Free 7.1 virtual surround sound software from Razer (actually works)

Don't know how many people know this yet, but Razer has just released Razer Surround, an audio software that attempts to create a virtual 7.1 surround sound experience on any pair of stereo headphones. I'm usually skeptical about this sort of thing as my experience with Creative CMSS-3D in the past wasn't great, but guess it what? It actually works. On my cheap pair of Creative Fatal1ty cans it actually gives very good directional sound. I can definitely hear the difference in games compared to Dolby Home Theater v4, which is what I was using before. It also had a surround virtualizer setting but all that did was stereo widening.

Razer Surround screenshots:



Dolby Home Theater v4:



When you install Razer Surround it adds a new virtual audio device in the Control Panel:



For games where having accurate positional sounds is a distinct advantage, like Counter-Strike, this program is great. For listening to music, I would turn it off as it noticeably degrades the audio quality. It makes some sounds soft and muffled and others loud.

What's cool is that Razer is making this program free until January 2014, when it will go up to $20. So you have nothing to lose by trying it out, but don't wait too long. You can get it here: Razer Surround - 7.1 Gaming Surround Sound - Razer United States

 

Wow... it really does seem to work.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work with my 7.1 USB headset though, so I'll have to try playing with earbuds later (I stuck with my headset during my last gaming session). The calibration was pretty impressive though.

It does require you to sign up for some kind of Razer account to use, however. I don't know if that's a bad thing or not.

 

Look at the second screenshot. There's a setting for USB headphones. If you absolutely can't get it to work there's always the option of unplugging the USB sound card and using analog if it's detachable. Most USB headphones have their own surround software built-in as well. Don't use earbuds as they're horrible for positional sound. Also, if you have a Razer headphone then select the model under "optimized for."

You have to create an account because the Razer Synapse software stores your settings in the cloud.

 

Yeah, my headset already has a 7.1 mode (Plantronics). So to compare it all I have is earbuds unless I buy a cheap set of cans just to see how well the Razer 7.1 works compared to the Plantronics. Although the headset is VERY comfortable.

 

I'm guessing you have the Plantronics GameCom 780, which is USB-only? In that case Razer Surround doesn't really do much for you since you already have Dolby Headphone, which should work just as well more or less. I'm sure it's a great headset because I've used a lot of Plantronics in the past. I have family that used to work for them.

Razer Surround is great for people like me with a pair of analog stereo headphones that don't have surround software, or for people with a really high-end set of cans that aren't gaming-oriented, such as a pair of Sennheisers.

 

Well, I still wanted to compare them. If I travel, I probably wouldn't be bringing the 780. But on the other hand, it probably would be earbuds.

 

Just gonna give this topic a small small bumb.

I just bought a Razer BlackShark headset after testing alot of headsets (it's weird i choose the razer, didnt expect it).
But anyway, i was surfing on razerzone and see the virtual surround feature, I think offcourse this is bull.
But I thought, lets test, i can Always delete it.

I installed it and it actually works!!!
I really have surround sound that works, i didnt, never expected this!
I think razer is doing a great job, with the BlackShark the surround works like a charm, i tested it with some CS:go and I really here things from behind what's really awesome for a 2.0 Headset!!

I just wanted to say this, if you have a razer headset, (don't know if it works so good on every headset).
Try this program becuase really, razer did a freaking awesome job.

Sjoerd out

 

It works for all stereo headphones, not just Razer ones. Not sure if it's better for Razer ones though, but I've never liked their audio quality in the first place and think they're way overpriced.

 

I agree razer ain't making the best things.
But after I tested some headsets in that price range I just went for the BlackShark because it had the best balance.
It's bassy but not like the Siberia V2, but the higher freqs are way more crisp (what mean's music sounds ALOT better).
The sound clarity on the BlackShark really overwhelmed me, didnt expect it.


I you really want good sound you need to pay alot more money and for it ain't worth it becuase really, I am not a audiophile, but I prefer some quality over the very cheap, the BlackShark offered that, now just hope it doesnt fall apart and i am more then happy.

 

Thanks for the link, will test this later once i get home.

Gonna test with my Beats Solo. I know they are overpriced etc. but i got them as a gift, i can't really complain.

 

These actually make the laptop speakers sound more impressive than the built in Dolby equalizer. Testing with my Vsonic Vsd1s and they rock with it. Going to test my Vmoda M80.

EDIT: Vmoda's sound best when selecting the Razer Electra preset and configuring that way. Remember to try each configuration before calibrating.