Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, there are likely to be times when your PC’s default sound setup doesn’t quite hit the highs and lows you’re looking for.
However, if your Windows 10 PC emits weak audio, it could ruin the experience.
Windows comes with some essential settings that need to be perfect to get good sound quality.
Get Windows Sonic for Headphones or Dolby Atmos?
With spatial
Dolby
Dolby Atmos is an improved type of surround sound. It does not mix in several separate channels;
instead, sounds are assigned to virtual locations in 3D space, and that spatial data is sent to your speaker system.
This feature requires Dolby Atmos compatible hardware, especially a Dolby Atmos compatible receiver.
Windows Sonic
Microsoft has its own taste of spatial sound, but it only works with headphones.
It’s called Windows Sonic for headphones.
This is not the same as simply using the 5.1 or 7.1 speaker option in earlier versions of Windows in favor of stereo in a pair of stereo headphones.
Which one should I use?
You only have one option, Dolby Atmos, if you have a good surround sound speaker system connected to your PC through an Atmos compatible receiver.
For headphones, I suggest Windows Sonic.
Sound setting
To access these, go to Settings> System> Sound. You can also right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and choose Open Sound Settings.
Once here, select the device you wish to adjust using the Choose your output device drop-down menu. Then click on Device Properties.
Double-click on the playback device you wish to modify. Switch to the Enhancements tabs. To apply immediately, so you can quickly test the options, check Immediate mode.
Now you can mark which sound enhancement you want, such as Virtual Surround or Loudness Equalization. If you click on one, it will give you a description of what it does.
Enable volume equalization
If your volume level is inconsistent, it is better to activate the volume equalization function: this option will stabilize your audio playback. Here are the instructions to follow:
- Press the Windows logo key + S shortcut.
- Type “audio” (without quotes) in the search area.
- Press enter. Select “Manage audio devices” from the list of options.
- Select Speakers and click on the Properties button.
- Navigate to the Improvements tab.
- Click the Volume equalizer option.
- Select Apply and Accept.
Update your audio drivers
If your sound is too low in Windows 10, it will be good to update your audio drivers. The point is that, if they are obsolete or corrupt, it can affect the output volume and make it difficult for you to hear what your speakers or headphones produce.
Software for Better Audio
Taking a look at some of the best software for virtual surround sound, and some alternatives to the default Windows 10 mixer.
- Realtek HD Audio Manager
- FX Audio Enhancer
- Voicemeeter
