Is 7.1 surround sound the same as 3D audio?
Both surround sound and 3D audio attempt to create an immersive listening experience, but they achieve this goal through different methods. Surround sound relies on a multi-speaker setup placed around the listener to envelop them in sound coming from all directions. In contrast, 3D audio is designed to create the same sense of immersion using just two speakers or headphones by simulating a 3D space through audio processing techniques.
Surround sound has been around since the 1970s and is commonly used in home theater systems and movie theaters. 3D audio is a newer technology that has become more prevalent in recent years, especially for virtual reality headsets and gaming applications. While they take different approaches, both surround sound and 3D audio aim to make audio feel more realistic, lifelike and spatially accurate compared to traditional stereo sound.
Surround Sound Overview
Surround sound refers to audio playback systems with multiple speakers that surround the listener to create an immersive listening experience. The goal is to make the listener feel like they are in the middle of the sound by providing a full 360-degree audio environment.
Some common surround sound configurations include:
- 5.1 – This uses five full-range speakers (left, center, right, left surround, right surround) and one subwoofer for the low frequency effects (LFE) channel. The “.1” refers to the subwoofer.
- 7.1 – This adds two additional surround speakers (left back, right back) to the 5.1 setup for an even more immersive experience. The two additional channels allow sounds to pan between the side and rear speakers.
- 9.1 – This further builds on 7.1 by adding two height channels delivered through overhead speakers. This adds dimensionality to overhead effects.
Higher surround sound configuration numbers indicate more speakers placed around the listener for greater envelopment in audio. The exact positioning of the speakers depends on the specific setup.
3D Audio Overview
3D audio refers to immersive audio technologies that aim to surround the listener with sound coming from all directions, creating the illusion of 3D space. Unlike surround sound, which sends audio channels to speakers placed around the room, 3D audio uses advanced processing to simulate a fully 3D soundfield using even just standard stereo headphones (Trusted Reviews).
Key differences from surround sound include:
- 3D audio can create immersive soundscapes using just headphones, while surround requires multiple positioned speakers.
- 3D audio tracks head motion to simulate sound coming from exact locations as you move, while surround sound originates from fixed speaker positions.
- 3D audio can present height channels above the listener, while surround sound is typically at ear level only.
Major 3D audio technologies include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These use object-based audio that separates sounds into distinct objects which can be precisely located and moved in 3D space (Spotify). The advanced processing creates immersion and realism well beyond typical surround sound.
Surround Sound Setups
The most common surround sound setups are 5.1 and 7.1 configurations. In a 5.1 setup, there are 5 main speakers (left, center, right, left surround, and right surround) and a subwoofer. The speakers surround the listener to create an immersive experience. Many experts recommend placing the left and right front speakers at 60 degrees relative to the center listening position, while the left and right surrounds should be at 110-120 degrees.
For a 7.1 system, two additional surround speakers are added to the rear of the listening area. This provides an even more immersive bubble of sound. The additional left and right rear surrounds should be placed directly behind the listener at 180 degrees. Popular surround sound models recommended for home theater use include the Klipsch Reference Premiere and the Dolby Atmos enabled speakers.
The pros of a surround setup are an immersive, theater-like experience and the ability to precisely place sounds around the room. The cons are the complexity of setup, especially in challenging room layouts. Proper placement and speaker angles are critical. The additional speakers also increase cost over a simple stereo or 3.1 system.
3D Audio Setups
3D audio like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X requires specific speaker configurations to achieve the full immersive sound experience. While basic 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems position speakers at ear level, 3D audio adds height channels firing down from the ceiling or specialized up-firing speakers to create overhead effects. There are some key differences between 3D audio setups:
Special speakers needed: To properly reproduce 3D audio, the setup requires either in-ceiling overhead speakers or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers with upfiring drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling. Many AV receivers now include height channel pre-outs for Atmos. Some soundbars have upfiring drivers built-in, but may not achieve the same immersion as discrete height speakers. The extra height channels expand the sound field for a true 3D experience.
Soundbar vs discrete speakers: While some soundbars like the Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos, they cannot match the spacial separation of discrete surround speakers placed around the room. For full immersion, most reviewers recommend an A/V receiver powering at least 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 speakers positioned according to Dolby’s setup guidelines.
Positioning guidance: Dolby recommends placing side and rear surround speakers at ear level and overhead speakers 30-45 degrees above the listener, either mounted on the ceiling or enabled speakers placed on top of floor speakers. The elevation of height speakers creates the 3D sound dome effect. Proper placement as specified by Dolby or DTS is key for accurate channel separation and localization.
Content Compatibility
There are some key differences in the content that works best with surround sound versus 3D audio. Surround sound is compatible with a wide range of content, from movies and TV shows to video games and music. Most Blu-ray movies, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and music services provide content mixed in 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound for a more immersive experience with multiple speakers set up around the room (Makeuseof, 2023).
3D audio, on the other hand, is more limited in compatible content. Spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are used to create 3D soundscapes and these require special mixing and encoding. Atmos and DTS:X content can be found on some Blu-ray movies, streaming platforms, and video games but it is less widely supported. The playback of 3D audio is also limited to specific devices like home theater systems and gaming headsets that support processing the object-based sound rather than channel-based surround sound. So there is more content readily available for surround sound systems compared to the content mixed for 3D audio playback (Htscarolinas, 2017).
Immersion and Realism
Both surround sound and 3D audio aim to create an immersive experience that makes the listener feel like they are “in the action.” However, there are some key differences in how they achieve this effect.
With surround sound, audio is positioned around the listener at different angles – left, right, front, rear, etc. This creates a 360-degree soundscape that is more enveloping than standard stereo audio. Having sounds come at you from different directions can make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action, especially for movie and gaming experiences.
3D audio takes immersion to another level by adding height channels, allowing sounds to come from above and below you as well. According to MakeUseOf, this enables listeners to “perceive sound from every direction,” fully surrounding them. With surround sound, sound is still focused on a horizontal plane. The addition of verticality in 3D audio heightens the sense of realism and being immersed in the audio environment.
For many, 3D audio feels more realistic and life-like than surround sound. Sounds can come at you from all angles, distances, and heights, mimicking how sound works in the real world. This creates a deeply immersive experience that can transport listeners into the movie, game, or audio content.
Audio Quality
The audio quality and realism can vary between surround sound systems and 3D audio setups. Generally, high-end surround sound systems with 8 or more channels can provide excellent immersion and realistic sound reproduction in a fixed listening environment like a home theater. The discrete channels allow audio engineers to mix and position sounds precisely in a 3D space. Meanwhile, 3D audio products aim to create a similar surround experience using just 2 audio channels, often over headphones. Quality depends on the specific technology and implementation. Basic surround effects like Dolby Audio create a 3D soundscape, but some report the audio quality can sound more artificial compared to true surround systems. More advanced 3D audio technologies like Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos for Headphones strive to deliver high-fidelity, realistic audio with precise positioning and depth. Overall, dedicated surround systems may excel in overall quality due to more speaker channels, while 3D audio aims to simulate surround realistically over stereo headphones or speakers.
Cost Comparison
When looking at budget, there are significant differences between 7.1 surround sound and 3D audio setups. A basic 7.1 surround sound system requires purchasing at minimum a 7.1 A/V receiver and seven surround sound speakers, including subwoofer. According to Reddit users, an entry-level 7.1 surround sound system costs $500-1000 just for the equipment, not including installation and wiring costs.
In comparison, a basic 3D audio setup only requires a compatible headset like the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset which costs around $100. Higher-end 3D audio headsets with additional features may cost up to $300. However, there is no need to purchase additional external speakers, receivers, or wiring. The headset contains all the components needed to deliver 3D spatial audio.
For advanced home theater setups, Dolby Atmos-enabled receivers, speakers, and installation can cost $2,000-5,000+ for a 7.1.2 or 7.1.4 system. Comparatively, even high-end 3D audio headsets top out at $500-600. So there is a massive difference in budget required for surround sound versus a 3D audio headset solution.
Conclusion
In summary, 7.1 surround sound and 3D audio are different technologies that aim to create an immersive audio experience. 7.1 surround sound uses multiple speakers placed around the listener to simulate directional sounds. It expands on 5.1 surround by adding two rear speakers. 3D audio uses various methods like HRTF to create a 360-degree soundscape over headphones.
While 7.1 provides a broader, more environmental sound, 3D audio recreates positional audio cues and space through processing. Each has their merits and applications – 7.1 for home theater setups, and 3D audio for gaming/VR headsets. For most consumers, built-in 3D audio in devices provides an accessible option. Those looking for maximum immersion may invest in a dedicated 7.1 speaker system.
In the end, choose the technology that fits your needs and budget. For multi-speaker surround, go for 7.1. For personalized 3D sound over headphones, try 3D audio solutions. With the right setup, both can transport you right into the action.