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Thanks to Windows 10 Creators Update, the operating system has received many improvements large quantity functions. Game mode, Paint 3D, and changes to the Start menu make up only a small portion of the changelog. Today we invite you to check out a new feature called Windows Sonic for Headphones (Spatial Sound). As you may have guessed, this is a sound enhancement feature, and you are right. Windows Sonic is an emulator for improving the quality of sound playback in headphones.

This feature adds spatial, surround sound and will improve it even if you are not using high-quality headphones. However, Windows 10 Sonic Spatial Sound is not enabled by default, and you'll need to change the settings yourself to enable the feature. We'll walk you through how to activate surround sound with this guide step by step.

Enable Windows Sonic Spatial Sound in Windows 10

On the taskbar, there is a small speaker icon, which, in addition to the ability to adjust the playback volume, allows you to quickly open the Mixer, playback devices, recording devices and of course the Spatial Sound function.

1. Right-click on the Dynamics icon on the taskbar.

1. In the context menu that appears, select the option Spatial audio(Windows Sonic for Headphones)

1. In the window Speaker Properties using the drop-down list, select the spatial audio format that you want to apply, in our case it is Windows Sonic for headphones.

1. Click Apply and OK in turn.

All! Windows Sonic for Headphones is included, and you can test the difference while playing games, listening to your favorite track, or watching a movie. With spatial audio, games and movies sound much cooler. Enough high level movies, games, with built-in support provide immersion and accuracy new technology. Even without it, any content suitable for surround sound systems automatically sounds much more impressive.

Full description parameters, as well as instructions for setting up built-in Realtek sound cards. Setting up playback, recording, 3D sound. Windows Vista/7/8

2012-02-17T18:19

2012-02-17T18:19

Audiophile's Software

Copyright 2017, Taras Kovrijenko

Full or partial copying of the text is allowed only with the written permission of the author.

Prologue

This time I will touch on a topic that is relevant, so to speak, for beginner enthusiasts - that is, for those who have not yet acquired a discrete sound card and want to get the most out of an integrated one.

1. Educational program

To begin with, a short educational program. Who doesn’t know or doesn’t fully understand what it is hardware audio codec, carefully read the relevant Wikipedia pages:

Have you read it? Great! And now it would be very nice if you read my two articles:

Well, now we can start.

2. What we have

So, I have at my disposal Windows 7 SP1 Ultimate x64 (the setup described in the article is suitable for all operating systems starting with Vista), built into motherboard(ASUS P7H55-V) ALC887 codec (datasheet available), external amplifier and microphone connected to the rear connectors (green and pink sockets, respectively). Please note that we will configure the card for withdrawal stereo sound by analog interface.

3. Software installation

First of all, you need to install the drivers. Of course, most likely Windows OS itself has already found and installed drivers for the sound device, but to gain access to all the functionality, as well as for peace of mind, install the driver package directly from Realtek, latest version which you can download on the corresponding page of my website. By the way, the settings specified here were tested on driver version R2.67.

Download the drivers and perform a simple installation procedure (by running HD_Audio/Setup.exe), reboot the computer.

After loading the OS, a brown speaker icon should appear in the system tray:

4. Driver setup

First of all, let's go to Windows Control Panel->Hardware and Sound->Sound and, making sure that our headphones or speakers are connected to the green socket sound card, disconnect all unnecessary devices, and make our connected device the default device:

At the same time, let's do the same with recording devices:

Now double-click on the tray icon. If there is no icon, look for it in hidden icons; if it’s not there either, go to Control Panel->Hardware and Sound->. One way or another, the dispatcher window should open:

Here we immediately set the speaker configuration (stereo), set our analog device as the default device (after which the corresponding button will go out), turn off surround sound if, God forbid, it’s turned on.

Using the button in the form of a yellow folder, you can configure to disable detection of front panel connectors:

Also note that the connected connectors are displayed bright color- in our case, speakers are connected to the green output, and a microphone is connected to the pink input. There is one very important detail here: by double-clicking on the connector icon, you will see a window with a choice of the type of connected device. This is important because if you choose "headphones", then the codec will use a special additional amplifier (otherwise the sound in the headphones will be too quiet), but for connected active speakers or external amplifiers you should select "Front Speaker Output". Here you can enable the automatic pop-up of this window when you connect a device to any of the card connectors:

Using the “i” button, you can open a window with information about the driver version, DirectX, audio controller and codec version, and you can also turn on/off the display of the icon in the system tray:

Now let's turn off the effects:

The “Room Correction” settings for the stereo configuration are not available, which is strange - in the same console from THX (which is included, for example, in the Creative X-Fi driver package) you can adjust the distance and angle of direction of the speakers relative to your location, which It can be very useful when you are not sitting directly in front of the speakers, or they are located asymmetrically relative to you. Well, okay, let it be on the conscience of the developers.

The last tab duplicates the control panel settings (however, most of the settings from the Manager are also in the control panel):

Here you can set the parameters of the system mixer - with what sampling frequency and depth Windows bit will mix all played sounds. Let's set it to 24 bit, 96 kHz. I’ll tell you why later.

Since I am constantly bombarded with questions about how to set up a microphone (which, in my opinion, should cause a minimum of confusion), I will still focus on setting up recording devices. Their settings, by the way, as well as playback devices, are located on separate tabs at the top of the window. Let's start with the stereo mixer:

Everything here is elementary. This device records everything you hear through the speakers, that is, the finished audio stream that Windows transmits to the sound card. It is reduced to the specified form (since the mixer operates with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz, then we will set the same here).

But our main recording device is, of course, the microphone:

So, set the recording volume to maximum and turn off the microphone gain (then, if necessary, you can turn it on). Also, very often people complain that they reproduce the sound picked up by the microphone; to prevent this from happening, we turn off the playback. To your taste - noise filtering, echo suppression. On the tab , again, the recording format is set:

Considering the characteristics of the sound recording path, the standard 16 bit/44.1 kHz will suffice here.

5. Setting up foobar2000

In principle, the work done is enough to ensure the highest (for this card) sound quality in any player. But for the truly paranoid, I will provide foobar2000 settings. We will need, in fact, the player itself and several plugins for it - WASAPI output support And SoX Resampler. Well, or you can download my assembly, which already has everything.

So, in the player output settings (File->Preferences->Playback->Output) select WASAPI:<наше устройство> , set the bit depth 24 bit:

When outputting via WASAPI Exclusive, all sound card effects (if enabled) are bypassed, as well as the Windows mixer (for which we specified the sample rate).

Now let's move on to the DSP settings:

Here we add the resampler SOund eXchange and Advanced Limiter to the chain. In the resampler settings, set the frequency to 96 kHz.

Now why 96 kHz? I conducted a series of experiments and this is what I found out. In front speaker output mode, if the volume control is set to more than 90%, while playing the test tone udial(sampling frequency - 44.1 kHz) strong distortion is heard. The distortion disappears if you either lower the volume, switch to headphone mode, or resample the audio to 96 kHz.

About the reasons this phenomenon It’s difficult to judge based on the available data, but you can draw conclusions and play it safe twice: output all audio at a sampling rate of 96 kHz, and do not increase the volume to more than 90%.

And a few words about the need to configure foobar2000. In principle, it is possible to output sound to the "DS: Primary Sound Driver" device. In this case, resampling will be performed using Windows(the resampler there is not the worst), besides, all other sounds will not be turned off (as when playing through WASAPI Exclusive). Additionally, by selecting this device, Windows will output sound to the device that is set by default in the Control Panel, which can be convenient (for example, when you turn off one of the devices, the sound automatically switches to another). So the choice is yours - convenience, or confidence in quality.

6. Resurrecting 3D Audio and Hardware Mixing

And of course I haven’t forgotten about gamers. Since in Windows, starting with Vista, there is no access to hardware mixing of streams (all operations are performed by Windows, and then one single stream is output to the sound card), the developers came up with special program, analogous to Creative ALchemy, but for Realtek - 3D SoundBack. It connects to hardware resources via the OpenAL interface, emulating for specified programs Windows emulates a DirectSound device (as in Windows XP), and then simply converts DirectSound (or DirectSound 3D) commands to OpenAL commands, resulting in true EAX 2.0 in games, as well as the ability to convert multi-channel audio to stereo with surround effects.

To launch the program, open the folder .../Program Files/Realtek/3D Sound Back Beta0.1, in file properties 3DSoundBack.exe on the tab "Compatibility" install Windows Vista SP2 compatibility mode:

Now run this file. To add an application - click Add Game, enter the name and address of the folder that contains the executable file of the program. For example:

After adding, do not forget to highlight the added application and click the button Enable.

Now the specified application will by default use the DirectSound emulated device and will have access to the hardware resources of the sound card:

Epilogue

Well, another grandiose article is completed. By the way, I was thinking: in a good way, this article should have been written one of the first... However, at that time I still would not have had enough knowledge to describe everything in such detail, so it may be to the best.

If something is not clear, or you have any questions, please ask or comment. Good luck!

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The Windows 10 Creators Update left me stunned when it comes to features and general bug fixes. Game Mode, Paint 3D, and Start Menu changes make up only a small portion of the changelog. In this segment we offer you new feature entitled Sonic Sound in Windows 10 v1703. You might already have guessed that this feature has something to do with audio, and you're right. Windows Sonic is a surround sound emulator for improving the sound quality of headphones.

This feature adds spatial audio and tries to improve the sound even if you're not using high-quality headphones. Nevertheless, Sonic sound Windows 10 is not enabled by default and you need to go to settings to enable this feature. We will tell you how to activate Sonic Sound with a step-by-step guide,

Enable Windows Sonic Sound on Windows 10

See that little speaker icon on the taskbar, yes, the one you use to check if your audio drivers are working correctly.

• Click the Speakers icon on the taskbar.

• Select "Spatial Sound"

• A drop-down list will appear, select the type of spatial audio format you want to apply
• Click " Windows Sonic for headphones»
• Now apply and click OK.

Voila! Windows Sonic Sound is now enabled, and you can test the difference by playing the track right away. This applies to headphones, however, if you want to enable options for other audio peripherals such as your external speakers, you can do this by following these steps:

• Go to search bar, control panel
• Select control panel

• Double click on the Playback and Spatial Audio option.
• A drop down list will appear again and ask you about Windows format Sonic you want to apply.

• From the drop-down list, select "Windows Sonic for Headphones"
• Select Apply and click OK.

After turning on Windows With Sonic Surround I felt the depth and overall punch of the music needed to be improved. The setup is also great for watching movies, and my Seinheisser responded very well to the new feature. Having said that, I have heard many of my friends complain that this feature doesn't make any difference, but for me personally it improved the overall sound.

Do you have a TV, Blu-ray player, game console, but you're missing out on deafening surround sound for the final picture. It makes sense to purchase a receiver as running all the cables can be a challenge, especially compared to connecting a DVD player to your TV. And this is without mentioning that everything must be placed correctly, and the levels must be set correctly. Start with Step 1 below to correct installation for the first time, and you can get back to enjoying what you love.

Steps

Part 1

Speaker placement

The number of speakers you connect will determine the type of surround sound you'll end up with. The most common schemes are 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1. 2.1 consists of two front speakers and a subwoofer (denoted as.1). 5.1 consists of two front speakers, a center speaker, two surround speakers and a subwoofer. 7.1 is two front, one center, two surround speakers, two rear and a subwoofer. Follow the steps below until you correctly position the speakers available to you.

Part 2

=Subwoofer

Part 3

=Front speakers

Part 4

=Central channel

Part 5

=Surround channel

Part 6

=Rear channel

Part 7

Connecting speakers

Place the receiver near your TV. All surround sound systems pass through the receiver. The receiver transmits the incoming signal and sends the audio signal to all connected speakers. The receiver needs to be located near your TV so that cables can reach it, and you need space around it so it can ventilate properly.

Turn off all equipment. There is a risk of electric shock when installing speakers. To be safe, turn everything off and unplug.

Inspect your speaker connections. Some surround sound systems have ports for each speaker so you can connect all the plugs correctly. Others use connectors to connect wires to the receiver. If your system uses connectors, you will need wire cutters that can be used to expose the contacts from the protective sheath.

Start running cables. Do your best to hide the wires. Not only will this look better, but it will also keep people and animals from getting tangled in them and damaging your speakers.

• If you can, run the wires under the carpet or through the walls. This will allow you to achieve the most presentable appearance your system.

1. Connect the speakers. If your speaker cables already have connectors, simply plug them into the corresponding ports on the back of the receiver. If you're using standard cables to connect your speakers to your receiver, you'll need to go through a few extra steps.

   • Measure the length of your cables. Measure the length of cable you need from the reel. Measure out a slightly longer length of cable than you measured to give yourself clearance to hide the wire and connect it without problems.
   • Bare one end. Use wire cutters to strip two centimeters of insulation from the cable. You will see two separate wires. Make sure you do not remove too much insulation from the wire, otherwise you may touch it or cause a short circuit.
   • The wires connecting the speakers consist of two different cables: positive and negative. Both are exactly the same, but must be connected to the speakers and receiver. For example, if you connect one of the two wires to the positive terminal of the speaker, then you need to connect the same wire to the positive terminal of the receiver.

2. Connect a subwoofer. Most subwoofers are connected to the receiver using a standard RCA cable. You can buy expensive subwoofer cables, but in most cases you won't hear any difference compared to a standard cable.

   • The ports on the receiver are usually labeled "sub out" or "sub preout".
   • If your subwoofer does not have multiple inputs, connect only the one marked "LFE in" or the one on the far left if it is not marked.
   • Using the knobs on the back of the subwoofer, set the volume to half and turn off the filter low frequencies moving the handle to the upper position.

Part 8

Connecting your equipment

Try to avoid stacking your devices (DVD player, satellite receiver, etc.) on top of each other. This can cause them all to generate too much heat, which can lead to equipment failure. Also note that some older devices may use an optical connection for surround sound, while all modern devices use the HDMI connection protocol.

1. Connect all HDMI devices to the receiver. Most modern receivers support HDMI input and output, allowing you to connect HDMI-compatible devices to the receiver, and then connect the receiver to your TV.

   • If multiple HDMI connections are available, then connect the devices in the order in which you want them to appear in the receiver menu.
   • HDMI carries audio and video signals, so there is no need to connect other cables.

2. If you are using older equipment that does not support HDMI, you can connect it via a component cable. These are cables with five connectors: three for video and two for audio.

   • Connect three video connectors of the corresponding colors to the device you want to connect.
   • Connect two audio jacks of matching colors. Make sure they are also connected to the video output, otherwise the audio will not go along with the video.

3. Connect all component devices. There are also the oldest versions still in use today: three composite connectors with one connector with one plug for video and two for audio. This connection carries the lowest quality signal available in surround sound systems.

   • Connect the yellow (video) plug to one of the available matching inputs, and then connect the audio cables to the corresponding audio outputs.

4. Connect your TV to the receiver. For getting best result Use an HDMI connection to connect your TV to the receiver's output port. You can use other types of connection, but the result will be lower quality. Majority modern TVs support HDMI.

   Connect the cables together. As a result, you will end up with a lot of cables entering your receiver, so it is advisable to bring them all into a civilized form. Use cable ties and cable ties to secure them together.

Hidden deep within Windows 10, Windows Sonic is modern technology to create virtual surround sound in games and when watching movies. Let's figure out how to activate this function.

Creators Update Brings Lots of New Features operating system Windows 10. Some of these new features have received a lot of attention and become widely known, but some others are not so popular at all and are still in the shadows. This is the case with the new format function Sonic For Headphone Spatial Sound, which is essentially a surround sound emulator for headphones.

The new spatial audio format in the Creators Update is primarily designed to expand the audio experience with HRTF (head related transfer function), built into Microsoft HoloLens. This technology works great with any good quality stereo headphones.

I recently started exploring this new feature on my computer while watching some great Sci-Fi movies on Netflix. I plugged in my Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage wireless gaming headset, turned on the Windows Sonic headphone spatial audio feature, turned up the volume, and was blown away by the amazing sound of the special effects and music in the movies I was watching.

Do not miss:

The Windows Sonic Spatial Sound format works really well with both games and movies. And to some extent, it even works with your digital music.

What is spatial sound?

Dolby Atmos for headphones

In Windows 10, you have a choice of which virtual surround sound algorithm to use:

• Dolby Atmos— paid option, you need to pay $14.99 to use it;
• Windows Sonic - free option, technology developed by Microsoft.

Which of these two technologies to choose is up to you. Let me just say that the free option from Microsoft gives very good result and you won’t hear a huge difference between Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos, although, I repeat, it’s up to you to decide.

The Windows Dev Center description says that the Spatial Sound feature in the Creators Update supports Dolby Atmos for headphones. For this feature to be activated, you need to install the Dolby Access application, which you must download from the Windows Store. You can download it for 30 days for free, but to fully use it you need to buy the right to use it for $14.99. The audio and video demos that come with the Dolby Access trial app are amazing, I encourage you to listen to them with your own ears.

Headphones for Sonic Spatial Sound

Why am I so insistent that the headphones be good? It's simple - only good headphones can create a sufficiently voluminous sound picture and provide the necessary level of sound detail. Of course, you can connect absolutely any headphones to your computer, but in simple and cheap models you simply won’t hear the difference, or the sound may become even worse for you than it was before.

Setting up Windows Sonic for headphones

Setting the sound Windows interface Sonic for headphones is simple. Check your Windows version 10, you must have it installed global update Creators Update.

First, connect your headphones to your computer. If you don't connect headphones before starting setup, you won't have access to the Sonic Spatial Sound feature.

After connecting the headphones, right-click on the Speakers icon on the taskbar. From the context menu, select Spatial Audio (None) as shown in the image above.

When you select Spatial Audio, you will see the Speaker Properties dialog box with the Spatial Audio tab selected, as shown in the image above.

To continue, click the down arrow and select Windows Sonic for Headphones as shown in the image above.

When you do this, you will see that the " Turn On 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound» is installed automatically as shown in the picture above. This setting allows for proper multi-channel processing, so the sound you hear in the headset will be perceived as fuller and more accurately positioned.

Checking the effects of enabling the Windows Sonic feature

Well, now the most interesting part - checking the effectiveness of virtual surround sound. Remember to Windows function Sonic was working, she needed material. This means that if you want surround sound when watching movies, make sure the movie has a 5.1 or 7.1 audio track. If the film has a regular 2.0 stereo track, you will not get the coveted surround sound.

The same goes for games, if the game's sound engine supports 5.1 or 7.1 audio output then you'll be fine, but some games can't and so the Windows Sonic feature will be useless in them. But for peace of mind I can say that 95% modern games They are great at delivering sound in 5.1 format, so turn on Windows Sonic and go into battle!