What is HeSuVi?
HeSuVi (Headphone Surround Virtualization) is a capable Windows tool that converts multichannel audio, such as 7.1 surround, into an immersive binaural stereo signal for ordinary headphones. Used together with Equalizer APO, it builds a spatial sound environment that makes your brain believe sounds are coming from different directions, with no physical multi-speaker setup needed.
Whether you play games, watch movies or listen to music, HeSuVi brings professional-grade surround virtualization to the headphones you already own, which makes it a handy tool for audiophiles and gamers alike.
Key Features
7.1 Surround Virtualization
Turn any pair of headphones into a virtual 7.1 surround system using advanced HRIR technology.
1000+ EQ Presets
Choose from presets for more than 1,000 popular headphone models to get the best sound quality.
Multiple HRIR Profiles
Pick from Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, Windows Sonic and many other virtualization algorithms.
Configurable Crossfeed
Widen the stereo image with fully adjustable crossfeed settings.
Virtual Speaker Positioning
Move the virtual speakers around to fine-tune your spatial audio experience.
Stereo Upmixing
Smartly upmix stereo content to 7.1 for a more enhanced virtual effect.
How HeSuVi Works
HRIR Technology
HeSuVi relies on Head-Related Impulse Responses (HRIRs), which are sound profiles captured from various commercial virtual surround algorithms. They hold spatial information about how sound from different directions reaches your ears.
Convolution Processing
Through the convolution filter in Equalizer APO, HeSuVi applies these HRIRs to your audio and converts a 7.1 input into binaural stereo output, creating the impression of speakers placed all around you.
Binaural Audio
The outcome is binaural audio that fools your hearing into sensing directional sound, delivering an immersive 3D experience with only two speakers: your headphones.
Installation Guide
Prerequisites
Equalizer APO has to be installed first. HeSuVi is an extension for Equalizer APO and cannot run without it.
Download Equalizer APODownload HeSuVi
Get the newest version of HeSuVi from SourceForge or from the official repository.
Install HeSuVi
Run the HeSuVi installer. It will detect your Equalizer APO installation automatically and configure itself to match.
Select Your Headphones
Open HeSuVi and choose the EQ preset made for your headphone model from the large library. This step matters a lot for a convincing binaural effect.
Choose HRIR Profile
Pick the virtualization algorithm you like best (Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X and others) and tweak the settings to your taste.
Configure Audio Input
If your system has no native 7.1 support, install a virtual audio cable (such as VB-Cable) to create a virtual 7.1 input that HeSuVi can process.
Supported Virtualization Algorithms
Why Use HeSuVi?
- Immersive Gaming ExperienceGet a competitive edge in games thanks to precise positional audio
- Cinema-Quality MoviesWatch films with real surround sound, no costly speaker system required
- Natural Sound ReproductionMany listeners find HeSuVi more natural than commercial virtualizers
- Cost-Effective SolutionFree software that competes with expensive hardware options
Important Notes
- Avoid using HeSuVi with headphones that already have built-in 7.1 virtualization
- Choosing the right EQ preset for your exact headphone model is key to good results
- HeSuVi currently handles up to 7.1 channels (no height channels)
- Systems without native 7.1 audio support may need a virtual audio cable
Ready for Immersive Audio?
Install Equalizer APO first, then add HeSuVi for the ultimate surround sound experience
Download Equalizer APO