How to Get 3D Sound With Headphones

This is a little embarrassing to post, but I figure if a gaming veteran like myself got this wrong then others may have too.

Keep on reading if you have a Creative X-Fi card or any Creative card that supports CMSS 3D. The instructions below will be specific to Windows 7, but also works with Vista and XP.

1. Access the Windows Control Panel and click on the Sound icon.
2. Highlight Speakers and click the Configure button. (fig 1)
3. Select 5.1 Surround and click Next. (fig 2)
4. Ensure all optional speakers are checked and click Next.
5. Check all speakers as Full-range speakers and click Next and then Finish. (fig 3)

Ok, now this is where the magic happens.

1. Launch the Creative Audio Console.
2. On the X-Fi CMSS-3D tab, check Enable X-Fi CMSS-3D. (fig 4)
3. On the speakers tab, ensure that Headphones is selected. (fig 4)
4. You're all set for 3D positional audio from a pair of stereo headphones!

When in game audio options allow you to select a sound type, always select 5.1

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Fore more tips, read part 2 of this article.

Related articles

• Creative X-Fi - Headphone Impedance (k1dblitz.com)