Razer just sent in a press release announcing Razer Surround, a software that is allegedly able to add virtual 7.1 surround to any stereo headset. Sounds Incredible? It surely does. Here's the official blurb included in the press release:
Razer Surround Is a state-of-the-art audio engine that provides 7.1 virtual surround sound with any stereo headphones. The current generation of virtual surround technology often provides inaccurate listening experiences because individuals perceive sound differently based on their distinct ear sizes and shapes. As such, virtual surround sound traditionally falls short compared to discrete surround sound setups.
With the patent-pending Razer Surround audio engine, users have the option to calibrate their personal surround sound settings through a series of listening tests to match their preferences, giving them far superior positional sound over traditional virtual solutions. Razer Surround gives gamers a truly individualized 7.1 surround sound and attuned 3D audio experience, allowing them to acoustically pinpoint exact locations of opponents in game, providing “the unfair advantage” in gameplay.
Razer Surround is available as a complementary software add-on, integrated within Razer’s Synapse 2.0 application, offering virtual 7.1 surround sound and storing individual audio signatures in the cloud. These settings can be accessed anytime and will automatically update new systems to previous calibrated settings.
The best thing? It's actually free for anyone that will create a Razer Synapse account before the end of the year as "recognition of the support that the gaming community gives Razer, and in solidarity with its trade partners in gaming". In 2014 the software will get a price tag of $19.99. While the software is available for free, everyone that will download it will be prompted with the option to make a donation to the Child's Play charity.
Razer's CEO Min-Liang Tan accompanied the announcement with a statement:
With the individual calibration of Razer Surround, we’re setting a new standard in 7.1 virtual surround sound. We’re a big believer of giving back to our fans and the gaming community, and making Razer Surround available free with a donation to Child’s Play in 2013 is a testament of our commitment to giving back to current and future gamers of the world.
The press release states that the software is already available here, but at the moment of this writing the page is still blank, probably meaning that we need to wait a bit longer to download it (Edit: the download page is now available). In the meanwhile here's the official features list.
Features:
- Calibrate to your individual preferences
- Pre-configured calibrations for all Razer Audio products
- Bass boost – For a thundering bass
- Sound normalization – Reduce loudness variation
- Voice clarity – For crystal clear incoming voice communication
- Voice level – Adjust the level of incoming voice communication
- Custom & 11 pre-set equalizer settings
- Works with any stereo headset/headphones
Operating Systems Support:
- Microsoft Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter / Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Ultimate
- Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter / Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Ultimate
System Requirements:
- 100 MB of free hard disc space
- Razer Synapse 2.0 registration (requiring a valid e-mail), software download, license acceptance, and internet connection needed to activate full features of product and for software updates. After activation, full features are available in optional offline mode.
Availability:
Worldwide – Available Now
Price:
- Signup in 2013 – Free
- Signup 1 Jan. 2014 and later – 19.99 USD
If you felt at a disadvantage in competitive gaming because you didn't have a surround headset, it's time to download the application and see how it works.