How do I test 7.1 surround sound? Which song/music would give me output to each channel so that I can test it Follow. Report Abuse. You can definitely test out 7.1 surround sound with some quality sample packs, id suggest checking out this free one.

The Windows 10 Creators Update contains some hidden jewels you may not have found yet. One such jewel is Windows Sonic, a new spatial surround sound tool for Windows 10.

This small program modifies headphone audio to emulate a 3D living room-style environment. That makes it a fantastic addition for both movie and ingame sound design. Best of all, it’s available completely for free when you upgrade to the Windows 10 Creators UpdateYou Can Still Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free!You Can Still Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free!It turns out you can still bag a free upgrade to Windows 10 -- and it doesn't involve the morally-questionable actions of other free upgrade methods.Read More.

Windows Sonic: All-Around Surround Sound

With Microsoft’s new push to create an all-inclusive operating system (OS), they’ve attempted to integrate desktop features in consoles and visa versa. Windows Sonic is one such example.

Available for desktop and console gaming alike (both Windows 10 and Xbox), Windows Sonic promises to add a new dimension to audio. Frankly, this did sound like just another marketing shtickHow Microsoft Has Pushed Windows 10 and the ResultsHow Microsoft Has Pushed Windows 10 and the ResultsMicrosoft has been promoting Windows 10 aggressively for over a year. The goal was to get the new operating system running on one billion devices by 2018. We look at Microsoft's methods and the numbers.Read More to me and an aspect of Windows I didn’t think I would want. After having spent time with Windows Sonic, however, I must say that it’s actually a pretty great and seamless audio tool.

Sonic seems to be Microsoft’s answer to Dolby Atmos, the other spatial sound client available in Windows by default. Except for the fact that Dolby Atmos requires a subscription payment, that is.

“The spatial sound APIs allow developers to create audio objects that emit audio from positions in 3D space. Dynamic audio objects allow you to emit audio from an arbitrary position in space, which can change over time.” — Microsoft

Essentially, Sonic simulates a 3D environment using the audio that comes from your device. While this won’t necessarily work as well for movies, it works brilliantly for games.

Keep in mind, it won’t redefine the experience. That depends on the quality of your sound card and headphones. You will, however, note a definite and immediate change in the perceived depth and quality of audio.

The audio technology behind this also isn’t exactly new for Microsoft. In fact, it’s highly reminiscent of the approach Microsoft undertook with one of its newest endeavors; HoloLens.

Except, Windows Sonic doesn’t require a HoloLens. It’s available now on your Windows PC for free!

How to Enable Windows Sonic in Windows 10

Enabling Windows Sonic is surprisingly easy.

Disable Audio Effects

A few motherboard and sound card manufacturers require device software in order to use hardware properly. At times, they work in the background without the user knowing. That includes audio software.

For example, using an MSI motherboard may mean you have the Realtek HD Audio Manager software installed on your computer.

Before using Windows Sonic, disable any effects you may have activated prior.

Once you’ve deactivated any sound effects, you can activate and enjoy using the simulated 7.1 surround soundDolby Digital, DTS, THX: Surround Sound Standards ExplainedDolby Digital, DTS, THX: Surround Sound Standards ExplainedAlthough there are only three main players in the surround sound industry, each has their own subsets of technology as it relates to surround.Read More of Windows Sonic in its full capacity.

Activate Windows Sonic

To activate Windows Sonic, right-click on the sound icon on the right-hand side of your task bar and select Spatial sound.

Then select Open Volume Mixer, click the Speakers icon to open Speakers Properties, and switch to the Spatial sound tab. Under the Spatial sound format, click on the dropdown menu and select Windows Sonic for Headphones. Ensure you checked the Turn on 7.1 virtual surround sound option. Select Apply, and then OK.

That’s it!

Test the Sound

It might be a bit difficult, or a bit jarring, to test the sound outright without being able to detail the exact changes in the audio. In order to gauge the audio sufficiently, head to the Dolby Labs website and download the 7.1 Dolby Test Tones MP4 file.

With Windows Sonic turned on, attempt to map out the virtual configuration of the audio. Audio direction and location should be more noticeable than using the regular PC audio.

Up Your Audio

Microsoft is trying things out, and that’s always a good thing. With Windows Sonic, however, we see yet another of Microsoft’s attempt to merge the living room console world with Windows. In my opinion, any effort to urge this process on is a step in the right direction.

I’ve also yet to turn the effect off because it does exactly what it’s meant to do: provide an extra bit of depth to your audio.

Have you tried out Microsoft’s new spatial sound experimentHow to Customize Sounds on Windows 10 (And Where to Download Them)How to Customize Sounds on Windows 10 (And Where to Download Them)Customize the sounds on Windows 10, find new sounds themes and schemes, and improve the sound quality of your computer.Read More? Did you enjoy it? Let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: chombosan via Shutterstock.com

Explore more about: Audiophiles, Surround Sound, Windows 10, Windows Tricks.

1. Sonic is amazing. I using everyday with W10 on my PC, and for 5.1/7.1 movies is awesome.
   But with Atmos content, like a movie with 7.1 channels, TrueHD Atmos, Sonic unleash his true potential. We can hear sounds coming from everywhere like overhead, below us, around, really good and takes surround for headphones to a higher level.
   However for stereo it appears to do nothing and leave the source untouched.(music for example);
   And the best thing is, totally free!

2. 'The other way around' synonym is 'vice versa', not 'visa versa'!

7.1 Surround Sound is a multi-channel sound system developed for cinemas, which was first used in 2010 and has been used in every major film since 2017. Compared to its predecessor, the 5.1 Surround Sound, two more speakers have been added, bringing the total to eight. Five of them are mostly in the front and two on the sides. There is also the LFE channel (subwoofer) for special low-frequency sound effects, which can vary its position. The manufacturers were faced with the problem that it was impossible for headphones to reproduce the specific positions for a real Surround Sound. The virtual 7.1 Surround Sound was developed with the help of a sound chip. It modifies the frequencies in such a way that our ears can perceive the sound spatially. We have checked the best Surround Sound Headsets on the market for you and now we are going to present you our favourites.

Stereo- vs. Surround SoundExplaining the differences

There are not only great differences between Stereo and Surround Sound when it comes to functionality, but also when it comes to technical requirements and sound. Let’s start with the basics: While Stereo Headsets can usually only output sound from two different directions (allowing spatial orientation to the left and right), with Gaming Headsets with Surround Sound we can hear a sound from all directions. Due to the limited space inside the speakers, however, this has to be done virtually with the help of a software. Thereby a spatial sound is created by distorting the tones. For this reason, the sound of Stereo Headsets is usually clearer and with less reverb.

For Surround Sound you also need a special Sound Card or Sound Chip. The latter is usually built-in, especially in devices with a USB connection. For 3.5mm jack connections there are special USB adapters, which can take over the functions of a Surround Sound Card. The Logitech G430 comes with such an adapter.

Our Surround Sound Gaming Headset RecommendationsThe best headsets with 7.1 surround sound

Below we are going to present some devices of which we think they are the best 7.1 Surround Sound Headsets on the market. Maybe it will help you if you are not sure which device to buy yet. Each device includes a video from Youtube that presents the product in more detail.

Siberia V2 is a headset, which is still appreciated and used by many CS:GO professionals. Despite its high weight, it is very comfortable to wear and can even compete with this year’s models. The voice recorded by the microphone sounds a little unfamiliar at first. The reason why so many professionals still swear by the Siberia V2 is the sound of the headphones. The virtual 7.1 Surround Sound allows an exact location of the sounds and that’s why the V2 is still one of the best in this field. With 99,99€ the Siberia V2 is in the middle price range.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• 7.1 Surround Sound
• Weight: 680g
• 50mm Driver
• Extendable, Uni-Directional Microphone
• 3.5mm Jack Plug
• 3m Cable
• Leather Covered Over-Ear Headphones made of Sound Absorbing Foam

The Elite Pro is the new headset flagship from Turtle Beach for a reason. The outstanding wearing comfort, thanks to precise adjustment options, allows hours of gaming without any pain. Furthermore, the Elite Pro is especially convincing in combination with the Tactical Audio Controller (TAC). This allows you to adjust the Surround Sound for every game or genre. With nearly 350€ incl. TAC it is also one of the most expensive headsets on the market.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• Crystal clear 7.1 Surround Sound (Sound Setting Superhuman Hearing)
• Weight: 400g
• 50mm Nanoclear Driver
• Removable Microphone with TruSpeak Technology
• 1,3m long 3,5 mm Splitter Cable,suitable for all Platforms
• 3m long USB Amplifier Cable for PC with Inline control
• ComforTec Fit System for Better Wearing Comfort on the Ear Cushions (also for people with glasses)

The Cloud2 from HyperX is probably the classic among Surround Sound headsets. With nearly 80 € it belongs to the cheaper devices on the market. Thanks to the memory foam, it provides a high wearing comfort during longer gaming sessions. The Surround Sound completes the very good overall impression, because even in the most chaotic sound environment, it is possible to precisely locate the opponents. The only small disadvantage is that you can’t make any other sound profile settings.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• 7.1 Surround Sound
• Weight: 320g
• 53mm Driver
• Removable Microphone with Noise Cancellation
• 3.5 mm Jack Plug (4-pin to USB) 1m length
• USB Control Box with 2 m Extension Cable
• Compatible with many Platforms
• HyperX Memory Foam with Premium Leatherette Cover

The G433 has only been available since June 2017, but immediately won over most gamers. The G433 only weighs 259 grams without cable and is therefore one of the lightest gaming headsets on the market. In this way it guarantees wearing comfort for a very long time. Really outstanding is the Surround Sound of the G433. Thanks to house-made gaming software you can customize it to suit your wishes. In addition the “DTS Headphone: X 7.1” technology guarantees an exact acoustic location of the opponents. With 129 € the G433 belongs to the medium price segment.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• 7.1 Surround Sound
• Weight: 281g
• 53mm Driver
• Removable Boom Microphone with Noise Cancellation
• 2m long 3.5 mm Jack Plug (4-pin to USB)
• 1.5m Mobile Cable with Inline Controls and Microphone
• Compatible with many Platforms
• Sports Mesh Ear Pads

Like the Logitech G433, the Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2 is also one of the latest gaming headsets on the market. The imitation leather ear cushions and the tried-and-tested Razer headband provide a balanced weight distribution, which ensures comfort even during long gaming sessions. An absolute plus of this headset is the bass sound via two amplifying subwoofer drivers. The audio channels can be freely configured and adapted to your hearing via Razer Synapse. The Tiamat 2.2 V2 convinces with its price-performance ratio and belongs with nearly 120€ to the medium price segment.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• Crystal Clear 7.1 Surround Sound
• Weight: 413g
• 4x 40mm Neodymium Magnets Driver
• Noise Cancelling Unidirectional Microphone
• 3,5mm Jack Plug with 1,3m Cable
• 2m Audio / Mic Splitter Cable
• Perfectly fitting artificial leather Ear Cushions

The G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset convinces with Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and a flexibly adjustable microphone. Unfortunately, the voice sounds a bit hollow over the microphone but can be understood clearly. Because of the light and slim design the ear pads are still soft and comfortable even after hours of wearing. For about 35 Euro you get a brand headset, whose microphone has some weaknesses, but whose headphones deliver first-class sound for this price range.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• 7.1 Surround Sound
• Audio Control with Mute Switch
• Noise-Cancelling Microphone
• Comfortable Sports-Performance Ear Pads

According to Logitech, the wireless G533 gaming headset should recreate the in-game environmental effects as game designers intended. And that’s mostly true. The G933 delivers clear trebles and thumping basses. Only the mids are not present enough for listening to music. But this is absolutely not a problem when playing. The headset is completely made of plastic, but still robust. The lightweight design ensures a comfortable weight of just 350 grams, which is particularly beneficial for longer gaming sessions. We think that the G533 is a good 7.1 headset at a reasonable price.

Here’s a detailed video review for you:

• Lossless Digital Audio Transmission
• Light and Stable Design
• 15 Hour Battery Life