For the past few weeks, I've been wondering if I can justify buying a PS5 (although it would be a lot easier if Sony could already announce the damn price). I've been open about why I hate the design of the PS5, and I'm not really influenced by some Sony franchises like others seem to be. The Xbox Series X also comfortably beats the Sony machine on paper when it comes to specs, and I've already invested heavily in the Xbox ecosystem like Xbox Game Pass. And yet I can't stop thinking about one PS5 feature that, frustratingly, can only be judged by experiencing it firsthand: and that's 3D audio. I'm cautiously optimistic about its potential, and I think it could give me that "wow" factor I'm looking for with next-gen consoles.
Listen now
![PS5 de audio 3D]()
(Image credit: Shutterstock) You see, for decades I've vastly underestimated how important great sound design can be in video games. I used to think my TV speakers were more than enough when gaming, and it wasn't until I started regularly playing on headphones that my eardrums opened up to a whole new world. Using quality on-ear headphones was a revelation at first. Whether it was the thrill of feeling the explosions which made me feel like they were echoing in my skull, or the fidelity of hearing the footsteps of an enemy over 100 yards away, I quickly developed an unhealthy obsession with finding a crisp sound. Good sound is important to me, but after testing various spatial surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X, I found that both leave a lot to be desired. They never kept the promise of being able to clearly hear objects from above and below, which would honestly be a game changer for so many titles.
Assault my expectations
![Motor de audio PS5 Tempest]()
(Image credit: Sony) The PS3's 'Tempest 5D Audio Engine' was finally able to deliver. When PlayStation chief architect Mark Cerny took the stage to discuss the PS5's tech specs, I found his discussion of audio the most intriguing. He mentioned that the new proprietary technology uses custom hardware and software algorithms to make the game sound more realistic and true to life, which is exactly what I want to hear (literally). Using a header transfer function (HRTF), the technology is quite similar to Dolby Atmos, although it can supposedly capture more objects in 3D space. Sony has also recognized that 3D audio is not the same for everyone due to the shape of our ears. Cerny then suggested that PlayStation 5 owners send Sony a photo of their holes, which could be assigned an HRTF preset. It might sound like a ridiculous idea (and it probably is), but I'm glad Sony is committed to taking audio to the next level, rather than just focusing on graphics. Cerny said he wanted everyone to experience this level of realism that 3D audio can provide, and I'm definitely interested.
Platinum passed
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(Image credit: Sony) PS5 developers seem excited too, but I have my reservations. After all, this isn't the first time Sony has promised groundbreaking 3D sound. The Sony Platinum Wireless Headset for PS4 is equipped with a similar but obviously more limited version of the technology. And while it does an admirable job of expanding the soundstage, it suffers from the way objects in the world are captured. They sound too close to the listener or in a totally different place than you might expect. Not ideal, then, if you're trying to identify a zombie in Days Gone or Machined Beasts in Horizon: Zero Dawn. Still, I'm glad that after decades of chasing higher resolutions and photorealistic graphics, audio can finally get the next-gen upgrades it deserves. And honestly, I'm all ears, Sony. Get the best Sony PlayStation 5 pre-order deals before everyone else! As soon as the PlayStation 5 is available for pre-order, we'll send you an email with the best deals and bundles. The first wave of products can sell out quickly, so order before the queue! Please send me details of other relevant Techradar products and future brands. Please send me details of other relevant third party products. No spam, I promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your data without your permission. Today's best on-ear headphone deals Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro ... Sennheiser IE800S In-Ear Headphones ... AUDEZE AUDEZE LCD-1 Open-Back ... Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear ... Philips Performance PH805 ... V-MODA M-200 Professional...