How to Get the Best Surround Sound for Gaming
Having great audio can take your gaming experience to the next level. Surround sound, in particular, allows you to hear sound effects and audio cues placed precisely around you, heightening immersion and giving you an edge in competitive multiplayer titles. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up an awesome surround sound system tailored for gaming.
Types of Surround Sound
There are a few main surround sound configurations to consider for gaming:
5.1 Surround Sound
This setup has 3 channels for front speakers (left, center, right), 2 surround speakers placed to the sides or rear, and a subwoofer for bass. The “.1” refers to the sub handling the low frequency effects (LFE channel).
7.1 Surround Sound
This builds on a basic 5.1 setup by adding two more discrete surround channels, for more precise positioning of rear effects.
5.1.2 and 7.1.2 Surround Sound
These configurations add 2 height channels for overhead sound effects, hence the “.2”. Various arrangements are possible, such as front height speakers or ceiling speakers directly above the main listening position.
Atmos and DTS:X
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X build on traditional surround sound with object-based audio that allows for dynamic, multi-dimensional effects not tied to specific speaker channels. This creates bubbles or layers of sound you can hear as overhead or all around you.
Key Components for a Surround Sound Gaming Setup
Here are the main hardware pieces you’ll need:
Receiver/Amplifier
The central hub that processes the audio signals and amplifies them for your passive speakers. Choose an AV receiver over a basic stereo model – it will provide surround decoding, gaming-centric features, multiple HDMI inputs and 4K video passthrough. Look for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support if you want future-proof 3D audio. Popular models range from $300 entry-level options to $2,000+ high-end receivers.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Audio channels or configuration (5.1, 7.1, etc) | |
| Surround sound formats supported | |
| 4K/8K HDMI passthrough | |
| Gaming features like low input lag | |
Speakers
While you can start small with just front L/R speakers, ideally you’ll want at least a 5.1 setup with a center channel for dialogue and a subwoofer for immersive bass effects. For the clearest imaging, timbre-matched bookshelf or tower speakers work well. Plan at least $500+ for an entry-level setup, or $1,000+ for high quality gear.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Bookshelf vs tower | |
| Frequency range | |
| Power handling | |
| Impedance rating | |
Subwoofer
The “.1” in a surround sound setup brings the bone-rattling bass crucial for getting the full immersive effect from games and films. Look for power in the 8”+ range with at least 150W RMS amplification. Plan to spend at least $250+ for decent entry-level models.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size of driver | |
| Power output | |
| Low pass filter settings | |
Media Player
To experience surround sound from sources like Blu-Ray discs and streaming services, add a media player like an NVIDIA Shield, Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. Make sure to match connections between your source, AVR and display.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Disc playback | |
| Streaming app support | |
| Video outputs up to 4K 120Hz | |
Setting Up a Gaming Surround System
Once you have all the gear, here are some key steps for the installation:
Optimizing Game Audio for Surround Sound
To take full advantage of your new surround gaming rig:
Many games natively support multi-channel output up to and beyond 7.1 now. Others synthesize virtual surround through binaural headphone cues or their own custom systems like Windows Sonic or PlayStation’s 3D AudioTech.
Key Benefits for Gaming
Dialing in proper surround sound can make games radically more lifelike and immersive in these key ways:
Precision Directional Audio
Pinpoint exactly where sounds originate vertically and horizontally all around you, from accurate gunfire locations in FPS games to playable wildlife in adventures – critical not just for realism but tactical advantage!
Lifelike Acoustics
Notice little spatial and environmental reverb cues that put you right inside sprawling game worlds, whether cavernous fantasy settings or tight alien hallways.
Thrilling Bass Effects
Get ground-shaking bass slam from dramatic cues, crashes and explosions thanks to a dedicated LFE channel and solid sub integration.
Clear Critical Details
Crisp, balanced dialogue and subtle atmospheric effects come through even amid bombastic gameplay thanks to dedicated center channel anchoring the front soundstage.
Realistic Imaging
Sounds exhibit clear width and separation beyond basic left/right panning, making for cohesive blending and phantom imaging of audio objects.
Comparison Chart: Surround Sound Configurations
| Configuration | Speakers | Pros | Cons | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Front L/C/R, Surr. L/R, Subwoofer | Affordable entry to surround sound, wide compatibility with content | Lacks height channels for fully immersive effects | 4/5 |
| 7.1 | Front L/C/R, Side Surr. L/R, Rear Surr. L/R, Subwoofer | Enhanced surround positioning and accuracy from extra channels | Still no height channels, more gear needed | 4.5/5 |
| 5.1.2 | Front L/C/R, Surr. L/R, Height L/R, Subwoofer | Adds crucial height channels for Atmos/DTS:X 3D audio | Needs advanced equipment, content support not as universal | 4.75/5 |
| Atmos/DTS:X | Scales from 7.1.2 up to 24.1.10 | Next-level 3D sound bubbles with dynamic object-based audio | Significant setup complexity, gaming support maturing | 5/5 |
For an awesome surround sound gaming experience, an Atmos/DTS:X enabled system with at least 5.1.2 channels is highly recommended to take full advantage of 3D positional audio and effects.
A mid-range AVR paired with a quality 5.1 speaker package will provide outstanding immersion for the cost. Streamline setup where possible but calibrate properly for an articulated surround soundscape accurately tuned to your room.
Verdict
Dialing in proper surround sound can make games radically more lifelike and immersive with added layers of spatial dimensionality, acoustic environmental cues, thrilling bass effects and subtle audio details for heightened realism along with competitive advantage.
Choose an advanced AVR that fits your space with gaming features prioritized, pair with immersive media sources and at least 5.1 matched speakers, strategically positioned with clean wiring runs.
Optimizing operating system and in-game audio settings expands this full surround field beyond your screen into an encompassing sphere of interaction potential. Once tuned, this intensified aural landscape transforms gameplay into true virtual inhabitance.Copy
FAQs
Is surround sound good for gaming?
Yes, surround sound is excellent for gaming. It provides much more immersion, directional audio, and acoustic detail compared to basic stereo sound. Hearing effects happen all around you makes games more lifelike.
How many speakers do you need for surround sound?
At a minimum, you want a 5.1 speaker setup with left, center, right front speakers, left/right surrounds, and a subwoofer. For more advanced surround sound, additional height and rear surround channels can be added.
What’s better for gaming surround sound – bookshelf or tower speakers?
It depends on your setup, but bookshelf speakers often provide the best precision and placement flexibility for surround gaming applications. Their compact profile fits nicely on stands where needed. Tower speakers can work well for front L/R positions.
Is it worth getting Dolby Atmos for gaming?
Absolutely – Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide even more lifelike 3D object-based sound that collapse around you from overhead perspectives too. This takes immersion to another level if you have content and hardware that supports it.
How do you set up surround sound properly?
Proper surround setup involves: 1) Strategic speaker positioning per spec; 2) Clean cable routing and mounting; 3) Calibrated levels/distances/delays on your AV receiver; 4) Enabling surround sound modes on your playback devices; 5) Any room treatments to refine acoustics.
What’s the best surround sound system for Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X supports premium formats like Dolby Atmos built-in. Pair it with a surround-enabled AVR and at least a quality 5.1 speaker system, better yet with added height channels. Enable Bitstream Out for lossless audio pass-through.
For PS5 surround sound gaming, 7.1 or 5.1.2?
The PS5’s 3D audio works via a virtual surround system, so speaker configuration is flexible. If you have a capable sound system, try to utilize physical height channels with 5.1.2 or greater for more accurate dimensionality.
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