Dolby thinks less is more but welcomes 3D audio on PS5

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• Dolby thinks less is more but welcomes 3D audio on PS5

Last week, we were told that the PlayStation 3's dedicated Tempest 5D audio could make game audio more lifelike and realistic. In short, Sony hinted that it was superior to Dolby Atmos. When the PS5 was revealed, lead system architect Mark Cerny said that Dolby Atmos could only simulate sound for 32 objects in 3D space. Sony's technology, on the other hand, had the ability to support hundreds of objects simultaneously at once, raindrops being one example. But according to Dolby, this is not the case. In a blog post on the Dolby Developer site, the audio company clarified that Dolby Atmos can also support hundreds of objects, but if "more is good," "it's not necessarily" better." Developers of some early Atmos games: Objects are a fantastic tool, but you need to exercise restraint when it comes to the number of active objects at any one time," the post said. "Too many moving objects can create a confusing soundscape." Video game developers have also said that making sound more vertical, where you can hear objects more clearly above and below you, is a long and laborious effort.

3D audio for everyone

(Image credit: Sony) Dolby and the developers they've worked with therefore think that having more sound simulation objects is good, but not necessarily better. Although Sony has ditched Atmos for its own proprietary technology, Dolby is excited that the PS5 is bringing 3D sound to more people. "We are delighted that Sony is taking the plunge to use 3D audio on their new console," said Dolby. "This can only be taken as validation of the work we've done across all entertainment genres in bringing Dolby Atmos to the devices consumers use today." On a final note, Dolby said that much like Microsoft's Windows Sonic spatial audio, the real winner is the audio teams working on PS5. While 3D audio is still a relatively new technology, the benefits for gamers and moviegoers alike are clear. Exceptional sound can transform an experience, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for both Dolby Atmos sound and Sony Tempest 3D.

Prepare the PS5

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