Jump to content

Efforts to Restore Support for 3D Sound


BlackSpectre

Recommended Posts

Over the years there have been attempts to restore Direct 3D Sound to older games. The most recent attempt I've found is from 2020, presumably for Windows 10 (Windows 11 didn't come out until 2021).  It still might work, but I haven't tried it.  https://gnd-tech.com/2020/08/how-to-enable-3d-audio-in-directsound3d-and-openal-games-without-a-sound-card/

 

The Direct 3D Sound, before Microsoft Windows dropped support for it in 2010, was designed to work with Dolby 5.1 surround sound systems... 2 speakers in the front and 2 in the back with a dedicated subwoofer. Enabling Direct 3D Sound while using headphones was generally considered pointless as most headphones down mix the 5.1 audio to 2 channel stereo. There are headphones on the market that can simulate a 5.1 sound system using phase shifting, but it's not as good as an actual 5.1 audio system in the room. That said, it is possible. Here's a link for a good discussion about it 

 

City of Heroes included many sounds in the 3d format such as footsteps, vehicles, citizens, flight, and swimming, but not all sounds. Still, it would be interesting to hear them. As far as I know, the old Direct 3D Sound is still part of COH. 

 

 

Edited by BlackSpectre
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...