What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If the whole game sounds too quiet, open Options > Audio > Output > Dynamic Range and change the setting to Narrow. If gameplay is quieter than music or cutscenes—or audio fades when sounds move behind the camera—use the targeted checks below instead. These are Naughty Dog’s official troubleshooting recommendations, not independently tested fixes.
First, match the fix to the audio problem
- Everything sounds too quiet: try Narrow Dynamic Range.
- Gameplay is quieter than music or cutscenes: disable playback-device enhancements in Windows, then try another in-game Output Mode if needed.
- Sound gets unusually quiet behind the camera: check that the Windows speaker layout and the game’s output-channel setting match your physical setup.
- Surround sound is missing: configure the Windows speaker layout to match your actual speakers.
Naughty Dog lists these symptoms and steps in its PC audio FAQ.
If the whole game is too quiet, change Dynamic Range
- In the game, open Options > Audio > Output.
- Set Dynamic Range to Narrow.
- Listen to both quiet and loud passages and keep the setting that suits you.
Naughty Dog explains that Maximum preserves the natural difference between the quietest and loudest sounds, which can make the game seem quieter on average. Narrow reduces that difference by making quiet sounds louder. The trade-off is less contrast between subtle sounds and loud ones, so Narrow is an option for low average loudness rather than a universal best setting.
If gameplay is quieter than music or cutscenes
Disable Windows playback enhancements
- Open the Windows Sound Control Panel.
- On the Playback tab, select the device you use for the game and open Properties.
- If the device has an Enhancements tab, select Disable all enhancements and apply the change.
Windows may not show an Enhancements tab for every playback device. If the option is available and changing it does not resolve the imbalance, try a different in-game Output Mode.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE 50MM DRIVERS GEN-2 — Tuned for improved clarity and positional performance, the Gen-2 drivers not only deliver more powerful audio, but have an improved soundstage to clearly hear every footstep and audio cue
- DETACHABLE HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID 9.9MM MIC — The mic’s unidirectional pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise, while its detachable design allows for easy removal when not in use
- HYPERSPEED WIRELESS — Featuring an ultra-fast 2.4 GHz wireless connection, enjoy high-performance, low-latency competitive play with sound that’s perfectly synced to the game
- 3 MODES OF CONNECTIVITY — Gain the competitive edge when gaming on PC, console or mobile; seamlessly switch between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth with SmartSwitch Dual Wireless or stay plugged in for non-stop gaming via USB
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND — With our advanced 7.1 surround sound, enjoy true-to-life acoustics that optimizes the game’s sound design to hear everything like being right in the middle of it all
Try another in-game Output Mode
- Open Options > Audio > Compatibility > Output Mode.
- Try Spatial. If the problem remains, switch to Traditional, or reverse that order if you are already using one of them.
- Check gameplay and cutscenes again after each change.
Naughty Dog says Windows Spatial Sound bypasses most third-party audio-processing software. Choose Traditional if you want to use that software’s processing or virtualization. The official FAQ also recommends Traditional for missing dialogue or no sound during cinematics.
If audio fades behind the camera or surround sound is wrong
Match Windows speaker configuration to your physical setup
- Open the Windows Sound Control Panel and go to Playback.
- Select your playback device and choose Configure.
- Choose the speaker layout that matches the speakers you actually use, then complete the setup wizard.
Match the game’s output channels
In the game’s audio output settings, confirm that Output Channels matches your physical speaker configuration. If the layout already matches but audio remains unusually quiet when it moves behind the camera, try Traditional under Options > Audio > Compatibility > Output Mode.
Rank #2
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Dolby Atmos is optional
Dolby Atmos setup is not a required fix for low volume. If you want to configure Atmos, Naughty Dog’s FAQ says Dolby Access is available free from the Microsoft Store. Set a compatible Dolby Atmos playback device as the Windows default, choose Dolby Atmos for home theater as its format, and select the same option under Windows Spatial Sound. In the game, use the default output device, set Output Device Type to [AUTO] Home Theater, and set Output Channels to [AUTO] 3D Spatial Sound. The FAQ notes that manually selecting 5.1 or 7.1 means the system uses only those channels.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know about game updates
Naughty Dog’s patch index lists releases through Patch 1.6 as accessed on October 8, 2026. Patch 1.1, published April 11, 2025, fixed audio/video desynchronization when watching the Grounded II Documentary; that note does not establish a general fix for quiet gameplay audio. The PC Steam listing includes custom volume controls, stereo sound, and surround sound among the game’s features.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
If the relevant Windows and in-game steps do not resolve the problem, Naughty Dog directs players to its PC audio support FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — sturdy closed earcups fully cover ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation.
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND FOR POSITIONAL AUDIO — Outfitted with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers, capable of software-enabled surround sound. *Only available on Windows 10 64-bit
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50MM HIGH-END SOUND DRIVERS — With titanium-coated diaphragms for added clarity, our new, cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lowsproducing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH BREATHABLE FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240g, the BlackShark V2X is engineered from the ground up for maximum comfort
- RAZER HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — Improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides
Rank #4
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
