Spatial audio let you experience surround sound through headphones. It’s quite an exciting experience, but how do you enable it on a PC or Mac? We’ve created an easy-to-follow guide to get you started.
Both operating systems have built-in spatial audio implementations, but if you want to use a different standard, you may need to download separate apps. Be sure to check beforehand what your content supports.
RAPID RESPONSE
Open in Windows Settings > System > Sound > Related Settings > Sound Control Panel > Right Click Your Headphones > Select Properties > Spatial Sound > Enable Windows Sonic for Headphones.
on a Mac, Open the Music app > Select Music from the menu bar > Click Preferences > Select the Playback tab > Choose Automatic or Always On.
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SECTIONS
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Enable Spatial Audio on PC
Windows PCs offer a built-in spatial audio option called Windows Sonic for Headphones. It’s pretty easy to enable:
- Open the Start menu and navigate to Settings > System > Sound > Related settings > Sound Control Panel.
- Select your playback device (headphones in this case) and then click Properties.
- In the window that opens, click Spatial sound.
- below Spatial sound formatselect Windows Sonic for Headphonesthen click Apply.
Note that this is Microsoft’s implementation of spatial sound. If you have content that supports other implementations, such as: Dolby Atmos or DTS Headphone:X, you must download separate, paid apps from the Microsoft Store. Dolby access offers Atmos support and requires a one-time payment of $14.99 USD after a seven-day free trial. DTS Surround Unbound includes DTS Headphone:X and costs $19.99 USD after a two-week free trial.
Enable Spatial Audio on Mac
On macOS, you can enable spatial audio through the Apple Music app with Dolby Atmos. First, make sure you have the latest version of macOS installed, then:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Navigate in the menu bar to Music > Preferences.
- Select the Play tab.
- Choose either one Always on or automatically.
note that automatically mode requires a few requirements, the first being content recorded with Dolby Atmos support. Next you will need the AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods (1st or 2nd generation), BeatsX, Beats Solo3 Wireless, Beats Studio3, Powerbeats3 Wireless, Beats Flex, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Beats Studio Buds or the Beats Fit Pro and make sure spatial audio is enabled on it. If you don’t have any of these models of headphones or earphones, please select Always on.
Read more: Best Bluetooth Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. As long as your operating system does the signal processing and you’ve mixed your content with spatial audio in mind, any pair headphones should work. Windows Sonic, for example, technically works with any pair of headphones, but support varies between streaming services and content. However, Apple’s implementation requires specific models if you want spatial audio to be activated automatically. If you don’t have these models, you’ll need the Always on mode with your headset.
Enabling Windows Sonic allows games to be compatible with this standard spatial audio support (check the details of your games to see if they work with it). You can also install the Dolby Access or DTS Surround Unbound apps on Windows to work with those compatible games. On macOS, Dolby Atmos and games compatible with this standard should work.