Windows Sonic for Headphones is available on Windows 10, but it’s disabled by default, so you’ll need to enable it first. In simpler terms, it’s like Windows created many sets of speakers around your room, but the only difference is, it’s a virtual effect that you can experience through your headphones. You can also select DTS Sound Unbound, which is another paid alternative spatial sound provider with a free trial available. The Spatial Sound feature doesn’t work with all devices, such as inbuilt speakers, but headphones support it in all sizes. With it, you can hear not just the side an audio cue is coming from, but precise angle and elevation.

It’s always nice to get better sound for less money, but there are a few key areas where Windows Sonic for Headphones comes in handy. In your speaker or headphone properties, switch to Windows 10's “Spatial sound” tab and change the dropdown from “Off” to “Windows Sonic for Headphones”. Windows Sonic, according to Microsoft’s developer documentation, is a “platform-level solution for spatial sound support on Xbox on Windows. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound > Related settings > Sound Control Panel, then select Properties for a playback device.

If you want to level up your audio experience further, you may want to read our guide on a free Windows 10 equalizer or boost your microphone volume. The Surface Headphones bring outstanding sound to your PC or smartphone with some intelligent features that separate them from the competition. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. If you have a Dolby Atmos-capable device, then it makes sense to give both systems a try to see which offers the best quality audio for your needs.

You may be able to improve things further with Windows 10 audio software, from equalizers to balance out your audio, to free and paid surround software software that can give you a world-class audio experience. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. One of the lesser-known features, added in the Creators Update for Windows 10, is Windows Sonic, a surround sound emulator for your headphones.Microsoft's effort in this regard is Windows Sonic, a free tool built into Windows to enhance the audio experience. Windows Sonic for Headphones is disabled by default but can be enabled on Xbox One and Windows 10 devices. Windows Sonic for Headphones only works with applications, games, or movies that are capable of rendering to 7.

Simple to configure: In general, you can configure it by toggling a single switch on your computer or Xbox One.Music: We are not talking much about music quality here because music is primarily synthesized as stereo audio for use in headphones. So you might be sceptical about what free software like Windows Sonic can offer in terms of quality and what the real-world performance will be like.

Windows Sonic is also a hot topic in the audio world as it provides surround sound through headphones, known as spatial audio. While there's always the option to also use Dolby Atmos headphones for a surround sound experience ( with pros and cons to both), there are many reasons to stick with sonic audio through Windows Sonic for Headphones. If you want to set up Windows Sonic in Windows 10, then you’ll need to first enable it, as the system is disabled by default. If you want to enjoy virtual surround sound but don’t want to spend money on subscriptions or additional equipment, Windows Sonic is the best option. Spatial sound modifies the system’s audio profile, resulting in different audio outputs for the user.

When gaming, the positional aspect of Windows Sonic allows you to hear the direction of footsteps or gunshots. However, if you already own a good pair of headphones with a large soundstage, it may not be necessary. Windows Sonic was added to Windows 10 in 2017 as part of an update, and was quickly rolled out in an update for Xbox One owners, too. Rather than using a pair of sonic headphones or a dedicated set of surround sound speakers, Windows Sonic can be simply activated by switching it on in your speaker settings in Windows 10. You have a better chance of hearing subtle nuances when watching a film with Windows Sonic for Headphones activated.