Windows sonic vs. dolby atmos: which headphones are best for xbox one?

What Is Spatial Sound?

Spatial sound, sometimes called 3D audio, is an enhanced audio experience where you can perceive sounds from all directions.

Instead of just hearing sounds coming from the left/right (stereo sound) or around you (surround sound), spatial sounds add an element of verticality that makes it so that what we hear is close to how we’d naturally hear it in real life. This adds a level of sound immersion that can’t be replicated by traditional surround sound formats.

Although we only have two ears, we can often determine the approximate location of sounds in three dimensions. Thanks to the collaborative work between our brain and ears, we can perceive the sound’s distance, elevation, and direction.

With that being said, spatial sound softwares makes use of strategic placement of sound sources in a virtual three-dimensional space to create that 3D sound effect. These also try to replicate head-related transfer functions (HRTF). It tells how an ear receives a particular sound and how that sound changes as it passes through the body.

The three leading spatial sound softwares today are , , and . Get a better grasp on their differences below.

С Project Acoustics Microsoft представляет новый звуковой формат

Специальный аудиочип Xbox Series X обеспечивает более реалистичный звук, который позволяет игроку более точно определять местоположение объектов в трёхмерном пространстве. Благодаря поддержке Dolby Atmos, DTS: X и Windows Sonic только Xbox Series X из консолей нового поколения обладает таким широким диапазоном звуковых форматов и использует специально разработанное аудиооборудование для разгрузки процессора, а освободившиеся мощности могут быть использованы в графических эффектах. В то время как Sony использует в PlayStation 5 свой новый формат под названием «Tempest». Сравнения системного архитектора Марка Черни (Mark Cerny) в PlayStation 5 и причины, по которой PS5 обходится без Dolby Atmos, имеет неприятные последствия. На прошедшей презентации он заявил, что Dolby Atmos не обладает такой производительностью, как Tempest и ограничивается максимум 32 объектами.

Это утверждение неверно и компания Dolby была вынуждена исправить неправильно изложенные факты в отдельной статье. Специалисты Dolby порадовались за компанию Sony, приступившей к разработке технологий, которые Dolby уже разработала и внедрила «много лет назад».

Но это ещё не всё, потому что Microsoft Research работает над другим звуковым форматом в течение некоторого времени и называет этот проект: Project Acoustics. Project Acoustics доступен для всех разработчиков игр и дизайнеров звука. Проект использует технологию Triton, разработанную Microsoft Research, для точного распространения звука с использованием волновой физики.

Microsoft описывает новый формат звука следующим образом: «Microsoft Research работает над Project Acoustics, моделью для физики распространения звука в смешанной реальности и видеоиграх, которая уже более десяти лет используется во многих разработках AAA. Project Acoustics уникален в моделировании звуковых волн, таких как дифракция в сложной геометрии сцены, без нагрузки на процессор.

Это обеспечивает гораздо более захватывающее и реалистичное звучание, чем раньше. Звукорежиссёры получают прямой доступ с помощью плагинов непосредственно в движках Unity и Unreal для настройки звуковой реальности через настройки. Разработчики могут легко использовать Project Acoustics в Xbox Series X, потому что консоль имеет новый специальный аппаратный аудио чип».

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What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for Headphones available on any Windows 10 computer.

Windows Sonic for Headphones is Microsoft’s attempt at recreating the spatial sound experience for everyone on the Xbox One and Windows 10. It doesn’t have any specific physical equipment and hardware requirements to work. Instead, it uses software and virtual means to function.

You could have any pair of earphones or ordinary stereo headphones and still enjoy spatial audio.

Advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

There are a number of benefits of using Windows Sonic for Headphones. Here’s what you should know:

• It’s FREE: For the absolutely low price of $0, you too can experience spatial sound. You also don’t have to worry about buying expensive equipment since any pair of stereo headphones will do.
• Simple setup: All you have to do is toggle the function on your computer or Xbox One. That’s it.
• No need to download separately: Windows Sonic for Headphones comes pre-installed on every Windows 10 and Xbox One.

Disadvantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

Despite the advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones, there are still some disadvantages that you should keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider:

• Sound can be inaccurate: This spatial sound software only works well in certain situations. It works well with gaming and movies, but can cause audio to sound inaccurate when primarily used for music.
• Not for speakers: Unsurprisingly, Windows Sonic for Headphones only works well with headphones. Using external/laptop speakers with this software enabled and no headphones plugged in can cause sound distortions in the audio.

What Is DTS for Headphones?

Download DTS Sound Unbound from the Windows store to access DTS for headphones on PC. (From: Microsoft Store)

DTS for headphones, sometimes called DTS Headphone X or just DTS:X, is an object-based audio codec. It provides improved spatial sound than other traditional sound systems.

DTS software is similar to Dolby Atmos. Yhe main difference is the former compresses audio metadata to a 4:1 ratio while the latter does so to a 10-12:1 ratio. What this means is that DTS, in theory, has more potential in producing higher quality sounds.

Advantages of DTS for Headphones

DTS for headphones is one of the leading spatial sound software in the market. As such, there are some advantages that should make it worth your time.

• More realistic sound quality: DTS technology is believed to have the highest quality and most realistic sounds among other spatial sound softwares. This is mainly due to its high data encoding rate and effective use of multi-channel speaker setups.
• Works great with any headphones and speaker setup: Unlike the limited platform availability of Windows Sonic and the overhead channel requirements of Dolby Atmos, DTS works great with any headphones and simple surround sound multi-speaker setup.
• Customizable sound: DTS features the ability to fully customize the volume range of voices in movies and games. This is especially useful when you need that boost in dialogue volume at an important part of the movie or cutscene of a video game.

Disadvantages of DTS for Headphones

Despite the advantages of DTS for Headphones, there are still some disadvantages that you should keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider:

• Most expensive of the three: You need to make a one-time payment of $19.99 after the two-week free trial in order to make use of DTS:X from the DTS Sound Unboundapp.
• Works best with DTS-supported media: Since it is the newest of the three, not all mainstream media and applications support the DTS audio codec, yet. Only some mainstream video games and 4K Blue-ray movies support it, but this can change in the near future.
• Almost similar sound to Dolby Atmos: Although DTS can theoretically encode audio at a higher rate than Dolby Atmos for better sound quality, some listeners are unable to distinguish any differences between the two. For casual listeners, it may be much better to go for Dolby Atmos since it is the cheaper option.

Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos vs. DTS: Which One’s for You?

There isn’t an end all be all answer to this question. Determining which one is the best is highly subjective and requires that you take many factors into consideration.

People may say that one is better than the other, but the best way to find out for yourself is to carefully listen to the audio. With that, you can make the most informed decision.

It’s important to note that spatial sound technology is not recommended to use for music. This is because music is primarily made as stereo audio. This means it wouldn’t make much sense to use spatial sound technologies in this situation.

For people on a budget

When it comes to general costs, there’s no doubt that Windows Sonic is the winner in this aspect. Coming pre-installed and accessible on every Windows 10 PC and Xbox One, almost anyone can make use of this spatial sound technology.

However, if you want to have 3D sound outside of those platforms, then Dolby Atmos is the one for you. You only need to make a one-time payment of $15 to enjoy spatial surround sound on your headphones or home theater setup.

Verdict: For people on a budget, Windows Sonic is the best spatial sound technology you can get. It’s free and comes pre-installed on every Windows 10 PC/laptop and Xbox One for easy access.

For gaming

Gaming with headphones (From: Unsplash)

When it comes to gaming, the debate is heated between Dolby Atmos and DTS. The short answer? Both will greatly improve your gameplay by providing more immersive 3D audio.

However, most gamers believe that DTS is the best for gaming. This is mainly due to the expanded sound and spacious profile that DTS provides especially on headphones. This isn’t saying that Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic fail to achieve this, it’s just that DTS has a more noticeable effect.

Yet, if you already have gaming headphones with built-in surround sound, these won’t matter since using spatial sound software with surround sound headphones will distort the audio.

Verdict: For gaming, DTS for headphones is believed to be the best spatial sound technology. Majority of gamers agree that it provides an immersive sound experience like no other. However, just remember that even though the majority of gamers agree that DTS is the best doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you too.

For movies

Sample of a movie on Netflix with Dolby Atmos (From: Netflix.com)

As for movies, Dolby Atmos has been a staple standard in the industry for the longest time. Because of that, it’s best to go for Dolby Atmos since many platforms and movies support this technology. Some of these platforms are Amazon Music, Apple TV, and Disney+. Additionally, many TV shows and movies on Netflix also support Dolby Atmos..

Verdict: Dolby Atmos is the standard in most movies, films, and TV shows on major streaming platforms such as Netflix. As such, it’s best to use Dolby Atmos in order to guarantee the biggest collection of supported movies and shows.

For the best spatial sound experience

As mentioned earlier, choosing the best spatial sound technology is highly dependent on your specific needs and personal preferences. It’s best to take all other factors into consideration so that you can determine which one is the right one for you.

To get a better idea, put on your headphones and listen to this comparison video that showcases the three spatial sound software we’ve discussed.

ОБЪЕМНЫЙ ЗВУК

Windows 10 умеет транслировать пространственный звук при помощи комбинации специального драйвера, приложения и наушников. Эта технология предназначена для улучшения качества звучания, в первую очередь, ваших наушников.

Для включения необходимо:

• кликнуть правой кнопкой мышки по значку Динамика в системном трее и нажать на “Устройства воспроизведения”;
• выбрать “Динамики” и нажать на кнопку “Свойства”;
• перейти на вкладку “Пространственный звук” и выбрать его формат из раскрывающегося списка (Windows Sonic или Dolby Atmos for headphones).

DOLBY ATMOS

Это технология объемного звука для создания в реальном времени динамически отображаемой звуковой среды. Для её работы требуется специальное приложение из магазина Store. Если вы выберете этот вариант и нажмете кнопку “Применить”, он автоматически установит приложение Dolby Access.

Существенным плюсом приложения является поддержка улучшения звучания и для домашнего кинотеатра, в случае аппаратной поддержки им технологии Dolby.

Настройка не заставит пользователя вникать в дебри сложных параметров. Просто выберите соответствующий профиль на стартовом экране и приложение автоматически настроит оборудование.

WINDOWS SONIC

Включает интегрированный пространственный звук в Xbox и Windows, с поддержкой сигналов как для объемного звучания, так и для их высоты. Аудио сможет быть передано без необходимости изменения кода.

Настоятельно прошу вас заглянуть в Карту блога. Наша группа в Facebook ждет вас.

Знаете ли вы, что в Windows 10 можно легко и быстро включить пространственный звук, чтобы наслаждаться эффектным иммерсивным звучанием?

What Is Spatial Sound?

Spatial sound, sometimes called 3D audio, is an enhanced audio experience where you can perceive sounds from all directions.

Instead of just hearing sounds coming from the left/right (stereo sound) or around you (surround sound), spatial sounds add an element of verticality that makes it so that what we hear is close to how we’d naturally hear it in real life. This adds a level of sound immersion that can’t be replicated by traditional surround sound formats.

Although we only have two ears, we can often determine the approximate location of sounds in three dimensions. Thanks to the collaborative work between our brain and ears, we can perceive the sound’s distance, elevation, and direction.

With that being said, spatial sound softwares makes use of strategic placement of sound sources in a virtual three-dimensional space to create that 3D sound effect. These also try to replicate head-related transfer functions (HRTF). It tells how an ear receives a particular sound and how that sound changes as it passes through the body.

The three leading spatial sound softwares today are Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS. Get a better grasp on their differences below.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos 

What We Like

• There’s a free trial.

• Some games sound better and more immersive.

• Good excuse to buy dedicated headphones.

• App provides support for other surround sound systems.

What We Don’t Like

• It costs $14.99 to purchase a license.

• It involves more setup than Windows Sonic.

• Only minimal improvements for the price.

Dolby Atmos is Dolby’s spatial sound technology. The Xbox One supports Dolby Atmos technology when it comes to home theater setups and headphones. Unlike the integrated nature of Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos requires you to purchase it from the Microsoft Store for $14.99. 

To use Dolby Atmos for Headphones, you need to download and install the app, which takes a little more time than Windows Sonic’s setup. There’s a 30-day free trial for the app, but you’ll need to purchase it once the trial’s over. 

Dolby Atmos focuses on placing sounds above, below, and around you like surround sound systems or Windows Sonic. Dolby Atmos delivers virtualized spatial sound like Windows Sonic, but there’s also dedicated hardware and special Dolby Atmos headphones designed to work in conjunction with it to provide the best aural experience. 

Generally, Dolby Atmos is considered slightly superior to Windows Sonic. When playing games like Gears 5, or older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dolby Atmos headphones tend to sound crisper, richer, and more like you’re actually there. 

What Is Dolby Atmos Immersive Surround Sound?

Какие форматы пространственного звука поддерживает Windows?

В Windows 10 доступны три варианта пространственного звука: Windows Sonic для наушников (Windows Sonic for Headphones), Dolby Atmos для наушников (Dolby Atmos for Headphones) и Dolby Atmos для домашних кинотеатров (Dolby Atmos for home theater)*.

Windows Sonic для наушников можно использовать с любыми наушниками, микронаушниками и гарнитурами. Этот вариант делает звук во всех фильмах и играх более иммерсивным и обеспечивает очень высокую точность звукового окружения в играх.

С Dolby Atmos домашние и портативные устройства обретают звук Dolby премиум-качества, как в кинотеатрах. Этот вариант можно использовать с наушниками или с домашними кинотеатрами, телевизорами и акустическими системами, поддерживающими Dolby Atmos. Формат Dolby Atmos позволяет получить иммерсивный, крайне эмоциональный звук при просмотре большинства современных кассовых фильмов. Игры, поддерживающие Dolby Atmos, позволяют игрокам испытать совершенно новый уровень потрясающей детализации, точности и реалистичности пространственной звуковой картины.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for Headphones available on any Windows 10 computer.

Windows Sonic for Headphones is Microsoft’s attempt at recreating the spatial sound experience for everyone on the Xbox One and Windows 10. It doesn’t have any specific physical equipment and hardware requirements to work. Instead, it uses software and virtual means to function.

You could have any pair of earphones or ordinary stereo headphones and still enjoy spatial audio.

Advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

There are a number of benefits of using Windows Sonic for Headphones. Here’s what you should know:

• It’s FREE: For the absolutely low price of $0, you too can experience spatial sound. You also don’t have to worry about buying expensive equipment since any pair of stereo headphones will do.
• Simple setup: All you have to do is toggle the function on your computer or Xbox One. That’s it.
• No need to download separately: Windows Sonic for Headphones comes pre-installed on every Windows 10 and Xbox One.

Disadvantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

Despite the advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones, there are still some disadvantages that you should keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider:

• Sound can be inaccurate: This spatial sound software only works well in certain situations. It works well with gaming and movies, but can cause audio to sound inaccurate when primarily used for music.
• Not for speakers: Unsurprisingly, Windows Sonic for Headphones only works well with headphones. Using external/laptop speakers with this software enabled and no headphones plugged in can cause sound distortions in the audio.

What Is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Download Dolby Access from the Windows store to access Dolby Atmos on PC. (From: Microsoft Store)

Dolby Atmos, developed by Dolby Laboratories, is spatial sound software technology that is available on several platforms such as Windows 10 and Xbox One. It can also be used on any TV, soundbar, or home theater setups.

Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic work very similarly in providing the spatial sound experience. However, the former requires that you buy the software license and specific supported hardware in order to make use of the technology.

Advantages of Dolby Atmos for Headphones

Dolby Atmos has a lot of pros that make it a solid contender for spatial sound software. Be sure to take the following into account:

• More immersive than Windows Sonic: Some people say that Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive listening experience in comparison to Windows Sonic. This is mainly attributed to the increased height to spatial sounds which provides a more realistic sound experience.
• Can also work for Home Theaters: This software isn’t only exclusive for headphones. It works on any other sound system like your home theater setup. However, it’s important that you have the right speakers/hardware to enjoy the best experience.
• Works with more platforms and devices: Dolby Atmos is supported in several major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Music and more. It also works with several devices/brands and even mobile phones.

Disadvantages of Dolby Atmos for Headphones

On the other hand, Dolby Atmos has some downsides that you should consider as well. Here’s what you should take into consideration.

• Costs $15: Although there is a 30-day free trial to use Dolby Atmos, you’ll need to pay $14.99 at the end of it to get a license and continue using the software.
• Requires supported hardware and software for better experience: Although Dolby Atmos can work with any regular pair of headphones through downloading the software, you can improve the experience by using headphones with a built-in Dolby Atmos support. These are usually multi-drivers that mimic the Dolby home theater experience.
• Set-up may be complex to some: In comparison to Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos is a lot more complex to set up. From downloading the app to configuring all the PC settings, a lot of tinkering needs to be done just to get it running properly.

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos Feature Comparison

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos both have positive and negative qualities. While they both offer similar services, there are certain things about both that make them appealing to different people and different financial considerations.

Here’s a brief look at some of the most important features of Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos:

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos comparison
	Windows Sonic	Dolby Atmos
Price	Free	$14.99 after a free trial
Dedicated Hardware	No need	Optional
Setup	Minimal/built-in	App download required

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are very similar products which is why we didn’t include identical categories in our comparisons, such as the games that are compatible with them. Roughly, there’s the same number of games out there that are at their best with either sound format.