Logitech has recently made some changes to Dolby Surround and DTS support in Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) version 8.7x. The primary change was to move from kernel mode audio processing to user mode audio processing for audio effects. Please see the Microsoft Hardware Dev Center for more information on Windows Audio Processing Objects.

Microsoft has required vendors to adopt the new APO model for effect processing. They believe the new APO driver model provides a better overall audio effect experience. Specifically, system level crashes, or "blue screens", caused by older kernel mode drivers, are reduced when processing effects. 

With this change, we understand there are questions that result from differences in how the Speaker Properties in Windows now appear. Previously, we’ve shown Surround Settings in our LGS Control Panel and have tried to duplicate these settings in the Windows Speaker Properties panel.  

The images below show the Surround Sound settings in the LGS Control Panel and also show the Surround Sound settings that Logitech has added to the Windows Speaker Properties panel: 

LGS Control Panel


Windows Speaker Setup


Windows Speaker Properties Effects tab



After moving to the new APO model in LGS 8.7x, the Windows Speaker Setup now looks like this:




This is causing a lot of confusion with end users as it appears that only Stereo is supported on their headset. This is not the case.  

We are currently working on a future release of LGS that will no longer try to mirror the Surround settings in our LGS Control Panel in the Windows Speakers Properties panel. One main Control Panel for controlling surround is the cleanest and easiest way to provide the best support and eliminate confusion. This is not unique to Logitech as other headset manufacturers have also done this.  

In the meantime, to test if Surround Sound is working properly on your headset with LGS 8.7x, do the following:

1. Launch LGS and click on the Customize Surround Sound icon. 

   

2. In the Surround Sound Mixer window, click the Power icon to turn on Surround.  

   

Surround Sound should now be enabled and working. You can toggle between Dolby and DTS on our new Logitech G633 and G933 Artemis Spectrum headsets. 

We've created a multichannel audio test file that you can download and play to listen to the surround effects. Please follow the instructions below to experience surround sound on your Logitech headset with LGS 8.7x: 

1. Make sure you’re using the latest version of LGS (8.75). You can download the latest version from your Logitech gaming headset's Download page.
2. Open LGS and turn on Surround.
3. Download the surround effect sample file: www.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/gaming/7.1auditionOutLeaderv2.zip. 
4. Unzip the file to your computer’s hard drive. 
   IMPORTANT: The test file must reside on your local drive for the surround effect to work properly. 
5. Use the latest version of Windows Media Player (version 12 or later) to open the file. Most other media players do not support surround capabilities.