Virtual Surround Sound Test

Test virtual surround sound and 3D audio positioning directly in your browser. Use stereo headphones to hear a sound simulated in front of you, behind you, to the left, or to the right, or let it orbit around your head.

This test uses HRTF-based binaural processing to create directional cues through two-channel stereo audio. It does not send separate signals to the individual speakers in a physical 5.1 or 7.1 surround-sound system.

Orbit speed — one lap every 6s

Volume — 50%

Start at a comfortable volume. The percentage shown above controls the test's output level and is not an absolute measurement of loudness.

What should I hear?

With headphones on, the sound should appear to change direction as you select each position or start the orbit. Left and right are usually the easiest positions to identify, while front and rear may be more subtle.

If front and back are difficult to distinguish, the test may still be working correctly. The strength of the effect varies between listeners, headphones, browsers, and devices because the HRTF processing may not perfectly match the shape of your head and ears.

On ordinary stereo speakers, the 3D effect is usually less convincing and may sound mainly like left-to-right movement.

Note: This test checks virtual 3D audio through stereo output. It does not test the individual speakers in a physical 5.1 or 7.1 surround-sound system.