Best software for 7.1 surround

[ikissfutebol]

I have been looking into getting a budget 7.1 surround sound headset - something like the Logitech G430 (tested one at Best Buy). I have since read that you can turn any pair of stereo headphones in the same/very similar thing using software. I did a search and found that Razer (Razer Surround) has some free software or a Pro version for $20 that give a few features that I mostly don't care about - I won't set unique profiles for each game or anything like that.

With a 1 year old, I have limited time to play games (and money to spend). If there really is a huge improvement spending the $20 for the Pro version, fine. Is Razer Surround (free and pro) essentially the best software available? I actually have a pair of headphones I really like and plug in from time to time when my wife is home and the baby asleep (usually my wife, too).

For what it's worth, I primarily play games where 7.1 faux surround might not really even do much - Lego games, Rift, Orcs Must Die, and a few Sid Meier/Civilization games. If that's the case, I'm perfectly fine with that as an answer, too. I very rarely play any sort of FPS and certainly not multiplayer. \

 

[ssddx]

first:
most "surround sound" headsets are actually only 2.0 stereo but use virtual surround software to fake surround sound. very few are actually multi-driver true surround and even those sound very odd due to how sound triggers.

second:
razer virtual surround is free however out of all the virtual surround options its often rated as the worst. cmss-3d/sbx (creative) or dolby headphone (asus) are often considered as better choices as most people seem to think they sound better. the creative and asus refers to soundcards they are typically found on. any of them will work, ultimately which you prefer is up to your own preferences and you may certainly disagree with what the commonly liked programs are.

third: i dont think it would be worth spending money on the pro version. just use the free version unless you need the features and like it.

fourth: some people actually prefer stereo sound to virtual surround. all virutal surround distorts audio a bit which could explain why. i would suggest testing to see which you prefer.

 

[ikissfutebol]

I have an mitx case which means I either need a USB sound card or use software with the mobo built in. Are there inexpensive creative labs or asus options? I usually see they are crazy expensive and part of headsets or some random Chinese maker.

 

[ssddx]

xonar u3 or creative go is a usb stick thats cheap though i'd use it with an extension usb cable so as to not put too much strain on the usb port. there are also other options like the creative omni.