There’s been a lot of talk about how good the new PS5 look. But in all the excitement around 4K and ray tracing, the PS5 is also packed with smarts which make games sound as good as they look.
So, that’s why we opened our ears to find out what is 3D audio and how 3D audio works. So, pick up your controller, pin back your ears and get a load of this!
What is PS5 3D Audio?
Under the hood, your PS5 comes packing its special 3D audio engine, Tempest. This means that your game comes with 3D sound. It’s like the sound is all around you!
And this has massive benefits that can instantly level up your game. Let’s say you’re gaming online and you hear footsteps. 3D audio will help you work out exactly where they are coming from – so you’ll be able to dodge that cheap flanking move before it even gets started.
Whether it’s a Viking charging you in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla or a single rain drop in Death Stranding, 3D audio helps you to feel even more immersed in the action.
How does PS5 3D Audio work?
3D audio used to be simulated just by raising the volume of something as you approached it. But now Tempest uses timed effects that trick you into thinking that what you’re hearing is right in front of you. Or right behind you!
It’s a bit like VR, but without the headset. Tempest uses an AMD graphic chip to create a soundscape of hundreds of individual sounds surround you – so you feel like you’re in a living, breathing world. Right now, its best experienced with a headset plugged into your DualSense controller, but Sony reckon they’ll soon be able to achieve realistic PS5 3D audio no matter your set up.
And if you’re looking for the best experience from the off, you could go for a Sony Pulse 3D Wireless PS5 headset – which is fine tuned for the experience.
How do I turn PS5 3D Audio on?
The good news is that you don’t have to do a thing. If you’ve got a pair of headphones in, 3D audio will be on by default. But you can double check that by going into the Settings menu. Find Sound, then Audio Output and make sure the Enable 3D Audio slider is enabled.
But there isn’t just one standard 3D audio. If you select Adjust 3D Audio Profile, you’ll have 5 different profiles to pick from. Why? Well, everybody’s ears are different. They’re a different shape and, thanks to head shape, in a different position – so it’s a good idea to pick the profile closest to your ear level.
3D Audio games on the PS4
Although the PS5 3D audio is a big leap forward, PlayStation 4 offered its version of 3D Audio with certain PS4 games. That means that there are PS4 games which already an enhanced sound feature. Good to know while we’re waiting on a new generation of PS5 games.
Which games? Everything from God of War, Days Gone, Red Dead Redemption 2 and many more PS4 games support 3D audio. But we can expect loads more forthcoming titles to be 3D audio compatible.
You won’t be able to believe your ears!
Interested? You can have a look and buy your new PS5 here.
