What exactly is Enhanced Headphone Mode?
Enhanced Headphone Mode allows control over full 360-degrees audio, allowing users pinpoint the direction and distance of various sounds on the Seas.
Enhanced Headphone Mode uses something called HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) to give you 3D sound on your headphones, making it different from other tools such as Equalisers and the various settings than can be applied to them. HRTFs make sure every sound in the game is placed in the right spot in 3D space.
More information on HRTF profiles and can be found in this Embody article
Immerse Gaming software is supported on Windows 10 and 11.
Immerse Pro Audio software is supported on Mac OS 10.9.x and above and Windows 10 and above.
Do I need a specific headset to benefit from this?
EHM is compatible with all headphones. Over-ear, in-ear, open-back and closed-back - all types are supported.
When prompted to select a headphone, choose "Generic Open-back" "Generic Closed-back" or "Generic IEM" if you don't find your model in the list.
Do I need to configure other software?
Yes, you may need to make changes to some third party software.
In general here are the key items to watch out for:
- Turn off any Surround Sound or Spatial Audio on your platform or headphones. For example, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Windows Sonic, or Sony 3D Audio should all be turned off.
- On PC: ensure Microsoft Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for Headphones are not enabled. Head to your Device Output and make sure Spatial Sound is set to Off.
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Xbox: Ensure Dolby Atmos for Headphones is NOT enabled on your Xbox. Navigate to Settings > Volume and Audio Output > Headset Audio. Select Stereo Uncompressed.
- PLEASE NOTE: Due to technical limitations, this is not supported on XBOX ONE
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PS5: On your PS5 navigate to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format (Priority]. Select Linear PCM.
- Disable Audio Focus:
Go to Settings > Sound > Volume > Audio Focus.
Toggle Audio Focus off - Also, turn OFF "Enable 3D Audio for Headphones"
- Disable Audio Focus:
- If your headphones or software has an EQ, turn it off to start, so you can hear the spatialization of EHM on its own. You can always add it back later if you prefer.
For further questions and guidance on any technical issues, please refer to the Embody Help Centre
Do I have to pay for it?
Sea of Thieves offers a 14 day free trial (no credit card required). After the trial period expires, players can purchase a license in game. Please Note: The license is permanent but tied to the platform in which it was purchased and cannot be used on other platforms.
However, all players will receive access to a free, generic profile which can be used at any time.
To purchase the Immerse Gamepack, please proceed to Settings > Enhanced Headphone Mode > View Setup
The Immerse Gamepack can also be purchased through the following store links (ensuring that you only purchase the Gamepack on your active platform):
Microsoft Store
Steam Store
Important note: We must make you aware that players will not see their purchase state immediately. We advise you to log out of the game and restart it in order to update this.
How to enable this in Sea of Thieves
Firstly, Disable any other 3rd party spatial audio or surround sound options on your gaming rig and headphones, such as Sony PS5 3D Audio, Dolby Atmos, or other in-headphone surround sound before you enable Enhanced Headphone Mode.
Whilst on the game's main menu, open the "Settings" menu and locate the specific "Enhanced Headphone Mode" from the list on the left. You will then seen a "View setup" option.
This will allow you to try a 14 day trial, watch a demo on how it works, or to purchase the Immerse Gamepack.
Should you wish to set up a personalised profile for EHM, you'll be presented with a QR code which you will need to scan with your mobile phone. The code will lead you to an Embody page which will ask for your permission to access your phone's camera; you must select "allow" in order to continue. Instructions will be presented on-screen detailing the process of creating your personalized profile. Audio instructions are also provided to guide you through the process. Once complete, you will be referred back to the game to complete setup.
The process to go through personalised set-up is completely optional, all players will have access to a generic profile for free
If the above is not helpful, we have a Quick Start Guide available on Youtube
Should you still have additional questions, please consult the Embody Help Centre
If your Embody license was purchased from Steam or Battle.net:
- Select Settings > Enhanced Headphone Mode > Manage Profiles
- Scan the QR code with your phone.
- In the webapp on your phone, select the Settings wheel on the top right.
- Select "Activate License" and enter the code received in your email at the time of your purchase.
Should you wish to purchase this on another platform, clicking the "Get Immerse Gamepack" button at the top of Enhanced Headphone Mode Setup screen will provide you instructions on how to do so.
Battlenet Purchases
If you have purchased the personalised Enhanced Audio on Battle.net, you may notice the UI screen fails to update and reflect the purchased state initially. Rest assure the purchase has succeeded and is usable straight away. The UI will reflect correct state after restart or logging out and back into the game.
What are the recommended in-game audio settings?
To get the best experience with Enhanced Headphone Mode (EHM) in Sea of Thieves, we recommend adjusting your in-game audio settings to the following:
Master Volume: 100
Music Volume: 60
Shanty Volume: 50
SFX Volume: 70
Audio Output Format: Headphones
Crew Chat Volume: 80
Crew Chat Output: Headphones
Proximity Chat Volume: 0
I Purchased this for another Game, will it apply here
Unfortunately, no. Subscriptions are tied to a specific game on your account.
I purchased this from another platform, will it apply to all platforms?
When you purchase an Immerse Gamepack license, it is only valid on that one platform. For example, if you purchase on PS5, the license is only valid on PS5. The same will apply for Steam users.
When I am streaming will my audience will have the same immersive experience as me?
Yes. Whether using a Generic Profile or a Personalized Profile, your audience will still experience a more immersive recording or stream
I wish to refund my purchase
Please note that purchases are not managed by ourselves and so we cannot assist with refund requests. Depending on where you have purchased your license, refunds can be requested via:
PlayStation®5 — PS Store & Refunds
Microsoft Store — Request a refund
Steam — Steam refunds
Battle.net — Embody.co/help
Your information protection rights:
In order to exercise any of your rights, you can send an e-mail to privacy@embody.co - your request will be processed by the Embody Privacy and Security team.
For more information, please consult the Embody Privacy Policy
