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Want to experience a game that sounds as if you’re inside the action? The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos, a technology that delivers 3D spatial audio.
Whether you’re using a powerful soundbar or just headphones, Atmos completely transforms your gaming sessions.
If you’ve just unboxed your console or haven’t explored its audio settings yet, this guide will help you easily enable Dolby Atmos.
Imagine you’ve been progressing through a dark corridor in Halo Infinite, and suddenly you hear faint footsteps behind you or drone sounds. You can even hear the sounds of distant gunfights. These sounds don’t come like in-game audio, but as if you’re inside the game, living the protagonist’s life. That’s the power of Dolby Atmos on the Xbox Series X.
The groundbreaking audio technology of Dolby Atmos has enhanced Xbox gaming beyond just visual experiences. It creates a three-dimensional sound environment that surrounds you from all directions. Whether you are playing through a home theater system or using headphones, Dolby Atmos brings every explosion, whisper, and gunshot to life in vivid detail.
The setup seems complicated, but once players begin, it will take only a few minutes. Below are the simple steps to follow:
Before you jump to set Dolby Atmos up, you should know why Dolby Atmos is an integral part of Xbox Series X. When it comes to traditional surround sound, they send audio through fixed channels.
However, when it comes to Dolby Atmos, the scenario is entirely different. The system places sounds in a three-dimensional space, allowing you to hear rain falling from above, footsteps from behind, and other precise details. Below are the top benefits of enabling Dolby Atmos on Xbox X:
Engaging 3D sound will enhance the realism.
Heightened effects will intensify the fights.
Clear audio quality for competitive gaming.
Can connect to both home theatres and regular headphones.
Now that the benefits are clear, let’s take a look at the steps to set up the latest audio technology for your Xbox Series X.
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If you are playing your Xbox game on a big screen connected to a soundbar or AV receiver that supports Dolby Atmos, below are the steps to activate it on Xbox Series X:
Check your connections: Make sure your Xbox is connected directly to a Dolby Atmos-supported soundbar or AV receiver via HDMI ARC.
Open audio settings: Next, go to ‘Settings’. From there, scroll down to General and select Volume & Audio Output. Under Speaker Audio, select ‘HDMI audio’ and then proceed to ‘Bitstream output’. Set the Bitstream format to Dolby Atmos for home theater.
Confirm compatibility: If ‘Dolby Atmos for home theater’ appears but is grayed out, verify whether your sound system supports Dolby Atmos. Check if you’re using a high-speed HDMI cable.
Test in a game: Launch a game that supports Dolby Atmos, like Gears 5, and you will immediately hear sound flowing naturally around it.
To experience Dolby Atmos, one doesn’t need to have powerful headphones; even the basic ones can give you the same experience. All you need to do is have the Dolby Access app.
Download Dolby Access: To download the app, go to the Microsoft Store on your Xbox and install the Dolby Access app.
Launch and select Headphones mode: Once installed, open the app and choose ‘With my headphones.’ Next, the prompt will ask you to purchase a license. It’s a one-time purchase. You can proceed with the purchase or start a free trial first.
Adjust console audio settings: Go to Settings, navigate to General, and then click on Volume & Audio Output. Under Headset settings, select Dolby Atmos for Headphones.
Enable Atmos in games: Check if it's working or not by launching games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Halo Infinite. They have in-game audio options for spatial sound. Select Dolby Atmos for the best possible experience.
Also Read: Xbox Handheld Compatibility Explained: What it Means for Gamers
The straightforward answer is yes, without a question. Dolby Atmos on Xbox Series X doesn’t just make games louder, but makes them alive as well. Whether it's the roar of the engines in Forza Horizon series games or noises in Starfield, the depth of sound creates a noticeable difference in the gameplay experiences.
Not only gamers, but once Dolby Atmos is set up, it can also enhance the streaming experience, including game streams and movie streams. The twist is that once you are accustomed to Dolby Atmos, reverting to regular stereo makes you feel flat. Therefore, Dolby Atmos on the Xbox Series X enhances the Xbox gaming experience to its best.
1. Do I need special hardware for Dolby Atmos?
Ans: You must have a soundbar, receiver, or headphones that support Dolby Atmos functionality, with the Dolby Access application loaded on them.
2. Is Dolby Atmos free on Xbox?
Ans: For home theaters, yes. Otherwise, use a small one-time fee or a free trial to set up headphones using the Dolby Access app.
3. Which Xbox apps support Dolby Atmos content?
Ans: Some popular apps, such as Netflix and Disney+, can support Dolby Atmos playback as long as it is enabled in both the console and app settings.
4. Can I use Dolby Atmos with Bluetooth headphones?
Ans: No, that's not an option. Atmos for Headphones is explicitly designed for wired or wireless headsets connected by the Xbox controller or USB receiver.
5. What’s the difference between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on Xbox?
Ans: While both are spatial audio formats, Dolby Atmos is better supported by apps and games, making it the preferred choice for Xbox users.
