PC and Game Audio Settings Check for Audio Radar

PC and Game Settings Check Guide

Before playing with Audio Radar, double-check your Windows, app and game sound settings.

Console players: skip to Common Game Audio Settings to Check below.

PC players: this guide assumes the free Audio Radar desktop app (audioradar.com/start). You don't need Voicemeeter or Virtual Audio Cable anymore! If either is still installed, close it fully before using the app.

Check Windows Sound Settings

  1. Open Windows Settings > System > Sound.
  2. Under Output, select Audio Radar.
  3. Open its Properties and make sure Spatial Sound is Off. Spatial sound changes how surround audio is sent and can throw off Audio Radar's direction.

Check the Audio Radar App

  1. Open Routing and make sure your headset or speakers are picked under Headset output. That's what you hear.

Final Checklist (PC)

  • Windows output is set to Audio Radar.
  • Spatial Sound is Off.
  • Your headset or speakers are picked under Headset output in the app.
  • Discord and other voice chat go to your headset or speakers, not Audio Radar.
  • In your game, the sound output is Audio Radar (or Default) and speaker setup is 7.1 if offered.

Testing Tips

After checking these settings, launch a game and test Audio Radar with clear sounds like:

Footsteps: walk or run near walls or objects to check direction.

Gunfire: test left, right, front, and rear sound response.

Voice chat: talk with a friend and make sure the bars stay quiet.

Troubleshooting

  • Bars not reacting? Check that Windows output and your game's output are Audio Radar.
  • Can't hear the game? Pick your headset under Headset output in the app.
  • Only the front (top) bars react? Make sure your game is on 7.1 surround and that Spatial Sound, enhanced headphone mode and 3D audio are all off. If Windows looks right, check your in-game audio settings below.

Common Game Audio Settings to Check

After checking Windows and the Audio Radar app, review your in-game audio settings. Many games use different names for similar options, but these settings can affect how Audio Radar receives sound.

Use this as a quick checklist when setting up a new PC game.

1. Check the Game Sound Output Device

Look for settings such as:

  • Game Sound Device
  • Audio Output Device
  • Speakers/Headphones Game Sound Device
  • Playback Device

AlertPC: Set the game sound output device to Audio Radar (or Default, if Audio Radar is your Windows output).

Example: In Call of Duty: Warzone, this setting is called Speakers/Headphones Game Sound Device.




2. Check Speaker Output or Speaker Configuration

Look for settings such as:

  • Speaker Output
  • Speaker Configuration
  • Audio Channels
  • Surround Sound
  • Mono/Stereo Output

Select 7.1 Surround if the game supports it.

Info
If 7.1 is not available, use the best surround option the game provides. Avoid Mono Audio or Stereo, unless it is required for your personal setup.

Example: In Call of Duty: Warzone, set Speaker Output to 7.1 Surround.




3. Turn Off 3D Headphone or Spatial Audio Modes

Look for settings such as:

  • Enhanced Headphone Mode
  • 3D Audio
  • Spatial Audio
  • Headphone Virtualization
  • HRTF
  • Binaural Audio

These settings can change how directional audio is processed before Audio Radar receives it.

For Audio Radar, these should usually be turned Off.

Example: In Call of Duty: Warzone, set Enhanced Headphone Mode to Off.




4. Choose a Clear Audio Mix

Look for audio mix settings such as:

  • Home Theater
  • Hi-Fi
  • Headphones
  • TV
  • Night Mode
  • Dynamic Range

Choose a setting that keeps directional audio clear. Good starting options are usually Home Theater, Hi-Fi, or a high dynamic range setting.

Info
Avoid mixes that heavily compress sound unless you are testing them for a specific game.

Example: In Call of Duty: Warzone, set Audio Mix to Home Theater.




5. Lower Music, Dialogue, and Voice-Over

Music and dialogue can trigger extra light activity on Audio Radar.

Look for settings such as:

  • Music Volume
  • Gameplay Music Volume
  • Dialogue Volume
  • Voice-over Volume
  • Announcer Volume
  • Agent Select Music
Notes

Recommended starting point:

  • Set music to 0.
  • Set dialogue or voice-over to 0 if not needed.
  • Keep gameplay effects high.

Example: In Call of Duty: Warzone, set Gameplay Music Volume to 0, Dialogue Volume to 0, and Effects Volume to 100.




6. Check Voice Chat Output

Voice chat can trigger Audio Radar if it is routed with game audio.

Look for settings such as:

  • Voice Chat Output Device
  • Chat Output
  • Communication Device
  • Voice Chat Volume

AlertPC: Set voice chat output to your headset or speakers, not Audio Radar, so voices don't light the bars.

Info
If you do not use voice chat, you can turn voice chat off or lower the voice chat volume.




7. Check Accessibility Audio Settings

Some accessibility settings can change how audio is mixed.

Look for settings such as:

  • Mono Audio
  • Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation
  • Hearing Compensation
  • Reduce Tinnitus Sound
  • Visualize Sound Effects

Info
These settings may help some players, but they can also affect directional sound. If Audio Radar only responds through the front or top light bars, check these settings.


 Check out these articles for game-specific guides.