You may not be strange to the term 7.1 surround sound in marketing materials when shopping for headphones. But have you ever wondered how they can make you feel like you’re in the middle of a movie scene, a video game, or a concert? How can they create a three-dimensional sound field that surrounds you from all directions? What is the 7.1 surround sound?

Take your time, and keep your curiosity piqued. Let’s dig into how 7.1 surround sound works, what are its benefits and drawbacks, as well as key considerations for selecting the right one for you.

 

How does 7.1 surround sound work?

 

In a 7.1 system, the 7 refers to the number of speakers that produce directional sound from different angles, while the 1 refers to the single subwoofer that produces low-frequency sound from any direction. Together, these components create a truly immersive sound experience that surrounds you from all directions, also known as real surround sound.

Interestingly, 7.1 surround sound headphones use only two speakers to create the effect of multiple speakers through sophisticated sound processing techniques, commonly referred to as virtual surround sound.

 Virtual surround sound does not use physical speakers, but rather software or hardware that processes the audio signal and creates specific sound effects that trick the ears into perceiving sound from different directions. This is done by manipulating factors such as volume, delay, frequency, and phase of the sound waves. For example, if a car is driving from left to right behind the listener, the software or hardware will make the sound louder in the left earphone than in the right earphone, and add a slight delay to the right earphone to create a sense of distance and direction.

 

PROS & CONS

If you're a gaming, movie, or music enthusiast, 7.1 surround sound technology can greatly enhance your audio experience. It creates a more immersive and realistic sound environment, with improved clarity and detail.

This technology can separate different sounds and channels, which can make you feel like you're in the middle of the action. For gamers, this can improve the quality and realism of sound effects, allowing them to hear subtle sounds such as footsteps, gunshots, and voices. It can also help players locate their targets and avoid ambushes in games, like in Call of Duty: Ghosts. In movies, 7.1 surround sound can make the audience feel more involved in the story by creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, in Gravity, 7.1 can create a sense of tension and isolation in space. And for music lovers, it can reveal the complexity and richness of the music, them can hear the nuances and details of different instruments and vocals from different directions. As in The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album (SPLHCB), 7.1 can reveal the complexity and richness of the music.

However, one of the main disadvantages of 7.1 surround sound is that it may not be compatible with all devices or media sources, as not all of them support 7.1 surround sound signals or formats. Additionally, it can be costly and complicated to set up and use, as it requires both headphones and a device that can process and send 7.1 surround sound signals, such as a USB audio control box, a sound card, or a software application.

 

What To Look For When Buying 7.1 Surround sound Headphones?

 

When buying 7.1 surround sound headphones, you should consider the sound quality, comfort, microphone specs, connection type, and price. Important features for sound quality are the drivers, frequency response range, sensitivity, and customization options like equalizers, sound profiles, or presets. The best gaming headphones with surround sound have a good blend of these features. There, we recommend Stage Magic to you. It is a great choice for gamers who want a budget-friendly 7.1 surround sound headset that offers solid sound quality, comfort, and style. 

Have you tried 7.1 surround sound headphones? What do you think about this technology? Share your thoughts in the comments below!