https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcHNJwW0Wk
This video is a step-by-step process on how to troubleshoot and resolve headset microphone issues.
These are the common causes of Razer headset microphone malfunction:
Dirt or debris in the audio port and on the audio jack
Improper microphone and audio jack connections
Improper microphone placement
Incorrect audio port connections and settings
Wireless interference
Software issues
Faulty audio drivers
Do note that it is not necessary to run through all the troubleshooting steps. Once your headset
microphone is fixed after performing a particular set of steps, you can stop there.
You can skip to a particular section by clicking on the topics in the description.
Let’s get started.
First, isolate the cause of the issue. Try the headset on a different computer or device.
If the headset is working properly on a different device, the issue could be due to defective audio or USB
port on your primary device.
It is recommended to have it checked by the manufacturer or a reputable technician.
If the issue persists even on a different device, the next step is to eliminate any possibility of connection-
related issues in general.
For all types of headsets with a detachable microphone, ensure it is properly attached.
For 3.5 mm headsets, remove any dirt or debris in the audio port and on the audio jack using a Q-tip and
cloth. Also, ensure the audio port on your PC is compatible with the type of connector your headset has.
Your headset may have a 3-pole (TRS) or 4-pole (TRRS) 3.5 mm jack. If you find it incompatible, using an
appropriate adapter will help.
For wired USB headsets, ensure the device is plugged in directly to a PC USB port and not a USB hub.
For wireless headsets, ensure the device is turned on, properly charged, and is connected to the PC
wirelessly via the USB dongle or Bluetooth.
Avoid wireless interference by keeping a safe distance or by turning off or disabling any other wireless
devices nearby.
To specifically troubleshoot and resolve headset microphone that is not working, unresponsive, or not
picking up sound, do the following:
Ensure the apps can access the mic. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone, then turn on mic access on
the selected app.
If you have a 3.5 mm headset:
Set Device as a Default Recording Device. To do this:
Open Sound settings by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard, type “Sound” and press enter.
Click “Sound Control Panel” under “Related Settings”.
Go to the “Recording” tab, right-click on the computer’s sound device and check both the Default Device
and Default Communication Device. With most computers today, Realtek Audio drivers are pre-installed.
After setting the computer's mic as a default device, test the mic. The indicator right beside the mic icon
will lit up green if the voice is picked up.
Under "App volume and device preferences", ensure the settings are set to "Default" by going to
Settings > System > Sound, and then click "App volume and device preferences" under "Advanced sound
options." Set the app "Input" and "Output" as "Default."
Reinstall the audio drivers. The steps will be shown later in this video.
Follow these steps if you have a Bluetooth headset:
When the headset is used with a PC, ensure the "Hands-Free AG Audio" is set as the default
communication device.
Go to Settings > System > Sound, and then click "Sound Control Panel" under "Related Settings."
Go to the "Recording" tab, set "Hands-Free AG Audio" as the "Default Communication Device."
Go to the "Playback" tab, set "Hands-Free AG Audio" as the "Default Communication Device" here as
well.
Unpair and re-pair the headset to the Bluetooth device. Ensure both devices are within the one-meter
range. Steps on how to pair the Bluetooth device may vary.
For specific instructions, refer to the appropriate product manual.
If you have a USB type headset:
Check if the microphone is set as the correct recording device.
Open Sound settings by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard, type “Sound” and press enter.
Click “Sound Control Panel” under “Related Settings”.
Go to the “Recording” tab, right-click on the computer’s sound device and check both the Default Device
and Default Communication Device.
Ensure the Razer headset is set as a default device.
Check Synapse microphone settings.
Open Synapse 3 and go to the AUDIO > MIC.
Enable Sidetone by sliding the button until it turns green.
Ensure the Microphone slider is on, green is on and grey is off.
Set the Mic Volume to 100% for troubleshooting purposes.
Set the Sensitivity to manual. Again, for troubleshooting purposes, set it to the maximum level.
Once these settings are in place, the mic should start picking up sound. Always test the mic using the
sidetone feature in Synapse to check real-time if the mic is picking up a sound.
Reset the device profile.
On the upper-right portion of Synapse, click the gear icon.
From the window that pops up, click on “RESET” on the left side.
Locate your headset from the list and click on “RESET”.
Log off and on from your Synapse and test if the mic works with the new profile.
Disable Synapse 3. Right-click on the Razer Synapse icon found in the system tray then select "Exit
Synapse."
If the headset works without Synapse, do a clean reinstall of Synapse. See How to perform a clean re-
installation of Razer Synapse 3 & 2.0 on Windows that is linked in the description.
Reinstall headset drivers.
To specifically troubleshoot and resolve headset microphone that is too sensitive do the following:
For USB type headsets:
Launch Synapse 3 and go to AUDIO tab > MIC.
Adjust the “MIC VOLUME” to a lower level.
Enable “MIC SENSITIVITY” then manually adjust the mic sensitivity to a lower level.
Enable the “SIDETONE” feature to directly check through the headset if the mic quality has improved.
Disable Synapse 3. Right-click the Razer Synapse icon found in the system tray then select "Exit
Synapse."
If the headset works without Synapse, do a clean reinstall of Synapse, see How to perform a clean re-
installation of Razer Synapse 3 & 2.0 on Windows that is linked in the description.
For both 3.5 mm and USB type headsets:
Ensure the mic of the headset is not placed too close to the mouth.
Adjust Mic Levels in Windows settings.
Right-click on the speaker icon on the System tray and select “Open Sound settings.”
Under “Related Settings,” click “Sound Control Panel.”
Go to the “Recording” tab and right-click on the mic being used then click Properties.
Go to the “Levels” tab.
Adjust the “Microphone” and “Microphone Boost” to lower values. Higher levels can cause the mic to be
more sensitive.
The mic’s sensitivity will function according to the levels. Go to the “Listen” tab and check “Listen to this
device” and apply the change to assess how the mic sounds.
Go to the "Communications" tab, then test each option and apply what works well.
Reinstall the audio or headset drivers.
To specifically troubleshoot and resolve headset microphone quality issues (such as distorted, muffled,
static, or buzzing audio) do the following:
For USB type headsets
Disable Audio Enhancements.
Open Synapse 3, go to AUDIO tab > MIC.
Ensure the features under the “ENHANCEMENTS” box are unchecked to disable.
Enable the “SIDETONE” feature to directly check through the headset if the mic quality has improved.
Disable Synapse 3. Right-click on the Razer Synapse icon found in the system tray, then select "Exit
Synapse".
If the headset works without Synapse, do a clean reinstall of Synapse, see How to perform a clean re-
installation of Razer Synapse 3 & 2.0 on Windows that is linked in the description.
For both 3.5 mm and USB type headsets
Reinstall headset drivers.
Furthermore, you can run the Windows troubleshooter to help fix the issue. To do that,
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Select “Recording Audio” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
Select the device, then click “Next.”
Click “Close” once the problems are fixed, otherwise, you can explore other options.
Here are the steps to uninstall audio or headset drivers:
Open Device Manager by pressing the Windows button and type “Device Manager” then hit enter.
Expand “Audio inputs and outputs”.
Right-click on the “Microphone” or Razer headset and select “Uninstall device”.
Restart the computer to completely uninstall the drivers. The drivers are automatically installed on the
computer after a restart.
That’s it! The microphone issues on your Razer headset should now be fixed.
