How To Make 5.1 Surround Sound Headphones

Step 1: Problem

So it’s 10:30 in the evening and everyone’s in bed. You want to watch your DVD but you don’t want to wake everyone up. You could use a pair of earphones but you’re dying to watch it in full surround sound.

Step 2: Solution

Well here’s a solution that will turn a pair of over-the-ear stereo headphones into an audiophile stream surround sound system.

Step 3: Headphones

First we’ll need a set of full size stereo earphones with good bass response. I take this pair for $15 at a local outlet store. You also need two sets of cheap earbud headrums, these with $2 dollars each.

Use a pair of scissors or an exacto knife to cut a slit just below the headphone padding on each side on your full size headphones. Now slip the corresponding side earbud through the slit and tuck the arm of the ear bud at the back side and underneath the headphone’s padding to hold it securely in place.

And do the same with the other earbud set but tuck this into the front edge of the headphone padding. Repeat this process with the other side of the headphones, and you’re nearly finished.

Step 4: Surround Sound

As you can see, each set of earbuds are angled-point towards your ear will act as the front and rear speakers. While your main headphones will become the center channel and subwoofer. Just like a full size surround system.

I went ahead and wrapped each cable set with black electrical tape and also added small piece of colored tape to mark the plugs as front and rear.

Now insert each plug into your computer sound card in the front, rear, and center channel subwoofer jacks and adjust the volume for each in your soundcard’s audio property control panel.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Movie

Now fire up that movie and enjoy your new 5.1 surround sound headphones. I’ll be honest. I didn’t really expect the results I got with this, especially considering that the total cost was less than $20. But the sound quality is simply amazing. Have fun and thanks for watching.