How to fix headset mic issues (too sensitive, distorted or buzzing sound, unresponsive or not picking up sound)

Make sure the mic diaphragm is in front and the air vent is facing away from your mouth.

Make sure that the apps can access the mic. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone.

Turn on mic access on the selected app.

Set Device as a Default Recording Device.

1. Open Sound settings by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard, type "Sound" and press enter.

2. Click "Sound Control Panel" under "Related Settings".

   

3. Go to "Recording", right-click on the computer’s sound device.

4. Check both the Default Device and Default Communication Device.

   

5. Test the mic after setting the computer's mic as a default device. The indicator right beside the mic icon will lit up green if the voice is picked up.

6. Under "App volume and device preferences", check that the settings are set to "Default".

7. Go to Settings > System > Sound.

8. Click "App volume and device preferences" under "Advanced sound options".

9. Set the app "Input" and "Output" as "Default".

   

Adjust Mic Levels in Windows settings.

1. Right-click on the speaker icon on the System tray.

2. Select "Open Sound settings".

   

3. Under "Related Settings", click "Sound Control Panel".

   

4. Go to "Recording".

5. Right-click on the mic then click Properties.

   

6. Go to "Levels".
7. Adjust the "Microphone" and "Microphone Boost" to lower values. Higher levels can cause the mic to be more sensitive.

   

8. The mic’s sensitivity will function according to the set levels. Go to "Listen".

9. Check "Listen to this device" and apply the change to assess how the mic sounds.

10. Go to "Communications", then test each option.

11. Apply what works well.

    

Go to Control Panel > Sound > Recording > Properties > Enhancements.

Select "Disable all sound effects" or try a combination of enhancements that works for your setup.

Under Properties, go to Advanced Default Format.

Select "2 channel, 16 bit, 48000Hz (DVD Quality)" if available.

For headsets with detachable mic, make sure that the mic is properly attached.

Check the audio ports and audio jack for any dirt or debris that can cause the issue and that the audio jack is securely inserted into the audio port. A Q-tip and cloth can be used to clean the audio jack and ports.

Reinstall the audio drivers.

1. Press Windows key + S on the keyboard to open the Search bar.

2. Type in "Device Manager" and hit enter.

3. Expand "Audio inputs and outputs".

4. Right-click on "Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)".

5. Select "Uninstall device".

   

6. Restart the computer. The drivers are automatically installed after the restart.

Test the headset on a different device to isolate the issue. If the headset is working properly on a different device, there could be hardware issue on your computer. Have it checked by the manufacturer or a reputable technician.

For headsets with detachable mic, check that the mic is properly attached.

Check for Razer Synapse updates:

• For Razer Synapse 2.0 supported device

• For Razer Synapse 3 supported device

• For Razer Synapse 4 supported device

For wired USB headsets, ensure the device is plugged in directly to a PC and not a USB hub.

For wireless USB headsets, ensure the device is not subject to wireless interference. Turn off or disable any other wireless devices or move away from them, to avoid interference.

Disable Audio Enhancements.

Synapse 4:

1. Open Razer Synapse 4, select your device, then go to “MIC".

2. Ensure “MIC ENHANCEMENT" is disabled.

3. Enable the "SIDE TONE" feature to directly check through the headset if the mic quality has improved.

   

Synapse 3:

1. Open Razer Synapse 3 and select your device.

2. Go to “MIC".

3. Ensure all the boxes under “MIC ENHANCEMENT" are unchecked.

   

Disable Razer Synapse.

1. Right-click the Razer Synapse icon found in the system tray.

2. Select "Exit".

   

If the headset works without Razer Synapse, do a clean reinstall of Razer Synapse, see How to re-install Razer Synapse on Windows.

Uninstall headset drivers.

1. Press Windows key + S on the keyboard to open the Search bar.

2. Type in "Device Manager" and hit enter.

3. Go to "Audio inputs and outputs".

4. Right-click on the Razer headset and select "Uninstall device".

5. Restart the computer. The drivers are automatically installed after a restart.

Test the headset on a different device to further isolate the issue. If the headset is working properly on a different device, there could be hardware issue on your computer. Have it checked by the manufacturer or a reputable technician.

Ensure the headset is turned on and properly charged.

Check for Razer Synapse updates:

• For Razer Synapse 2.0 supported device

• For Razer Synapse 3 supported device

• For Razer Synapse 4 supported device

Ensure the device is not subject to wireless interference. Turn off or disable any other wireless devices or move away from them, to avoid interference.

When the headset is used with a PC, ensure the "Hands-Free AG Audio" is set as the default communication device.

1. Go to Settings > System > Sound, and then click "Sound Control Panel" under "Related Settings".

2. Go to "Recording", set "Hands-Free AG Audio" as the "Default Communication Device".

   

3. Go to "Playback", set "Hands-Free AG Audio" as the "Default Communication Device".

   

Unpair and re-pair the headset to the Bluetooth device. Ensure both devices are within the one-meter range.

Note: Steps on how to pair the Bluetooth device vary. Refer to the appropriate product master guide.