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Stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1
Posted: 2011-05-10 21:34
by TrialsLife
Hi all,
In the process of sending my 5.1 Medusas back after one of the speakers cut out. Whilst looking around for a new headset I came across this thread
Why "5.1" headphones are a scam (with pictures!) - Page 9 - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
After reading through the entire thing, it left my confused as to if I actually want 5.1/7.1 for PR, or would stereo be just find for sound stage?
What do people think of what is being said in that thread? I'm really not sure
Re: Stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1
Posted: 2011-05-10 22:08
by karambaitos
I believe BF2 only uses 5.1 though 7.1 should be supported in newer games (not activision)
With a USB head set doesnt even use your PCs sound card so there is not point in having that shweet soundcard with a USB head set
ANYWAY
"I just want to tell you once more, that your ability to hear where I am, as I walk around the room, is simply the amazing power of your brain."
The ONLY reason you need 5 speakers for a surround is because they aren't right next to your ear! In addition to the depth in the sound itself, the speakers are not located at 0 distance from your ears, so you perceive more distance than there really is, which prevents the effect you get with binaural recordings (or a FPS game).
Play a FPS game with your stereo headphones. You can judge the location of objects based on the sounds they make. Same thing with the binaural recording. When provided with two inputs - your ears, using the difference in volume (simplified) between the two ears, your brain can tell a lot more information. Just like how with two eyes - your brain can judge depth, and that enables 3D video.
That is why 5.1 headphones are a scam: they provide a less accurate soundstage than simple stereo headphones, because there are multiple speakers which don't overlap with one another.
TL;DR: Multiple speakers in a surround speaker configuration is to compensate for the distance between you and the speakers. You only have two ears. When there is no (very little) distance between you and the speakers (headphones), there is no need for multiple speakers.
And you cannot disagree. It's not a matter of opinion. Look it up - it has to do with how the brain works, and nothing else.
aaand its up to you in the end, its pretty hard to say, youll need to try both types (stereo and surround) if you can see which one you like best, not 20$ stereo though
G35's aren't real surround sound. It is a USB headset that does not utilize your sound card. It's like the megalodon, virtual 7.1.
heres another guy saying something important, i own g35s and the simulate that surround pretty well, and its awesome in games, and movies, for music not that much but still pretty good
Re: Stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1
Posted: 2011-06-09 23:52
by Sneak Attack
you dont need those big ugly headphones just get a nice pair of normal headphones and you will be fine. I use Bose noise canceling headphones and it works perfectly. I can hear everything long before I can see it and tell exactly where it is coming from and how far away it is. Just dont by garbage $50 headphones or something like that. they will sound bad and not be comfortable for long periods, and look ugly. cant have that.
Re: Stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1
Posted: 2011-06-10 03:01
by LITOralis.nMd
I buy garbage $35 pairs of Sennheisers, and am almsot always the firs tto pinpoint sounds to cardinal directions.
Check out the MX and PMX lines of Sennheisers, make sure you buy from a authorized retailer, and you really don't need the USB headphones.
Re: Stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1
Posted: 2011-06-10 05:16
by LithiumFox
Maybe my brain is weird, cause with an X-Fi card and PR with 5.1 I can tell a difference... >-> but maybe that's just me.... >->
(i also have the 5.1 NX medusas) >-> And i've tried several difference headphones and headsets.....
=/ I don't really know what to say. I did spend about j93807208375032 hours setting up my sound though to make sure i got the most out of it... it's still kinda effed up.. (little more bass than neccesary, but i like my explosions to rummmbblllee damnit.)