The gaming industry is often hyper-focused on visuals and improving visual fidelity. With every console generation, graphics get closer to replicating real life, and consoles become more capable of outputting at higher resolutions. However, because of this overt focus on visuals, many gamers often overlook the important role that sound can have in improving the gaming experience.
With improved audio, gamers can more easily lose themselves in digital worlds and even play a little better. But you might wonder how gamers can make the most of audio. Would a soundbar be enough to get great gaming sound? Or would you need a different dedicated sound system?
Our team of Reliant tech experts understand the need for great sound in gaming, and they’re here to help you draw out the most from your favourite titles. They’re going to help us find out if soundbars are any good for gaming!
Are Soundbars Suitable For Gaming?
Soundbars are totally suitable for gaming. They’re compact, and yet still provide a great sound experience. They’re able to support even the best premium sound formats, and can even produce directional audio. This makes it much easier to immerse yourself in digital worlds.
Many people question the viability of soundbars for gaming because they worry that they have a higher latency. The worry is that sound from a soundbar won’t match exactly the action happening on screen. Latency is highly important to gamers. An increase in latency can destroy a sense of connection to a game, and leave the player feeling like they lack control. Luckily, we can confirm that soundbars have incredibly low latency. As soon as an action occurs on screen, a paired soundbar will be able to produce the appropriate sound.
Soundbars are totally suitable for gaming. Despite their compact shape, they can truly pump out high-bass audio that seems to come from all directions. You’ll feel more immersed and far more in control!
Gamers won’t be pulled out of the moment by latency or low sound quality when using a soundbar. In fact, a soundbar can help them to up their game. Soundbars can send audio in all kinds of different directions. This results in 3D audio that seems to surround you from all around. In turn, this will make gamers feel like they’re right there in the middle of their games! This will allow them to identify threats on the playing field and get the first strike!
What Benefits Do Soundbars Offer For Gaming?
Easy Installation
Installing a soundbar is incredibly easy. Truly, all you need to do is pair it with your TV and then find a suitable spot for it. This is much easier than installing a surround sound system. That would require you to carefully position a number of speakers just right.
Soundbars can be connected to a TV using a HDMI cable, through Bluetooth, or even through an optical cable. This offers you plenty of options.
And once your soundbar is hooked up, it won’t end up taking loads of space. You can just place it below your TV, and allow it to fill the room with sound. This saves space to build up a collection of consoles and games!
Improved Play
The surround sound of a soundbar helps you to stay aware of the positions of all kinds of in-game elements. You’ll also be able to detect enemies as they approach, far before they reach you. This allows you a great advantage.
They Look Great!
For many gamers, it’s important to have a gaming set-up that looks amazing. Luckily, a soundbar can really help to improve the look of any gaming set-up. Soundbars are incredibly sleek looking and have a very subtle appearance. Despite their immense sound, some soundbars actually have a very unassuming appearance.
With a soundbar, you can easily create a great-looking gaming set-up that other gamers will envy you for!
What Drawbacks Do Soundbars Have When Gaming?
It’s Not True Surround Sound
Unfortunately, though soundbars can create the effect of sound travelling throughout the space, it’s exactly that: an effect. A soundbar doesn’t actually send sound from different directions. It all comes from the same source, but is made to sound as though it’s coming from all over.
If you want a true surround sound experience when gaming, you’ll need to invest in a full surround sound system. Soundbars can only emulate the experience of full surround sound.
A full surround sound system, on the other hand, actually can send sound in different directions. For instance, a surround sound speaker behind you will be able to play sounds that are playing from behind your in-game character. Again, this can increase your sense of connection to any in-game avatars.
Not As Customizable
Although soundbars look great when placed underneath your TV, they simply don’t offer as much customizability. You can only really place yours over or under the screen. If a soundbar is placed too far to the left or right of the game screen, it destroys any sense of immersion. You’ll no longer believe that sounds are actually coming from the game, instead, you’ll be reminded that you’re only listening to a digital replication of the game’s sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Soundbars Good For Gaming?
Absolutely. Soundbars have no latency, and thus they are perfect for replicating in-game audio instantly. They can also emulate the surround sound experience. So you can more easily get a sense of your surroundings in even the most hectic of games. Soundbars improve audio fidelity, and can even improve your gameplay!
Is A Soundbar Better Than A Speaker For Gaming?
Not necessarily. Both sound solutions offer a great sound experience for making the most of your games. Speakers are great for surrounding you with in-game audio. But if you are low on desk space, they may not be the best option. If you want a compact sound option that sounds great, then a soundbar is a great choice.
