How To Improve Your Gaming Headset (7 Effective Strategies)

Today, I will show you the 7 best ways to improve your gaming headset for a killer performance.

If you are looking for how to skyrocket your gaming experience with your headphone, you will love the actionable advice in this new guide.

There is also an awesome bonus in the end for all beginners to pro gaming.

Let’s get started right now:

#1: Adjust Your EQ Presets For A Perfect Sound

Headset manufacturers can’t bulldoze their ideas on how your headset should sound, so they have introduced EQ settings so that you can choose your perfect sound.

EQ presets help you to adjust the bass, mids, and treble frequencies of the output produced by your headset.

Adjusting these frequencies eliminates unnecessary “noise,” which helps you focus on the frequencies that matter the most, like your opponents’ footsteps.

With that being said, here is how you can adjust them:

Also Read: How Not To Hear Your Own Voice Inside Your Headset [Simple Methods!] 

Step 1: Add Virtual Surround Sound To Your Gaming Headset

Many headsets have virtual surround sound features pre-built for the users. This feature may help give you a better gaming experience by adding more sources of sound than are actually present.

But if your headset doesn’t have this feature built-in, many virtual surround apps in the market allow you to add this feature to your current headphones for free or at a certain price.

Find all your options here:

A) Check Out The Options Pre-Built In The Games You Play

Many games already have built-in sound processing installed in the system. For example:

If you play another game, check its settings to find the best EQ preset. This option is the easiest one here.

For some games, this option will be all you need.

But for others, let’s check option b):

B) Use Windows Sonic For Headphones

The year was 2017. Microsoft introduced a new feature to Windows called Spatial Sound. It does two major things:

First, It allows different programs and games to have a direct interface with the audio stream in Windows.

Second, and most important for us, it helps you to add virtual surround sound to headphones.

Now some games are specifically designed to work with this new Windows feature. Here is a quick list:

So for these games, there is no problem.

Now, even if your game isn’t designed for Spatial Sound, this feature can help provide a surround sound effect through your headphones by “upscaling” a stereo signal.

(However, the games that supported the latest Windows feature sound much better than those that don’t)

I will be honest:

When I used this option, the sound was a bit “colored,” so this option isn’t the best on the list!

But hey, your choice may be different from mine. You don’t pay a penny trying this feature so go check it out!

C) Take Dolby Atmos For Headphones Feature In Your Advantage

This option is pretty similar to the Windows Sonic one. But with one big improvement:

You enjoy amplified ambient noise with no coloring of sounds.

So, it basically solves the major problem in the previous option.

And that’s pretty good.

Some games are designed for this tech, and some are not, but all games will work with Dolby’s version of virtual surround sound tuning.

Just like the Sonic feature. There is something different as well:

Dolby Atmos doesn’t come pre-built with Windows. Instead, you have to download the Dolby Access App from the Microsoft Store free of cost.

There is one problem, though:

You can use the app to play games with Dolby Atmos speaker systems, but you must sign up for a $15 in-app purchase for the headphone feature. There is a free 7-day trial (just like any other paid feature), so you try it to see if it actually sounds the way you want during the game.

Ok, once you enable this paid feature, you just need to:

D) DTS Headphone:X Feature Can Be Your Unknown Superhero

You may not have heard of DTS as much as Dolby, but the reality is that this American Company has been performing well in the surround sound space in recent years.

Like Dolby, DTS tech implements Windows Spatial Sound using DTS Headphone: X Technology.

Here is how to use it in a step-by-step process:

• Download and Install the DTS Sound Unbound Application from the Microsoft Store.
• Enable the DTS Headphone: X feature in the DTS app.

Like the Dolby option, the DTS headphone feature is paid, and you have to spend $20 after a 14-day free trial period.

This paid feature offers useful options in the Sound Unbound app, including getting a specific tuning for your headset by clicking on the DTS tab and choosing settings under DTS Headphone: X.

Use the Search Bar to choose from over 500 actual headset models (Like AKG Q701, my favorite!) along with generic over-ear and earbud options.

Plus, the choices available in the balanced and spacious tunings and tuning profiles can help you further optimize the audio output.

E) Here Is The List Of Some Other Options Worth Your Try!

As you can see, there are various solutions and options for your virtual surround sound experience. You need to try out different options in various gaming titles to find out what works best in a given game.

I will go with the DTS or Dolby option if you ask my opinion.

Ok, so you have successfully figured out the surround sound optimization…so, what’s next to improve your gaming headset?

Step 2: Flip The High Frequency and Low-Frequency Sounds

You need to adjust the frequency levels per the game’s intensity for a better experience. This hugely depends on the type of games you are playing:

I have already said this quite a few times by now, but this is the TRUTH:

There are no universal EQ settings for gaming, as every audio hardware and game you love is insanely different. The settings which work awesome for me may not work well for you.

So what you can do is:

Adjust and fine-tune the existing EQ presets with the guidelines we are providing here till you get the results you are craving for!

Try, test, and win: this is the mantra for EQ adjustments!

Step 3: Try and Test With These EQ Settings For FPS Video Games

To help you in your trial and error, here is a handy chart of EQ settings:

General FPS Games

Here are the EQ settings of three specific games (which are my favorite!):

PUBG

Counter Strike: Global Offensive

Call of Duty: Warzone

This will surely help you find your ideal settings during the game!

#2: Use An AMP For Louder Sound Performance

If you have directly plugged your gaming headset into the motherboard for high-quality sound performance but still get too low volume output, there are good chances that your headset has medium to high impedance.

You need a good amp to listen to in-game sounds at your desired volume.

But what is an amp anyway?

But in most cases, you will not need an amp.

This is because the sound cards on your motherboard already have a pre-built amp.

Without such pre-builts, you wouldn’t have been able to hear any sound from your headset connected to your PC.

If you have high-end gaming headphones, the sound cards can serve your purpose in terms of loud output. But if you use audiophile headphones, you will need an external amp, as over-ears are primarily meant for high-fidelity audio.

Sound cards have another device pre-built in them, but before we go into that, let’s understand what an impedance is.

This will help you get a clear idea of whether or not you need an amp:

You may have already felt that impedance is not commonly seen in gaming headsets. They mainly impact the volume of sound transmitted.

The higher the impedance value (measured in ohms), the more likely you need an amp.

Lower-impedance headphones don’t need an amp when connected to your PC or tablet, but they can emit dangerously loud sounds if you do.

This table will make your task a lot easier:

Okay, you understood when you needed an amp. But amps come built-in with…

#3: Eliminate All Unwanted Sounds With A DAC

DAC stands for Digital-to-Analog convertor. As evident with the full form, they convert digital signals from your personal computer and tablets into low-voltage signals so that the amp can amplify the sound.

DACs help clean up the signal, so you don’t hear the unwanted hissing or external noise from your headset.

As dedicated gamers know, one bad noise during a crucial moment can be life and death.

It is important to know that:

Most digital devices have built-in DACs. Otherwise, you cannot hear any sound from your device once plugged in.

Then what’s the point of buying a separate DAC?

Because your purchase will help you boost the seller’s revenue, which in turn will help benefit the economy, especially in these challenging times.

Just kidding.

But if you have a budget headset, there is little scope for improvement. Your pre-built DAC/amp is enough to produce sound from the device.

You may want to look for a new pair of headsets, but more on that later.

#4: Optimize Your Headset Mic For Best Performance

You are playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and your team is at a critical juncture. You noticed something and tried to communicate with your team immediately.

But they reply: “Eh, what?”

Such a situation can really be a disaster for your team’s performance. And your headset mic is there to blame.

Here are some of the simple ways you can use to improve your gaming headset mic audio quality:

Solution #1: Get Yourself A Stable Connection

We will discuss this solution for both wired and wireless headset users.

A snug plug fit will nicely ensure the stable fit of your wired headset. In case your headset plugs get bent or its jacks become loose, you can clean, adjust, or repair to fix the headphone jack

In case you are using a wireless device, these are the tips you need to follow:

Correct All Interference Issues

Interference issues occur because the devices and appliances in your home use the same frequency as the Bluetooth feature in your wireless headset.

To correct such interference, you will have to:

• Try to get your wireless Bluetooth headset close to your audio device (your PC or tablet), removing all physical barriers.
• Keep your Bluetooth headset away from fluorescent lights or microwaves. They will interfere with the mic audio as they run on the same frequency band, which is 2.4 GHz.
• Close all applications on your device you are not currently using to avoid interference with BT transmission.
• Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your device to make the connection more robust and avoid interference, as they are running on the same frequency as Bluetooth.

In case you are experiencing an intermittent connection (meaning your modem/router drops your broadband connection at random intervals), the above tips may not work well. In that case, try to reset your Bluetooth connection.

Check Out: The ONLY Guide You Need To Connect Unsupported Bluetooth To PS4

Match The Audio Codecs Between The Headset and The Device

Bluetooth codecs help in encoding audio data from a device which is then sent to another device for decoding and producing output audio.

In most cases, all audio data will be transmitted without any problems. However, Bluetooth has its limitations. There are several types of codecs, and not all transmit data smoothly.

The rule says:

Your audio source should support the same codec as your wireless headset. If not, then it will change to default audio codec, which is not very reliable.

 

Which codec will be ideal for you depends on your source device to play games. Android devices will do well with aptX or aptX LL, whereas iOS devices will work well with AAC.

Solution #2: Adjust The Position Of Your Mic

Mic positioning is the distance between the headset mic and your mouth. This can be a difference between an echoey mic sound and a clear output.

Moreover, the right position of your headset mic will avoid unnecessary interference and annoying audio feedback. Here are the steps you need to follow for boom mic placement:

Solution #3: Optimize The Sensitivity and Volume Of Your Mic

Different microphones have different mic sensitivity. This means that even if the sound source is the same, the volume of no two mics is similar.

So, an optimized level of mic sensitivity is essential for a high-quality sound.

Here is how you will do this for different gaming platforms:

Optimization For PS4

If you are facing issues of echoed sounds or background noises on your headset mic while playing on PS4, these amazingly easy steps will surely help you out:

3 Simple Steps

• Step #1

  On the PS4 controller, hold down the PlayStation icon to access the Quick Menu.

• Step #2

  Inside the Quick Menu, choose Sound/Device and click on Adjust Microphone Level.

• Step #3

  Adjust Your Microphone Level by dragging the slider to the lower-middle level to prevent unnecessary mic echoes and background noise.

 

If your mic level is too high, you will have to bear all background noises. So make sure you keep it in the low mid-range.

Optimization For Windows PC

Let’s jump straight away to the 5 easy steps:

5 Simple Steps

• Step #1

  Head to the platform’s Control Panel and click on Hardware and Sounds.

• Step #2

  In Hardware and Sounds section, select Sound.

• Step #3

  A dialog box will appear. Select the Recording tab and choose your active headset mic.

• Step #4

  Right-click on the mic option and choose Properties

• Step #5

  A dialog box titled Microphone Properties will appear with 4 tabs. Choose the Levels tab. Drag the pointer (of mic sensitivity) to somewhere in the lower-middle region for distortion-free audio. Alternatively, you can also use the mic booster setting.

 

Remember what I said for PS4? Too high a mic level and you invite all sorts of unwanted background noise, spoiling your gaming experience.

Optimization For Xbox

Here is the step-by-step guide for a clear mic output for all the Xbox fans out there:

(Don’t forget to check out the points below!)

2 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Plug your headset into the Xbox Controller. You will see a glowing Xbox icon. Click on it to access the menu.

• Step #2:

  Click on Audio and adjust your audio settings at close to mid-range to find the right balance between the volume level of your headset and mic monitoring.

 

There are two things to note here:

The first one is obvious. You will hear echoes or audio feedback if you turn up the headset volume and mic monitoring too much.

Second, there are no customizable options to adjust mic sensitivity in Xbox. You can cover your headset mic with a mic foam cover to reduce background noise. Alternatively, you can cover your mic with a piece of tape before using a foam cover if it is highly sensitive.

Optimization In Mac

Unlike Xbox, Mac has a pre-built option to adjust mic sensitivity. Here are the steps you need to follow:

4 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Head over to System Preferences.

• Step #2:

  Next, click on Sound.

• Step #3:

  Choose the Output tab and click on your Active Headset/Microphone

• Step #4:

  Now, select the Input tab. Adjust Mic Sensitivity by dragging the arrow to the right or left.

 

You already know the preferred mic sensitivity settings (Hint: It’s somewhere in the lower mid portion).

If your house (or wherever you are planning to play games) suffers from excessive background noise, tick the box that says “Use Ambient Noise Reduction.”

Optimization In Discord

As an avid gamer, it is unlikely that you don’t know what Discord is. It’s a popular live-streaming platform where you can broadcast your gameplay live, interact with fellow gamers, and discuss different strategies.

It has free and paid plans and 300 million registered users as of July 2020.

As an interactive platform, the mic plays a huge role here. It has separate mic settings for better output, and this step-by-step guide will help you achieve just that:

4 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  At the Discord interface, look at the bottom-left portion. You will find a gear icon. Click on it to open user settings.

• Step #2:

  Under App Settings, click on Voice and Video.

• Step #3:

  In the Input Device drop-down menu, select your Active Headset Microphone. Adjust the Input Volume as per your requirement.

• Step #4:

  In the Output Device drop-down menu, select your headset. Adjust the Output Volume according to your preference. You can also select any other speaker you want to use.

• Step #5:
  (For Streamers)

  Tick the box saying Voice Activity if you want Discord to broadcast your audio whenever it picks up any sound.

• Step #6:
  (For Streamers)

  Tick the box saying Push To Talk if you want to open the broadcast audio option by pressing a specific button. You can customize it by clicking on Edit Keybind and choosing your favorite button option

 

Apart from the steps above, there is something else that you can use to eliminate unnecessary background noise coming from your headset.

It’s krisp.ai, a free app that offers advanced noise suppression settings.

Remember that Krisp will need at least a Windows 10 64-bit OS to operate on your Windows PC. For Mac computers, it needs a minimum macOS 10.12 update to operate.

To use Krisp on Discord, follow the steps below:

2 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Click on your Channel in the Discord server and select the Noise Suppression Icon.

• Step #2:

  Turn Krisp on.

 

You can run a mic test on Discord to see how Krisp’s noise suppression works. Here is what you need to do:

Speak through your mic and clap your hands at the same time. Notice that your voice should be transmitted in Discord, not the sounds of your hands clapping.

(To better understand how it is done, check out this tutorial)

It is better to keep Krisp off in quiet environments to protect your mic audio quality.

Solution #3: Use A Mic Pop Filter For Clear Audio

Mic Pop Filters can be pretty useful during multiplayer games and streaming. This is because they eliminate “plosive energy” and allow us to get closer to the microphone.

When you speaker keeps the mic close to your mouth, the tiny blasts of air from your mouth hit the mic’s diaphragm harder than natural sounds, causing the “pop” in the mic signal.

Mic pop filters have a perforated screen (usually made of nylon or metal) positioned between your mic and mouth to absorb that “plosive energy.”

It can be very handy for multiplayer games as your teammates can hear you more clearly with no conscious effort on your part.

But for streaming, the bulky device can block your face or prevent your audience from seeing your face completely. But the transmission of your voice becomes more audible for sure.

You can get these mic pop filters in online or offline audio stores.

(I am very bad at the DIY craft. But if you aren’t, check out this tutorial to make a DIY pop filter at home at no extra cost!)

#5: Update Sound Drivers To Get The Most Out Of Your Headset

Gaming devices like gaming consoles and PCs come with pre-installed drivers and sound cards.

However, they may not work as well as you expect in certain gaming conditions.

To get the most out of your gaming headset, upgrade your audio drivers or sound card with the latest version compatible with the recent peripheral or software devices.

This will make it easier for you to listen to the audio instructions and commands and get clear and crisp in-game audio.

We will be discussing 4 simple ways to update your headset drivers in Windows 10 because that’s the most common OS worldwide.

Let’s dive in:

Option #1: Update Sound Drivers Manually In Windows 10

Follow this step-by-step process:

6 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  In your PC, press Windows Key + R

• Step #2:

  To open the Device Manager, type devmgmt. msc and click OK.

• Step #3:

  Expand the Device Manager’s Sound, video, and game controllers categories.

• Step #4:

  Right-click on your headset name in the list and select Update Driver.

• Step #5:

  Next, select Search automatically for drivers.

• Step #6:

  Your task is done. The Device Manager will download and install compatible drivers for your gaming headset.

 

You can connect your headphones to the PC to check how it works once the drivers are installed.

Option #2: Update Audio Drivers Using The Official Tool

Many gaming headsets have their official tool to update sound drivers. Here is how to use it in this step-by-step guide (Case Point: Razer Headset):

2 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Download and Install the Razer Cortex application.

• Step #2:

  After you launch the app, click on the Update Software button.

 

Additionally, you can:

• Manually check for updates by going to Settings (gear icon) > Software Updates. Choose Check Now to start scanning for pending updates.

Option #4: Install Windows 10 Updates

This is pretty easy. If you install Windows 10 Updates, the headphone drivers and their outdated sound will be updated automatically.

Here is what you need to do:

5 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Open your PC and press Windows Key + I

• Step #2:

  Click on the Updates & Securities Tab.

• Step #4:

  Select the Windows Update in the left-hand corner.

• Step #5:

  Proceed from here and download and install pending Windows 10 Updates.

 

Simple, isn’t it?

#6: Replace Ear Pads To Improve Your Gaming Headset

We spent a good amount of time playing games with headsets on:

When we play games, all our attention is on our enemies and virtual settings.

Till one fine day, we find our earpads getting stiff and increasingly flattened, making them extremely uncomfortable.

If your headset ear pads have started to crack or emit an awful rote smell, you desperately need to change them.

Again, if your ear cushions are thicker, you get less bass intensity as the distance between your ears and drivers increases. Angled ear cushions match the shape of your ear and deliver better sound to your ear through the better position of drivers.

And replacing your ear pads isn’t as hard as replacing the horseshoe. Here is a helpful guide for you to check out:

Also Read: The Ultimate Headphone Hygiene Guide [2022]

First Up: Keep Your Tools Ready For The Operation!

You need to have this list of tools ready before we start our ear pad replacement operation:

1. Replacement Ear Pads:

This is the first thing you need to get at hand, and that’s pretty obvious. If your manufacturer has provided replacement pads, then use them.

Or else find the headset pads used by your manufacturer for your specific model. Also, check if the headset warranty covers the replacement of ear pads.

2. Earpad Tape:

In most cases, earpad tapes come with their replacement pads. You will need them to secure the replacement pads.

You need to buy a separate pair if it doesn’t come with replacement pads.

3. Prying Tool:

This can be anything from a dull butter knife to an unused plastic card that you will use to pry/remove the headphone pads.

You can also use your fingers, provided it doesn’t damage your headphones in the operation!

4. Old Toothbrush:

This will help you clean the dust and the glue residue left by your old headphone pads.

So, you have your tools ready. The stage is set, and your mind is itching to get rid of those old stiff pads.

But wait…

Every headset model has a unique way of attaching the earpad to the device. We have listed detailed instructions for each scenario you may face so that you can replace the old pads with the new ones without hassle.

Ready for the operation?

Here we go:

Scenario #1: Easily Removable Earpads

This is the easiest scenario for the entire process. It works for gaming headsets that are not attached to glue or other adhesives.

Here is how you will open the old pads:

4 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  To ensure no glue is used, use a prying tool to lightly pull away at a small portion around the edge of the headset pad.

• Step #2:

  After you are sure no glue is involved, continue pulling away the rest of the headphone pad until it completely comes off the sound driver.

• Step #3:

  Sometimes, you may notice a ring of material or cloth around the back of the headphone pad that uses a plastic lip to connect to the main earpiece.

  Be brave and pull on the pad even if it feels tight!

  The ring of material will stretch just enough to remove the pads without any damage if you are careful!

• Step #4:

  Repeat the process for the other side.

 

Here is how you will replace the ear-pads:

3 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Line up on one side of the material/cloth of the new earpad into the groove or plastic lip of the headset.

• Step #2:

  Once you have a small portion of the cloth material securely in place within the groove, continue with the rest of the headset pad by sliding the material into the groove using your fingers.

• Step #3:

  For a snug fit, try to slightly rotate the earpad to secure the cloth material in its place.

 

Scenario #2: Glued Headphone Pads

Some headphone brands (like Beats) use glue to attach the ear pads to the headphone drivers.

Here is how you will open the ear pads:

4 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Gently insert the prying tool between the earpad and the speaker housing of the headset.

• Step #2:

  Start prying away a small section of the headset pad first. Then work your way around the entire pad until it comes off.

• Step #3:

  Take your old toothbrush and brush off any glue or dirt left behind on the headphone driver.

  You can also rub off the adhesive residue using a small cloth dabbed in alcohol.

• Step #4:

  Don’t forget to do the same for the other side.

 

Here is how you will replace the ear pads:

4 Simple Steps

• Step #1:

  Apply the earpad tape to each headset pad and ensure it’s in the proper place. You can do this by checking if the tape holes are perfectly lined up with the holes of the ear pad’s frame.

  If the earpad tape is already applied at the back of your replacement pad, skip this step.

• Step #2:

  Now, remove the paper cover from the backside of the tape. Use a small flat-edge screwdriver if you have trouble peeling off the paper.

• Step #3:

  Properly align the ear pad before attaching it to the headset. Ensure that the seam of the pad is facing toward the charging port/cable.

• Step #4:

  Attach the earpad to the headset. Hold it until it is safely installed.

 

We have used all your tools in this method!

There is one more scenario for “Non-Removable Headphone Pads.” This applies to some select headphone models where you have to pry open the entire headphone driver housing to remove the ear pads.

Obviously, this requires more skill and effort, so you should take the help of your nearby audio store to do the job.

Before we head on to our last strategy, here are some tips to better take care of your ear-pads:

#7: Look For A New Pair Of Amazing Gaming Headsets!

When all the above strategies don’t work, or your headphone is too worn out for any of them to work, this is your last resort for a good experience.

And believe it or not, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to looking for a good headset.

The first is the difference between a gaming headset and an ordinary headphone.

Let’s resolve this issue first:

Gaming headphones have a dedicated mic attached to them. They offer great noise isolation and clear, detailed audio, even at low volumes.

Ordinary headphones have a separate mic that is not attached to the device.

Having cleared these basics first, let’s look into some more critical factors:

Here Is A Awesome Bonus For All Gamers (Especially Beginners)!

You stuck with me for so long, so here is an awesome infographic on how to get better at gaming!

Now, it’s your turn…

What Did You Think?

Now, I’d like to hear from you:

Which strategy are you going to use first?

Are you going to adjust your EQ settings or improve your gaming headset mic performance?

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.