How to Configure Gaming Headphones for Best Mic Quality

Gaming headphones or headsets are a popular audio recording device choice for many gamers. These hands-free headset microphones allow gamers more mobility freedom without compromising any audio and speech functions. However, gaming headphones also come with a few struggles in terms of audio recording quality when not configured correctly.

In this article, we will be listing down ways how to configure gaming headphones for the best mic quality so you can enjoy and completely immerse yourself in whatever gaming universe you are in.

Secure the Connection

Much like all other microphone types, gaming headsets need to have a stable connection so they may work and sound properly. Depending on the model of your gaming headphones, you may either connect them via Bluetooth or a jack.

Wireless Gaming Headphones

If you are using a wireless gaming headset, then you can ensure a proper Bluetooth connection by following a few simple steps. Gaming headphones, especially versions that are 4.0 and older, can run into connection problems when there are too many obstacles in the way of the headset and receiver.

To troubleshoot this problem, it’s best that you get rid of any items and possible obstructions that can cause interference and ensure that the receiver is close to your headphones.

Speaking of interference, wireless gaming headphones can also act finicky when other Bluetooth-powered and wireless gadgets are running at the same time. This is because these devices run on a 2.4 GHz frequency, so when all of these are running at the same time, sound and recording issues may arise due to a frequency jam.

If possible, turn off all other devices that may be causing interference so that your gaming headphones can perform at their full potential.

Wired Gaming Headphones

A wired gaming headset is more straightforward than a wireless one since the connection is only through a jack. Aside from checking if the connector is fully and securely plugged in, you will also need to check if both the port and connector are free from dirt.

If there are any, you may wipe the connector and port with a soft cloth or blow on the port to remove the dirt that may cause any blockage.

For quality checks, make sure that the connector or cable of your gaming headphones has no breaks or tears. If there are any or the wire seems bent, then you may need to replace your headphones already.

Speaking of wires, check if your gaming headphones come with a dedicated microphone connection or if it simply uses a single 3.5 mm jack for recording.

Find the Optimal Mic Position

When finding the best mic position for gaming, there are a lot of factors to consider such as the address type, your room interior, and microphone set-up. However, for gaming headphones, it’s more simple than you think since these audio recording devices are made to be highly adjustable for maximum convenience.

As gaming headphones have microphones that are positioned directly in front of a gamer’s mouth, one will need to be careful with the placement so as not to pick up breathing noise and plosives.

To avoid this, place the mic at the side of your mouth at a distance of at least 1/2 inch or 12.7mm. Make sure to also place the correct address of the mic pointing towards your mouth so your speech can be clearly picked up.

Reduce Background Noise

While most of the newer models of gaming phones already come with active noise cancellation, you still need to know how to reduce background noise on microphones for optimal performance. You may reduce or eliminate unwanted noises by first avoiding areas where the direct wind from the air conditioner, fan, or outside is to be picked up by the microphone.

This may cause wind sounds that will make it difficult for your speech to be picked up by teammates and other players. Similarly, avoid setting up your gaming area near an open window or beside a door so noise from outside won’t be picked up.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can invest in noise-reducing accessories such as a pop filter or shield to eliminate any popping sounds caused by fast-moving air. This will help eliminate plosives from your speech, which can be useful given that a gaming headphone’s mic is placed in front of your mouth.

You may also use a microphone windscreen to protect your mic from picking up any gust of wind and loud breathing. This can be useful for when you’re live streaming a horror video gameplay so your breathing sounds won’t be recorded too loudly.

Adjust the Mic Settings

Tweaking your mic settings for gaming can make all the difference in achieving high-quality audio performance because you are able to utilize the correct and best configurations for whichever console or gadget you are using.

For Windows PC or Laptop

If you use a PC or laptop when playing your favorite game, then here are the ways how to adjust your mic settings via Windows.

1. Open the “Control Panel” of your laptop.
2. Click on “Hardware and Sound”.
3. Select “Sound” and click on the “Recording” tab.
4. Make sure that your gaming headphone is selected as the primary input device. Once you have selected your gaming headphone, right-click on it and select “Properties”.
5. Click on the “Levels” tab.
6. Adjust the “Microphone Level” and “Microphone Boost” according to your preference. Keep in mind that the more you increase your microphone level, the more audio anomalies it may create while adjusting the microphone boost upwards will make your mic louder.

For Mac or OS

1. Open “System Preferences”.
2. Click on “Sound”.
3. Select “Output” and make sure that your gaming headphones is set as the active headset.
4. Select “Input” and make sure that your gaming headphones microphone is the active mic. You may also tick the “Use Ambient Noise Reduction” box if you would like to remove any excessive background noise to be picked up by your mic.
5. For steps 3 and 4, you may adjust the slider according to your preference. Ideally, you should keep the balance slider at the center.

Explore the Features

You will need to explore the features of your gaming headphones so you can unlock their full potential. Although gaming headphones do have not much to play around with, manufacturers still designed these audio recording devices with unique features of their own with gaming applications in mind.

Research if your gaming headset has a specific audio software where you can tweak and make adjustments in sound. Explore other compatible accessories that you can use for your gaming headphones so you can further reduce background noise and amplify your voice.

Final Note

Configuring gaming headphones can help improve the overall mic quality. This can be easily done by securing the connection, finding the best position, tweaking the mic setting, and exploring the features.

If you’re interested in using a hands-free headphones mic, then here are the best headset microphones and best gaming microphones you can browse through.