surround sound | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:41:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png surround sound | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Razer Kraken Ultimate packs THX spatial audio and ‘Discord-certified’ microphone https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/matthew-wilson/razer-kraken-ultimate-packs-thx-spatial-audio-and-discord-certified-microphone/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/matthew-wilson/razer-kraken-ultimate-packs-thx-spatial-audio-and-discord-certified-microphone/#respond Thu, 14 Nov 2019 17:14:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=436234 Razer is well known for its headsets at this point, we've even reviewed a good number of Kraken series headsets ourselves over the years. This week, Razer is introducing a new flagship Kraken Ultimate to the lineup, swapping out standard 7.1 virtual surround sound for THX Spatial Audio. The ear cups contain custom-tuned 50mm drivers …

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Razer is well known for its headsets at this point, we've even reviewed a good number of Kraken series headsets ourselves over the years. This week, Razer is introducing a new flagship Kraken Ultimate to the lineup, swapping out standard 7.1 virtual surround sound for THX Spatial Audio.

The ear cups contain custom-tuned 50mm drivers with a more natural sound curve to give a better competitive edge while gaming. Soundscapes and auditory detail are reproduced faithfully and paired with THX Spatial Audio, users should be able to pick up on small nuances in sound and have an easier time of pinpointing distant gun shots or enemy foot steps. According to Razer, this is achieved by emulating a full 360 degree sound sphere for greater positional accuracy over 7.1 virtual surround sound. This method of spatial audio is also said to reduce ear fatigue by properly reproducing audio sources based on in-game distance.

As with any gaming headset, the microphone is also an important part of the package. The Razer Kraken Ultimate has a retractable microphone with ‘pro-grade' active noise cancellation and Discord-certification, which should deliver “flawless team communication, even at crowded tournaments”.

Finally, the Kraken Ultimate comes with leather ear cushions infused with cooling gel to avoid hot, sweaty ears during longer gaming sessions. The headset weighs 275g in total, so it shouldn't feel heavy on your head during use. As you would expect, the headset does have Chroma RGB lighting and connects to PCs via USB.

The Razer Kraken Ultimate is available starting today for £129.99 GBP / $129.99 USD / €149.99 EUR.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru Says: I currently use the Dolby Atmos spatial audio plugin on Windows but I'd be very interested in seeing how THX Spatial Audio stacks up. Are any of you currently in the market for a new gaming headset? What do you think of the Kraken Ultimate?

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Netflix doubles down on higher quality audio https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/netflix-doubles-down-on-higher-quality-audio/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/netflix-doubles-down-on-higher-quality-audio/#respond Thu, 02 May 2019 16:05:19 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=412348 Netflix has been a front runner in adopting new living room technologies and making them available to the masses. We've seen upgrades from HD streaming to 4K Ultra HD, then HDR was added to the mix as better TVs began to hit the market. Now the streaming service is upgrading again, although this time the …

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Netflix has been a front runner in adopting new living room technologies and making them available to the masses. We've seen upgrades from HD streaming to 4K Ultra HD, then HDR was added to the mix as better TVs began to hit the market. Now the streaming service is upgrading again, although this time the focus is on better audio rather than visuals.

Since Netflix first launched its streaming service, it has supported 5.1 surround sound, some Netflix shows and movies even support Dolby Atmos. Now, Netflix is upgrading to ‘high-quality audio', increasing the bitrate and utilising an algorithm that will adjust it depending on your network performance.

 

Previously the highest bitrate available for 5.1 surround sound on Netflix was 192 kbps but that is now getting upgraded to 640 kbps. For those fortunate enough to have a Dolby Atmos capable set up, the bitrate for that is getting bumped from 446 kbps to 769 kbps. Further changes down the line could come as Netflix continues to work on making its encoder more efficient.

This is essentially the same idea that Netflix implements on the video side, where resolution and bitrate will adjust based on the available network bandwidth. Now, it means those with capable internet connections will also benefit from higher quality audio. This upgrade should already be available for all content that has a Dolby Atmos or 5.1 surround sound option available.

KitGuru Says: High-grade audio tends to only gear towards a niche audience. If you are using built-in TV speakers, then this upgrade is going to mean very little to you. However, if you have a decent surround speaker system set up in your living room, then you should start to notice a difference. 

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Sennheiser PC 373D 7.1 Dolby surround sound gaming headset review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/jon-martindale/sennheiser-pc-373d-7-1-dolby-surround-sound-gaming-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/jon-martindale/sennheiser-pc-373d-7-1-dolby-surround-sound-gaming-headset-review/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2016 09:58:41 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=304838 Sennheiser is often considered more of an audiophile brand rather than one catering to movie and gaming fans, but that is not always the case. Take the new Sennheiser PC 373D 7.1 Dolby surround sound headset that we are looking at today. It has everything that other gaming headsets have: solid drivers, great padding, surround sound …

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Sennheiser is often considered more of an audiophile brand rather than one catering to movie and gaming fans, but that is not always the case. Take the new Sennheiser PC 373D 7.1 Dolby surround sound headset that we are looking at today. It has everything that other gaming headsets have: solid drivers, great padding, surround sound audio and strong microphone clarity.

Of course that all comes with Sennheiser's high quality and high price tag and it looks very different from your average gaming headset. But it should be a very strong performer.

sennhesierpc373

Of course, it may not be worth it considering the hefty price tag. But that is what we are here to test, so let us see what the Sennheiser PC 373D can do.

Impedance Headphone: 50 Ω.
Connection: USB.
Frequency response (microphone): 50 – 16, 000 Hz.
Frequency response (headphones): 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz.
Sound pressure level (SPL): 116 dB.
Ear coupling Around-the-ear: open acoustic design.
Cable length: 1,7m + 1,2m.
Pick-up pattern: Noise-cancelling.
Microphone sensitivity: -38 dBV/Pa.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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G.Skill Ripjaws SV710 7.1 surround sound gaming headset review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/jon-martindale/g-skill-ripjaws-sv710-7-1-surround-sound-gaming-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/jon-martindale/g-skill-ripjaws-sv710-7-1-surround-sound-gaming-headset-review/#respond Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:06:35 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=278690 Fitting a surround sound speaker set up in your home is never easy, which is why headphone solutions are so popular. Not everyone has that space or spare cash so G.Skill is looking to tap into a new market with the Ripjaws SV710 7.1 surround sound gaming headset – the entry level one. With its more …

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Fitting a surround sound speaker set up in your home is never easy, which is why headphone solutions are so popular. Not everyone has that space or spare cash so G.Skill is looking to tap into a new market with the Ripjaws SV710 7.1 surround sound gaming headset – the entry level one.

With its more budget-conscious focus, the SV710 does not offer the same true-surround sound as with the SR910 7.1 headset we reviewed previously. However that does not mean that this one is feature-lite. It has leatherette cushions; that same solid aluminum frame, along with virtual surround sound capabilities.

stock

Much like the more expensive SR910, one of the most eye catching features of the SV710 is the earcups. They light up when powered on and offer a look into the clear-housing of the drivers themselves. That, combined with their unique shape, make the SV710s really stand out from traditional gaming headsets.

Specifications

  • Headphone Driver Material: Neodymium Magnet.
  • Headphone Driver Diameter: 50mm.
  • Headphone Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz.
  • Headphone Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz.
  • Microphone Type: Unidirectional Noise Cancelling Condenser.
  • Microphone Impedance: 2.2k Ω.
  • Microphone Frequency Response: 50-10,000 Hz.
  • Microphone Sensitivity: 36±3 dB.
  • Connector: USB 2.0 Type A.
  • Cable Length: 3m.
  • Weight: 380g.
  • Weight: (incl. cable+remote) 460g.
  • Warranty: 2-Year Limited Warranty.
    The post G.Skill Ripjaws SV710 7.1 surround sound gaming headset review first appeared on KitGuru.]]> https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/jon-martindale/g-skill-ripjaws-sv710-7-1-surround-sound-gaming-headset-review/feed/ 0 Virgin America to add surround sound to in-flight movies https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/virgin-america-to-add-surround-sound-to-in-flight-movies/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/virgin-america-to-add-surround-sound-to-in-flight-movies/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2015 09:20:32 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=254569 It wasn't that long ago that a long haul flight with a built in headrest TV was quite the luxury. Being able to choose your own film watching schedule during those many hours in a fart filled tube was a real treat, but today with smartphones and tablets with HD displays and in-flight internet access, …

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    It wasn't that long ago that a long haul flight with a built in headrest TV was quite the luxury. Being able to choose your own film watching schedule during those many hours in a fart filled tube was a real treat, but today with smartphones and tablets with HD displays and in-flight internet access, the seat-screens of old don't really cut it. Looking to improve that experience for its customers is Virgin America, which has announced plans to introduce surround sound audio for films, among many other enhancements.

    pacman

    Handled by start up tech firm Dysonics, the new surround sound system  will offer 360 degree, 3D audio coverage, making passengers feel like they are surrounded by high-end speakers. Better yet though, this won't even require a specialised pair of headphones, so the standard Virgin Red ones can be used, or passengers can listen using their own, more impressive sets.

    To get an idea of what it will sound like with the new audio system, have a listen to the below video with your headphones on.

    The new surround system will be trialled in select aircraft across the Virgin America fleet and if passengers seem to enjoy it, it will be rolled out to all aircraft before long.

    However sound isn't the only upgrade Virgin is making to its Red media software system. Along with the live TV, WiFi and power charging capabilities already in place, Virgin is also adding new, higher resolution touch screens (720P), more storage capacity allowing for up to three times the content, more interactive games and improvements to map details too.

    [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsNx4WG42E0′]

    Entertainment aside, the ability to make food and drink orders will be expanded and users will even be able to send drinks to other passengers, or send them messages if they so choose.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: While I'm sure it will be handy to order food or drinks for your friends and family if you aren't sat next to them, who else is imagining some horrific in-flight flirting over the new messaging system?

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    Razer announces Leviathan 5.1 Surround Soundbar https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/matthew-wilson/razer-announced-leviathan-5-1-surround-soundbar/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/speakers/matthew-wilson/razer-announced-leviathan-5-1-surround-soundbar/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2014 19:30:14 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=218932 Razer has officially announced its latest product, the Leviathan, a 5.1 Surround Soundbar featuring two 2.5 Inch drivers, two 0.74 Inch tweeters and a separate subwoofer unit. The Leviathan will take input from analog and digital optical sources such as consoles, blu-ray players, set top boxes as well as PCs. A wireless mode will also …

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    Razer has officially announced its latest product, the Leviathan, a 5.1 Surround Soundbar featuring two 2.5 Inch drivers, two 0.74 Inch tweeters and a separate subwoofer unit. The Leviathan will take input from analog and digital optical sources such as consoles, blu-ray players, set top boxes as well as PCs.

    A wireless mode will also be included for streaming music from a mobile device or bluetooth enabled PC/laptop. The Soundbar comes pre-configured with EQ settings for movies and games.

    Leviathan 2

    The dedicated subwoofer included is quite large and should provide a pretty good bass response. The soundbar comes equipped with an on-board Dolby decoder, allowing it to create a virtual surround sound environment, which uses audio positioning techniques to make you think sounds are coming from different directions.

    The Soundbar will be available in the US and UK from November onwards, costing $199 and £159.00 respectively. You can currently pre-order the soundbar from Razer's store, HERE.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: Razer's CEO has been teasing a product announcement for the last week or two and given its ‘sea creature' name, many guessed that it would be an audio product. However, Soundbars are a new category for Razer so it will be interesting to see how it performs as well as how well received it is. 

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    Gamdias Hephaestus Headset Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/headphones/bill-smyth/gamdias-hephaestus-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/headphones/bill-smyth/gamdias-hephaestus-headset-review/#comments Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:40:34 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=185007 One of the toughest markets to compete in these days is gaming accessories. Where once upon a time Razer stood alone, now there are dozens of companies vying to be the gamer's number one choice when they go into battle. KitGuru has just taken delivery of a gaming headset from a new brand called Gamdias. …

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    One of the toughest markets to compete in these days is gaming accessories. Where once upon a time Razer stood alone, now there are dozens of companies vying to be the gamer's number one choice when they go into battle. KitGuru has just taken delivery of a gaming headset from a new brand called Gamdias. Is it a sound investment?

    While we're always happy to see new brands, the market is congested, so the first thing to consider is where has this headset been positioned?

    The yardstick for positioning is a combination of featureset and price. In a nutshell, the Gamdias Hephaestus is retailing around the £70 mark and they have surround sound and some intelligent rumbling technology.

    That puts it between the CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Gaming Headset at £58 and the Asus Vulcan Pro at £89  – both of which feature high quality construction and surround sound audio. More importantly, the Speedlink Medusa NX is only £50 with a similar featureset.

    Gamdias-Hephaestus-Headset-Review-KitGuru-650

    • Cable Length: 2.5m
    • Dimension(LxWxH): 232 x 100 x 216 mm
    • Frequency range: 20 ~ 20KHz
    • Plug type: Gold-plated USB plug
    • Sensitivity: 117dB + / – 4 dB at 1 kHz
    • Impedance: 32 Ohms
    • Driver diameter: 40mm
    • Driver magnets: NdFeB
    • Driver membrane: N/A
    • Microphone size: 6.0 * 5.0mm
    • Microphone Sensitivity: -46dB + / – 3 dB
    • Maximum input power: 100 mW
    • Microphone frequency range: 100 ~ 10KHz
    • Microphone impedance: 2.2 K Ohms
    • Vibration unit frequency range: 20 ~ 200Hz
    • Vibration unit sensitivity: 82dB + / – 4 dB
    • Vibration unit impedance: 8 Ohms
    • Vibration unit maximum input power: 1 W
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    Turtle Beach Ear Force Z6A 5.1 Headset Review https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/henry-butt/turtle-beach-ear-force-z6a-5-1-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-reviews/henry-butt/turtle-beach-ear-force-z6a-5-1-headset-review/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:05:43 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=59187 Many serious gamers will have heard of Turtle Beach as they are renowned for producing some of the best gaming headsets on the market for both console and PC gaming.  Turtle Beach as a company have actually been around for over 20 years now so they have many years more experience than newcomers such as …

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    Many serious gamers will have heard of Turtle Beach as they are renowned for producing some of the best gaming headsets on the market for both console and PC gaming.  Turtle Beach as a company have actually been around for over 20 years now so they have many years more experience than newcomers such as Tt eSPORTS and CM Storm.

    Today we are going to look at one of Turtle Beach's latest PC headsets, the Ear Force Z6A which boasts an impressive feature set considering the reasonably modest price tag.  The most prominent feature is that the Z6A features proper surround sound with no fewer than four drivers in each earcup.  Unlike some surround sound headsets, though, the Z6A isn't overly heavy, weighing only 380g.

    Specification

    Front Channel Speakers

    • 30mm diameter speakers with neodymium magnet
    • Angled design for better 3D audio perception
    • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, >120dB SPL+3dB/mW

    Surround Channel Speakers

    • 30mm diameter speakers with neodymium magnet
    • Angled design for better 3D audio perception
    • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, >120dB SPL+3dB/mW

    Center Channel Spakers

    • 30mm diameter speakers with neodymium magnet
    • SFrequency Response: 80Hz – 16kHz, >110dB SPL+3dB/mW

    Subwoofer Channel Speakers

    • 40mm diameter with high-impact magneto-resonant vibration coil
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 500Hz

    Other Specifications

    • Condenser Microphone Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
    • Weight

    Surround Sound Amplifier

    • Includes six independent amplifiers
    • Frequency response Sub Channel: 20Hz – 200Hz
    • Frequency response (Front, Surround and Center channels): 20Hz – 20kHz
    • Amplifier power (all 8 channels): >100mW rms @ THD <1%
    • 3.5mm stereo line input jacks x3 (Front, Surround, Center/Sub)
    • 3.5mm microphone jack
    • Maximum analog input level with volume control on maximum setting: 2 Vpp (700mV rms)
    • 2.5mm Xbox 360 controller input jack
    • Quick Disconnect for easily removing headset from the amplifer
    • Weight 120g
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    Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1 Championship Gaming Headset Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/cyber-snipa-sonar-5-1-championship-gaming-headset-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/henry-butt/cyber-snipa-sonar-5-1-championship-gaming-headset-review/#comments Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:56:51 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=47873 There seem to be an ever increasing number of brands trying to take a slice of the gaming headset pie, especially at the value end of the market where consumers are less ‘brand' conscious.  We hadn't actually heard of Cyber Snipa before they sent us a headset for review but they appear to have quite …

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    There seem to be an ever increasing number of brands trying to take a slice of the gaming headset pie, especially at the value end of the market where consumers are less ‘brand' conscious.  We hadn't actually heard of Cyber Snipa before they sent us a headset for review but they appear to have quite a large range of gaming-orientated products.

    Today we are going to look at the Sonar 5.1 Championship gaming headset from Cyber Snipa which offers full surround sound at a very reasonable price of around £40.  The only other gaming headset that immediately comes to mind as a competitor to this is the Arctic Sound P531 that we reviewed a few months back.

    Features

    • Exclusive memory foam velour cushions & padding or extended gaming comfort
    • In-line independent channel control for custom surround sound + mic mute
    • Noise canceling, flexible mic for crystal clear chat
    • 8 independent speaker drivers for true surround sound
    • Included 3D audio software for customized sound
    • Convenient padded carrying case

    Specification

    Speakers Centre Front Speaker Surrounding Subwoofer Microphone
    Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz 18Hz – 20kHz 20Hz – 20kHz 10Hz – 400kHz
    Sensitivity 108dB 100dB 108 dB 39dB +/- 3dB
    Impendance 32 Ohm 32 Ohm 32 Ohm 8 Ohm 2.2K Ohm
    Driver unit Ø30mm Ø40mm Ø30mm Ø27mm Ø9.7 x 5mm
    Output power 200mW 400mW 200mW 600mW
    Plug USB
    Cable 3m
    Warranty 2 Year
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