Sony has added 3D Audio to the Playstation 5 for any player with a TV or compatible headset. It makes listening to sound games such as Ghost of Tsushima or No Man’s Sky a treat without needing a 7.1 surround system.
With 3D Audio enabled on your Playstation 5, not only will you where sounds come from horizontally, you will be able to hear sounds vertically too. This makes for a fully 3d and sound-rich game experience.
In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to set up PS5 3D Audio for your TV or compatible headset. We’ve also included plenty of screenshots to make it easier for you.
What is PS5 3D Audio?
3D audio is a technique used by the Tempest Engine on the Playstation 5 that delivers sound to players in a 3D space. With 3D audio, players can hear game sounds with direction and distance.
Why Enable 3D Audio?
Players will want to use 3D audio for two reasons: competitive advantage and game immersion.
For players looking for a competitive edge, being able to pinpoint enemies with the help of enhanced sound could be the difference between a win or loss.
For single-player games like Ghost of Tsushima, standing in the field with the blowing feels much more satisfying when the wind sounds like it’s coming from all directions.
Regardless of preference, most players will have good reason to enable 3D audio.
How to Set Up 3D Audio for Compatible Headphones on PS5
1. Find the Sound Menu from Settings
From the top row of the Home Screen select “Settings” shown by the Gear Icon in the top right corner of the screen between the search option (magnifying glass) and your PS Plus picture.
Next, scroll halfway down the screen and select “Sound”. It will be immediately after “Storage” and at the bottom of the screen.
Last, choose “Audio Ouput” and change “Output Device” to your wireless headphones.
2. Enable 3D Audio for Headphones
3. Test 3D Audio and Adjust If Necessary
How to Set Up 3D Audio for TV on the PS5
Find the Menu
From the top row of the Home Screen select “Settings” shown by the Gear Icon.
Next, scroll halfway down the screen and select “Sound”. It will be immediately after “Storage” and at the bottom of the screen.
Last, choose “Audio Output” and change “Output Device” to your TV or connected speakers.
Also, make sure that the PS5 microphone input is set to “Microphone on Controller”. This option can be found under “Microphone” then “Input Device”.
Enable 3D Audio for TV Speakers
Navigate down the same menu to find the “TV” section and enable 3D Audio for the TV speakers. This section will be after “HDMI Device Type” and before the “AV amplifier” section.
Measure Room Acoustics Using TV Speakers
Select “Measure Room Acoustics Using TV Speakers”.
On the next screen, you’ll be given further instructions
Make sure your controller is updated with the latest software and not plugged into the USB.
Select “Next” for one last set of instructions:
- Hold the wireless controller at face level
- Keep the room as quiet as possible
- Disconnect all cables and accessories from your controller, as well as headphones from your TV.
- If the microphone on your controller is muted, unmute it.
Select “Start Measurement” once you’ve followed all the instructions above.
You will hear a series of beeps and see a progress bar on the screen. Hold the controller at face level until both are finished.
Apply Measurement Results to 3D Audio
Within the TV section of Sound settings, toggle “Apply Measurement Results to 3D Audio” to enable the room acoustic results from the previous test.
And that’s it. You’re ready to hear your PS5 games in 3D audio through your TV Speakers.
Playstation 5 Games with 3D Audio
Below are a handful of games on the PS5 that have 3D audio:
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Gran Turismo 7
- Astro’s Playroom
- Spider-Man: Remastered
- Returnal
- No Man’s Sky
- Horizon Forbidden West
PS5 3D Audio FAQ
Most players will be able to hear sound direction more clearly when compared to stereo sound. Players will also get more out of 3D Audio with higher-end headphones.
For headphones, adjust the audio profile in the sound settings menu and toggle through the 5 sound profiles. Players with compatible headphones will hear a noticeable height difference between each profile.