Surround sound problems, DEVs take notice

[goldenfiver 11]

Using the razer megalodon (2.0 / 5.1/ 7.1 virtual) I have the same problem you guys are having. In addition the following sounds are extremely weak: vehicle engines, helicopters, footsteps. Was ok in alpha. Anyone else having the same issues?

[Tonci87 163]

Any update on this?

[Hatchet_AS 201]

I'm still facing the massive amounts of poor/distorted sounds currently. I have multiple options available to me that I've tested, and have yet to find something functional. Whether it's the Razor Tiamet, Tritton PC510 HDa, Logitech G-35 or just plugging into the onboard Realtek with a set of 5.1 speakers ... everything has issues. Specifically annoying is the distorted gunshots and related static popping I'm getting with it.

I'm assuming this is something on games side of the fence that needs fixing, as I've only been experiencing this for a week or slightly more (DEV Branch). Granted before this started, many of the sounds in the game still needed work in general. This is plainly different though, and not pleasing in any sense.

[fujix 11]

Suddenly in beta I cant localize where shots are being fired from using my ears. It sounds like they come from the right when they really are coming from the left or from behind you. I have a simple 2.1 speaker setup. Same problem when helos are passing over me.

And as someone mentioned vehicle engine sound is very low since beta.

[Anachoretes 10]

Use Asus Xonar and monitors(this setup represent more accurate surround than any plastic cyberrubbish) - have are nice 3D sound without problem(except for setting the attenuation of certain sounds, etc.).

[xx-LSD-xx 10]

I hope they are working on this. I feel like a dumbass when reacting to incoming fire I think is from my left then turning to face the threat only to be shot in the back. I think I heard the AI call me a Dumbass but I could be hearing things that aren't there..:(

Maybe it's a FogOfWar effect or to many Bong tokes at lunch while at work effect.... Focus people.........Put down the Bong and fix this.... Please..

[Mansen 10]

7.1 seems to work fine for me - I can clearly hear sounds behind me with my G35's :)

(Which are also USB*)

[kklownboy 43]

sound bad! fix please.

[messfunkt 10]

7.1 seems to work fine for me - I can clearly hear sounds behind me with my G35's :)

(Which are also USB*)

Does the issue reported here occur for you?

[Dark6-6 10]

Everyone in this thread would be well advised to try updating their sound drivers etc, then adding a feedback tracker with exactly which hardware and drivers you are using, as well as the number of voices set in armas settings, and detailed descriptions of the glitches you are experiencing.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

[Dark6-6 10]

Use Asus Xonar and monitors(this setup represent more accurate surround than any plastic cyberrubbish) - have are nice 3D sound without problem(except for setting the attenuation of certain sounds, etc.).

Are you using optical out from your Xonar? I am using the optical on my xfi to my Klipsch Synergy IIs with a 650 Watt 12 " sub fed by a Yamaha receiver. I am using Dolby II encoding. Which setting are you using? I'm not having any issues either.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

[Sneakson 1]

I have 4 speakers but all are in front of me. I’m not sure if that messes with something but I can barely hear the Rangemaster in the challenges talking unless he’s in front of me. To the sides and back he’s a lot quieter. Not ideal.

[EuroSlave 1]

Don't buy 5.1/7.1 headsets

They are just marketing bullshit

[afp 1]

Don't buy 5.1/7.1 headsets

They are just marketing bullshit

Can you please detail? I was just about to try this.

[Steakslim 1]

Don't buy 5.1/7.1 headsets

They are just marketing bullshit

I dunno I quite like them.

[Anachoretes 10]

Can you please detail? I was just about to try this.

Overall, for representing good\accurate sound scene stereo headphones and middle\high quality sound card(monitors) is best solution(or G35, which essentially headphones and soundcard in one package). But physical 5.1\7.1 on headphones..mean decrease sound quality. Loudspeakers is another story - if you want to enjoy rich sound and proper surround scene it will cost much more.

[verstand3n 13]

Google for matt lust envy gaming headset guide and take a look at the headfi Forums.

Gesendet von meinem XT890 mit Tapatalk 2

[Mansen 10]

Does the issue reported here occur for you?

YES! Oh god - I am so glad it wasn't just me. I can only hear the drill sergeant if I keep him in front of me on the... left? side of me. Any other direction and he goes completely quiet.

Don't buy 5.1/7.1 headsets

They are just marketing bullshit

I'm sure the people who unsuccessfully try to sneak up on me disagree - Even with Dolby's virtual technology it is a great addition to any first person game.

[hellfire257 3]

I ditched surround sound headsets for this reason. You'll get better bang for buck with a stereo pair of cans.

I'm sure the people who unsuccessfully try to sneak up on me disagree - Even with Dolby's virtual technology it is a great addition to any first person game.

The thing with Dolby's emulation is that it makes everything sound closer or further away depending on which "DH" preset is used. The fact that people cannot sneak up on you is likely attributed to this, not the surround sound.

DH can sound really good but it seriously screws with distance perception. You can use Pro Logic IIx to get around this if you have it.

[Tonci87 163]

There are two types of Sourround sound Headsets.

Emulated 5.1 or 7.1

True 5.1 or 7.1

The first one doesn´t have real Sourround sound (only one speaker on each side), it is only emulated and therefore not much better than Stereo. In fact it is indeed better to spend the money on good Stereo Headphones since they will give you the same effect with better sound quality.

The second one is tricky. Those Headsets have more than one speaker on each side (My Roccat Kave has 4! Speakers on every side, placed at specific angles. That Headset is huge... ) There are bad ones (Medusa NX 5.1) and great ones (Roccat Kave 5.1). The Medusa is bad because they put very small speakers into it in an effort to keep it at a normal size. Small Speakers produce bad sound. My Roccat has 40mm Speakers (it really is a big Headset) wich is enough to give clear and powerfull sound.

From my own experience I can tell you that I won´t go back to Stereo Speakers. I really like my Roccat Kave. If I play Arma 2 I can tell you with pinpoint precision where the fire is coming from, even if it is behind me. I never had so good situational awareness with any other Headset I´ve owned.

[rotekz 10]

I have a proper 7.1 speaker setup and the sound localisation in Arma 3 has always been poor to nonexistence. Its terrible not knowing where shots are coming from.

Other games do not have this issue.

[Mansen 10]

There are two types of Sourround sound Headsets.

Emulated 5.1 or 7.1

True 5.1 or 7.1

The first one doesn´t have real Sourround sound (only one speaker on each side), it is only emulated and therefore not much better than Stereo.

I completely disagree - And so does science. You only have two ears - And yet you can discern location from those. Emulated surround takes full advantage of this. You can easily tell location with a pair of G35's which use emulated 7.1.

The thing with Dolby's emulation is that it makes everything sound closer or further away depending on which "DH" preset is used. The fact that people cannot sneak up on you is likely attributed to this, not the surround sound.

DH can sound really good but it seriously screws with distance perception. You can use Pro Logic IIx to get around this if you have it.

1. What on earth is a DH preset? You're going to have to de-acronymise that one.

2. I have no issues with distance perception in any of my shooters - be it Battlefield, Planetside or even ARMA 3 (excluding any obvious surround sound issues already ticketed) I am perfectly capable of telling distance of sounds from all directions.

TLDR: This is clearly a matter of personal taste and your hearing.

Edited June 26, 2013 by Mansen

[Anachoretes 10]

Yes. For binaural, True 5.1 is big fake and marketing hole. Human detect surround sound in stereo maner. All you need - decent sound hardware, decent source. True 5.1 as i say created for loudspeakers.

[Tonci87 163]

I completely disagree - And so does science. You only have two ears - And yet you can discern location from those. Emulated surround takes full advantage of this. You can easily tell location with a pair of G35's which use emulated 7.1.

1. What on earth is a DH preset? You're going to have to de-acronymise that one.

2. I have no issues with distance perception in any of my shooters - be it Battlefield, Planetside or even ARMA 3 (excluding any obvious surround sound issues already ticketed) I am perfectly capable of telling distance of sounds from all directions.

TLDR: This is clearly a matter of personal taste and your hearing.

You obviously didn´t even try it...

[Fuse 1]

I completely disagree - And so does science. You only have two ears - And yet you can discern location from those. Emulated surround takes full advantage of this. You can easily tell location with a pair of G35's which use emulated 7.1.

Yeah, I don't think we have the same definition of "science". If we can tell the location of audio using only two ears then doesn't that support the argument that quality stereo cans are better than, well, almost anything marketed towards gamers? ;)

Fact is that most gaming headsets are significantly worse than if that money were spent on regular headphones, and the money you spend should be the only indicator you need. Do you really think you're going to spend the same amount as you would for a good pair of stereo headphones and get a pair that has multiple drivers + a mic + software all crammed on, and it's going to match the quality of two drivers for the same price? Some of the more expensive gaming headsets actually sound really good (though I've come to realize most gamers just have no idea what "good" sounds like), but they still wont match the quality of true surround sound speakers.

A good soundcard + real headphones or true physical 5.1/7.1 speakers is your best bet. It doesn't mean other products aren't worth using, but they're never going to sound as good. Sure there's some personal preference involved, but "personal preference" is the same argument I've heard from people who think Turtle Beach X31s don't sound like dollar-store headphones.

Now if only people didn't get so personally invested in their purchases this might actually get through to someone. Hahaha.

We've all spent money on products we maybe shouldn't have, that's the whole goal of advertising. No one will look down on you for it, so no need to entrench your self along side a subpar product simply because you already spent money on it. :) (This is meant as a general statement, not solely directed at one person. It's an issue that seems to crop up everywhere products are discussed.)

Edited June 26, 2013 by Fuse