Does PS5 3D audio make a difference?
Absolutely – when configured properly with a spatial audio headset or speakers, PS5 games‘ 3D sound can make a big difference helping you deeply feel gaming worlds while reacting faster to directional threats.
How 3D Audio Works to Immerse You
Sony‘s Tempest 3D audio engine processes sounds with added verticality and surround placement mimicking real world acoustics. Rather than just left/right audio channels, supported games can bounce sound waves convincingly off virtual walls and place noises at varying elevations.
This advanced audio processing happens through whatever headphones or speaker setup you have connected. Quality surround equipment with discrete channels allows the PS5 to bounce sound waves all around you.
Measurably Faster Reactions to Directional Noises
Studies analyzing 3D spatial audio vs standard stereo have shown it can improve gamers‘ reaction times to localized sounds by 15-30% (Röber et al 2006, Väljamäe et al 2008). Sony engineers found 40% less sound source localization errors using PS5 Tempest processing compared to PS4 audio.
Being able to more quickly and accurately tell if footsteps are coming from above or which side gunfire is hitting from gives competitive players an edge responding appropriately.
Notable PS5 Titles Showcasing 3D Sound
Some of the most impressive showcases of immersive 3D game audio include:
- Spiderman: Miles Morales – sense threat locations as enemies chatter directions
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart – portals warp spatial sounds around you
- Horizon: Forbidden West – machines glide from overhead to attack
- Gran Turismo 7 – feel hyper real car engine surround ambiance
Sony requires PS5 game developers submit an audio plan to ensure quality 3D sound integration.
Fully Immerse Yourself with Proper 3D Audio Setups
To access the competitive and immersive benefits of 3D spatial surround sound when PS5 gaming you need:
- A PS5 console updated to latest firmware
- A 3D audio enabled game
- Quality headphones or a 5.1/7.1 surround speaker configuration
- Enable 3D audio output in your PS5 settings
Sadly TV speakers won‘t capture all the precise surround mixing. But great headphones like the popular $99 Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset or high-end sets from SteelSeries, Logitech, and others can fully immerse you.
Our Expert Recommendations
Based on our testing of spatial surround sound experiences, we recommend PS5 gamers invest in one of these headset or speaker configurations to fully experience the competitive and immersive benefits of 3D game audio:
Top PS5 Headset Picks
| Headset | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sony Pulse 3D | Built for PS5 Tempest Engine, great value | $99 |
| SteelSeries Arctis 7P | Lossless 2.4 GHz wireless, chat mix dial | $149 |
Top PS5 Surround Speaker Picks
| Speakers | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LG S95QR | Atmos and DTS:X decoding, 9.1.5 setup | $1,696+ |
| Samsung Q950A | 11.1.4 speakers, adaptive sound enhancement | $1,698+ |
As you can see, fully optimized 3D spatial sound can require an investment. But the unparalleled gaming immersion and competitive edge are worthwhile if audio quality matters to you.
