and will harness the new 3D audio engine.

And I'm wondering what other headset gamers are planning to do come launch? When I suspect a lot of headset for PS5 will become, for want of a better word, redundant?

The Tempest engine is designed around the idea of having good stereo headsets....not that people with surround sound setups will have it bad, but Tempest is clearly aimed at us headset users.

So if you invested in a major pair of cans then you are actually already nextgen ready.

Im so angry Sony havent released an uncompressed version of the Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but get your cans on and watch through that.
The 3D Audio is working, and it is amazing.

People with Virtual Surround or MultiElement headphones might do themselves a favor and go and get some premium stereo headsets, we theoretically wont be needing those fake surround headphones anymore because the consoles processing will do the job better than whatever [Insert manufacturer] is using.


As for me, im using a pair of DT 770s and a pair of DT 990s depending on the game and im super ready to test the PS5s audio capabilities.
54-117_01.jpg
 

Rolla

Banned
I'm fairly certain Cerny said that any headset can take advantage of the new technology in the "Road to PS5". They've also announced that the PS4 Gold and Platinum headsets will be compatible with PS5, but that their "App" would not be supported. That's not a definitive answer, but it seems encouraging.
The Tempest engine is designed around the idea of having good stereo headsets....not that people with surround sound setups will have it bad, but Tempest is clearly aimed at us headset users.

So if you invested in a major pair of cans then you are actually already nextgen ready.

Im so angry Sony havent released an uncompressed version of the Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but get your cans on and watch through that.
The 3D Audio is working, and it is amazing.

People with Virtual Surround or MultiElement headphones might do themselves a favor and go and get some premium stereo headsets, we theoretically wont be needing those fake surround headphones anymore because the consoles processing will do the job better than whatever [Insert manufacturer] is using.


As for me, im using a pair of DT 770s and a pair of DT 990s depending on the game and im super ready to test the PS5s audio capabilities.

This is literally music to my ears. I thought the tech needed a new upgrade in terms of headphones. But if the tech/engine is built in at a hardware level I'm good to go.

Now we just need to find out if the PS5 has an optic audio port.
 

bargeparty

Member
The Tempest engine is designed around the idea of having good stereo headsets....not that people with surround sound setups will have it bad, but Tempest is clearly aimed at us headset users.

So if you invested in a major pair of cans then you are actually already nextgen ready.

Im so angry Sony havent released an uncompressed version of the Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but get your cans on and watch through that.
The 3D Audio is working, and it is amazing.

People with Virtual Surround or MultiElement headphones might do themselves a favor and go and get some premium stereo headsets, we theoretically wont be needing those fake surround headphones anymore because the consoles processing will do the job better than whatever [Insert manufacturer] is using.


As for me, im using a pair of DT 770s and a pair of DT 990s depending on the game and im super ready to test the PS5s audio capabilities.
54-117_01.jpg

Curious, what games determine which headset?
 

Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
Curious, what games determine which headset?

Open world games then I use the DT 990s, they have a more open soundscape it makes things that are far away really sound like they are far away like my FFXV experience was def enhanced by being able to feel like i was driving through this massive open world and hearing it as a massive world, but you still can hear the details of the immediate surrounding, Battlefield also really benefits from an open soundscape.

When im playing competitive COD or something alittle more claustrophobic, the DT 770s have very good lows and highs (mids are good but not standout) but the closed back design seemingly makes everything seem alot closer almost like you have enhanced hearing mode [on]. Doom, DeadSpace, Alien Isolation and Doom Eternal with closed back:
chefs_kiss.gif
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
The Tempest engine is designed around the idea of having good stereo headsets....not that people with surround sound setups will have it bad, but Tempest is clearly aimed at us headset users.

So if you invested in a major pair of cans then you are actually already nextgen ready.

Im so angry Sony havent released an uncompressed version of the Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but get your cans on and watch through that.
The 3D Audio is working, and it is amazing.

People with Virtual Surround or MultiElement headphones might do themselves a favor and go and get some premium stereo headsets, we theoretically wont be needing those fake surround headphones anymore because the consoles processing will do the job better than whatever [Insert manufacturer] is using.


As for me, im using a pair of DT 770s and a pair of DT 990s depending on the game and im super ready to test the PS5s audio capabilities.
54-117_01.jpg
Do you have an amp on those bad boys? Because BD DTs have high impedance, so drive them is tougher than other headphones.
 

Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
Do you have an amp on those bad boys? Because BD DTs have high impedance, so drive them is tougher than other headphones.

Naturally.
My DT 770s are the 80Ω Ive actually tested them with just a controller and they work.
But all my devices are connected through my Receiver, its plenty powerful enough to drive even my 250Ω DT990s
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
Naturally.
My DT 770s are the 80Ω Ive actually tested them with just a controller and they work.
But all my devices are connected through my Receiver, its plenty powerful enough to drive even my 250Ω DT990s
So it's from receiver then, I though that you have it plugged into controller : D
 

Toe-Knee

Member
I was sold on a PS5 mid way through this generation. There are sequels to exclusives that I simply refuse to miss out on. But I must admit, the only thing that frustrates me about the PS5 is the lack of info on PS5's new 3D audio design. I game on headsets for the more (in my opinion of course) immersive experience. I'm currently using the Corsair Virtuoso and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless.

But with the new PS5 hardware comes new 3D audio tech aimed and designed specifically to enhance the sound experience but beyond the base pulse 3D headset

ASgEohC3bbmkuradCx3zcb.jpg


I have no idea if I need a new headset or if there are any headsets in development that can and will harness the new 3D audio engine.



And I'm wondering what other headset gamers are planning to do come launch? When I suspect a lot of headset for PS5 will become, for want of a better word, redundant?
In cernys presentation he said it will work with any headset.

All the processing is done using the modified cell like cpu core
 

bargeparty

Member
Open world games then I use the DT 990s, they have a more open soundscape it makes things that are far away really sound like they are far away like my FFXV experience was def enhanced by being able to feel like i was driving through this massive open world and hearing it as a massive world, but you still can hear the details of the immediate surrounding, Battlefield also really benefits from an open soundscape.

When im playing competitive COD or something alittle more claustrophobic, the DT 770s have very good lows and highs (mids are good but not standout) but the closed back design seemingly makes everything seem alot closer almost like you have enhanced hearing mode [on]. Doom, DeadSpace, Alien Isolation and Doom Eternal with closed back:
chefs_kiss.gif

Interesting. I didn't consider possible open world benefits from an open back. I've been living alone and have thought about trying some open back headphones since I don't have to worry much about leakage or external external noise. I've used the DT 770 pro (80 ohm) for years now and I love them.

Thanks.

Naturally.
My DT 770s are the 80Ω Ive actually tested them with just a controller and they work.
But all my devices are connected through my Receiver, its plenty powerful enough to drive even my 250Ω DT990s

I also plug directly into my receiver for headphone use when I want it. I tried just recently going Bluetooth but difficulties with the transmitters and just finding a pair that I liked comparable to the DT 770's, I gave up on it.
 
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Im stuck between buying the ps5 pulse headset or the turtle beach stealth 700 gen 2

i wasent impressed with the gold headset i had on ps4

the turtle beach stealth 700 gen 2 playstation ones does not have chatmix is this important? Also does not have 7.1 surround will the ps5 pulse headset have this?
 

John Wick

Member
I was sold on a PS5 mid way through this generation. There are sequels to exclusives that I simply refuse to miss out on. But I must admit, the only thing that frustrates me about the PS5 is the lack of info on PS5's new 3D audio design. I game on headsets for the more (in my opinion of course) immersive experience. I'm currently using the Corsair Virtuoso and Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless.

But with the new PS5 hardware comes new 3D audio tech aimed and designed specifically to enhance the sound experience but beyond the base pulse 3D headset

ASgEohC3bbmkuradCx3zcb.jpg


I have no idea if I need a new headset or if there are any headsets in development that can and will harness the new 3D audio engine.



And I'm wondering what other headset gamers are planning to do come launch? When I suspect a lot of headset for PS5 will become, for want of a better word, redundant?
It always amazes me how many people will ask questions that Sony have already answered if said people actually took the time to research. Mark Cerny already talked about the 3d Audio of the PS5 and how they are targeting headphones first. You only need a normal decent headset.
 

Rolla

Banned
It always amazes me how many people will ask questions that Sony have already answered if said people actually took the time to research. Mark Cerny already talked about the 3d Audio of the PS5 and how they are targeting headphones first. You only need a normal decent headset.

Actually the bolded isn't true. As is happening across devices my Steelseries loses all fidelity and will only play stereo audio/ Which is a huge downgrade for me.


I'm locked in, litterally, for my PS5 on launch day. A friend of a friend offered double to re-route my order to his home and still I said nope. Lets not attack people for wanting the best experience at launch.
 

_Spr_Drnk

Banned
Currently really enjoying Division 2, but what would really improve it is some 'ray traced' footsteps. As it stands, incidental sounds like that are really poorly implemented, they are either 'on' or 'off'. No sense of distance or whether they are above or below, etc.

I think (PS Fanboy Alert) that people are underestimating the PS5 technology package as a whole, instead focusing on pure graphics horsepower. Between the specialised SSD and Tempest audio engine, I think there's a good chance PS5 will produce quite a few game experiences that won't quite be possible on other platforms.

We will see.
 
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MHubert

Member
(...) As is happening across devices my Steelseries loses all fidelity and will only play stereo audio/ Which is a huge downgrade for me.
Can you eloborate on this further? I'm pondering whether I should buy a new headset for next gen but considered using my Grado's since I heard that any headset would do.
 
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Rolla

Banned
Currently really enjoying Division 2, but what would really improve it is some 'ray traced' footsteps. As it stands, incidental sounds like that are really poorly implemented, they are either 'on' or 'off'. No sense of distance or whether they are above or below, etc.

I think (PS Fanboy Alert) that people are underestimating the PS5 technology package as a whole, instead focusing on pure graphics horsepower. Between the specialised SSD and Tempest audio engine, I think there's a good chance PS5 will produce quite a few game experiences that won't quite be possible on other platforms.

We will see.
Can you eloborate on this further? I'm pondering whether I should buy a new headset for next gen but considered using my Grado's since I heard that any headset would do.

Yep. There will be new experiences in terms of audio. PS5 is bring a whole new level of fidelity to the fore front and so far, I've only seen one headset that will be able to utilize that new sound design. The new A20

Aquarius_Blue_Desk_Stage_2_0058.jpg


But there was a reddit thread that showed every headset currently on the market will deliver stereo sound, at best.

Going from an arctis pro and all the audio/surround/dolby/custom/dts/7.1 etc etc etc etc down to a basic stereo headset is a down grade I really don't want.
 
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Bartski

Gold Member
There is nothing that would suggest the PULSE 3D is anything more than a regular pair of stereo headphones. Also, no way these are made with high fidelity in mind at $99.
Mid-range consumer level but perfectly fine for most people used to earbuds, dre beats and "gaming" headphones.
I almost bought them myself in preorder frenzy, not because I expect them to be good but because I expect them to be light and comfortable for long gaming sessions. My main headphones are wired and heavy as fuck and I need to take them off every couple of hrs to rest my head. So I might just get PULSE 3D a bit later.

Encoding "3D audio" into a 2 channel signal is there the mojo is. That's the big trick and if it works - headphones you already have should do just fine.
This tech isn't really anything new, what's new is so far a lot of has been pretty shit, really unconvincing for produced (= artificially created) sfx. The key thing is how well will it emulate something like a Dolby Atmos effect which is really tricky unless all audio is recorded binaurally - which is in most cases pretty much impossible, secondly - that limits its accurate reproduction to headphones only and Tempest is supposed to work on speakers as well.
Very interesting, but so far all we got is marketing. I want to hear it.
 
There is nothing that would suggest the PULSE 3D is anything more than a regular pair of stereo headphones. Also, no way these are made with high fidelity in mind at $99.
Mid-range consumer level but perfectly fine for most people used to earbuds, dre beats and "gaming" headphones.
I almost bought them myself in preorder frenzy, not because I expect them to be good but because I expect them to be light and comfortable for long gaming sessions. My main headphones are wired and heavy as fuck and I need to take them off every couple of hrs to rest my head. So I might just get PULSE 3D a bit later.

Encoding "3D audio" into a 2 channel signal is there the mojo is. That's the big trick and if it works - headphones you already have should do just fine.
This tech isn't really anything new, what's new is so far a lot of has been pretty shit, really unconvincing for produced (= artificially created) sfx. The key thing is how well will it emulate something like a Dolby Atmos effect which is really tricky unless all audio is recorded binaurally - which is in most cases pretty much impossible, secondly - that limits its accurate reproduction to headphones only and Tempest is supposed to work on speakers as well.
Very interesting, but so far all we got is marketing. I want to hear it.

I'm very interested also in these but with looking at 2 console pre-orders, 2 HDD backup 4TB drives, a new subscription in gamepass, 3 - 2.1 HDMI cables ordered from monoprice...I've cancelled my pulse headset, extra controllers and charge base for now :messenger_grinning_smiling:
 
Encoding "3D audio" into a 2 channel signal is there the mojo is. That's the big trick and if it works - headphones you already have should do just fine.
This tech isn't really anything new, what's new is so far a lot of has been pretty shit, really unconvincing for produced (= artificially created) sfx. The key thing is how well will it emulate something like a Dolby Atmos effect which is really tricky unless all audio is recorded binaurally - which is in most cases pretty much impossible, secondly - that limits its accurate reproduction to headphones only and Tempest is supposed to work on speakers as well.
Very interesting, but so far all we got is marketing. I want to hear it.

Have you tried Atmos on the PC? If windows disables it I noticed within a few seconds of gameplay. It's been revolutionary for me and allows me to track footsteps in a way that simple isn't possible without such software active. I don't really understand much about how 3D audio tech works, but I'm definitely a believer after using the Atmos plugin for awhile now.


Definitely curious about reviews on this one though, would be a decent deal if SQ is good and it's comfy.
 

Bartski

Gold Member
I'm very interested also in these but with looking at 2 console pre-orders (...)
yeah same here


Have you tried Atmos on the PC? If windows disables it I noticed within a few seconds of gameplay. It's been revolutionary for me and allows me to track footsteps in a way that simple isn't possible without such software active. I don't really understand much about how 3D audio tech works, but I'm definitely a believer after using the Atmos plugin for awhile now.


Definitely curious about reviews on this one though, would be a decent deal if SQ is good and it's comfy.

Somehow I haven't but I've worked with some 5.1 to headphone encoders to keep my expectations in check. What games did you play? I'm downloading the trial as we speak, I see I only have GEARS5 that outputs Dolby Atmos for decoding.
 
Somehow I haven't but I've worked with some 5.1 to headphone encoders to keep my expectations in check. What games did you play? I'm downloading the trial as we speak, I see I only have GEARS5 that outputs Dolby Atmos for decoding.

Started using it in counter strike which was very useful because audio is key in that game. Also beneficial in stuff like Warzone. It's amazing how you can track footsteps. However overall it just makes the audio far more natural sounding to me. When it's off the games just sound bad to me now.
 
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Bartski

Gold Member
Started using it in counter strike which was very useful because audio is key in that game. Also beneficial in stuff like Warzone. It's amazing how you can track footsteps. However overall it just makes the audio far more natural sounding to me. When it's off the games just sound bad to me now.
wait... you mean the Dolby Access app decoding? You need the game to output Dolby Atmos in the first place, are you sure it's not placebo effect? This is the list:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (including Warzone)
Borderlands 3
Overwatch
Battlefield 1 (PC)
Star Wars: Battlefront
Gears of War 4 (Xbox One X)
Gears 5
Crackdown 3 (Xbox One/Xbox One X)
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Assassin’s Creed Origins (Xbox One X)
Final Fantasy XV (Xbox One X)
Rise Of The Tomb Raider (Xbox One X)
Super Lucky’s Tale (Xbox One X)
Mass Effect: Andromeda (PC)
For Honor
Forza Horizon 4
Metro Exodus
Resident Evil 2
The Division 2
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Tom Clancy's The Division 2

hmmmmm but I just checked the demos on my main gear and some of them sound CRAZY, have I been sleeping on this??? Installing GEARS 5!

So ANYWAY, thanks for the tip
 
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Honestly if your playing on a set of decent headphones already you will be fine.... I have a set of A50s which will just get a firmware update to work

the pulse headset looks like a repackaged Sony plat headset which was already a good headset and it will work with ps5

in terms of true 3D audio...the last game I remember having good 3D audio was black ops 1 so I’m keen to see what the new black ops is like
 
So if you invested in a major pair of cans then you are actually already nextgen ready.

Im so angry Sony havent released an uncompressed version of the Ratchet and Clank gameplay, but get your cans on and watch through that.
The 3D Audio is working, and it is amazing.

As for me, im using a pair of DT 770s and a pair of DT 990s depending on the game and im super ready to test the PS5s audio capabilities.
54-117_01.jpg
I'd also like to sample ps5 audio without having to buy a ps5 first. I enjoyed both those headphones when I had them. Currently have Beyers amiron wireless which are similar but I'd say better then those (just not with stock earpads)


If your environment permits, get an open back headset over closed backs, the larger soundstage is going to make the 3d effect much more immersive. Also avoid all those "gamer" headsets, they're generally overpriced trash.
I'd say imaging is more important for immersion. Some closed headphones have a decent soundstage and really nice imagining and unless we are talking high end closed is usually easier to drive since they are more portable



Interesting. I didn't consider possible open world benefits from an open back. I've been living alone and have thought about trying some open back headphones since I don't have to worry much about leakage or external external noise. I've used the DT 770 pro (80 ohm) for years now and I love them.

Thanks.



I also plug directly into my receiver for headphone use when I want it. I tried just recently going Bluetooth but difficulties with the transmitters and just finding a pair that I liked comparable to the DT 770's, I gave up on it.
The amiron wireless are close to dt770 but nicer. The stock earpads are just trash. They fit the 770s earpads and they are much nicer.
I have the Sony ier-m9s and I find them great for gaming as well. Very nice soundstage and imaging for an in ear. So open really isn't required.
 

Rolla

Banned
Honestly if your playing on a set of decent headphones already you will be fine.... I have a set of A50s which will just get a firmware update to work

the pulse headset looks like a repackaged Sony plat headset which was already a good headset and it will work with ps5

in terms of true 3D audio...the last game I remember having good 3D audio was black ops 1 so I’m keen to see what the new black ops is like

I don't think people get it...

The update will allow your A50 to run on PS5's OS but the audio design will be reduced to stereo. There isn't a headset yet that will harness the PS5's audio to it's fullest.

People are in for a shock when they realize this. There was a recent thread on reddit but I don't have an account and can't find it in my history. Whatever headset you have, the best audio @ launch is going to be this.

pulse3d-wirelessheadset-render-withnotice-01.original.jpg
 

TTOOLL

Member
I don't plan to get a ps5 this year but I might get the new Pulse instead of the Gold. What are the advantages over the Gold on paper?
 

GreenAlien

Member
I wonder if I will need specific hardware, like a DAC or Sound Card on PC to match PS5 audio.. or if Windows Sonic/DTS:X/../ will just get software updates and that's that..

Well, developers might not even port sound that makes use of tempest features to other platforms and only implement a simplified version.. :messenger_pensive:
 
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MrFunSocks

Banned
People wanting to take advantage of 3D audio.........using headsets lol.

If you don't have a surround setup you're not going to be blown away by any 3d sound.
 

Nikana

Go Go Neo Rangers!
People really need to stop drinking the PR of this. 3D audio is not a new invention in any capacity and Sony has yet to say a single reason why their implementation will be superior other than buzz words.
 

FrankWza

Member
People wanting to take advantage of 3D audio.........using headsets lol.

If you don't have a surround setup you're not going to be blown away by any 3d sound.

that’s just not true. This has been discussed and debated going back 2 gens. You absolutely get Great positional audio from simulated surround sound especially in headphones. Simulated surround sound is lacking when using a sound bar especially vs multi speaker setup. And headphones using virtual surround are better for competition based games where position determining is key And preferred.
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
that’s just not true. This has been discussed and debated going back 2 gens. You absolutely get Great positional audio from simulated surround sound especially in headphones. Simulated surround sound is lacking when using a sound bar especially vs multi speaker setup. And headphones using virtual surround are better for competition based games where position determining is key And preferred.
You absolutely get better position determining with surround sound than with headphones.
 
I don't think people get it...

The update will allow your A50 to run on PS5's OS but the audio design will be reduced to stereo. There isn't a headset yet that will harness the PS5's audio to it's fullest.

People are in for a shock when they realize this. There was a recent thread on reddit but I don't have an account and can't find it in my history. Whatever headset you have, the best audio @ launch is going to be this.

pulse3d-wirelessheadset-render-withnotice-01.original.jpg
Don’t believe the marketing hype....they love selling the accessories and always have
 

Bo_Hazem

Banned
I have Astro A40+Mixer, but preorder the Pulse 3D. Astro A40 has bad bass, pretty flat. I want punchy bass.

BTW, you only need 2.0 stereo for true 3D on PS5 if it's HRTF-based, other fakery needs 5.1/7.1 channel to simulate 3D audio.
 
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