On Arctis GameBuds, SteelSeries documents noise control in both the Companion app and SteelSeries GG. EQ presets can be selected in the Companion app, although SteelSeries’ preset instructions are general headset guidance; sidetone has a similar general Companion app path, but SteelSeries’ cited sidetone guidance does not specifically confirm GameBuds support.
Change GameBuds noise control
Noise control adjusts how much noise cancellation the earbuds apply. SteelSeries says the control is available in both the Companion app and the GG Engine app, but the menu paths differ.
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Arctis GameBuds for Xbox/PC/PS5/Switch/Mobile Quick-Switch 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.3 Active Noise... | $114.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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| App | Path | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Arctis Companion app | Home screen > Settings > EQ | Move the noise-control slider to choose how much noise cancellation you want. |
| SteelSeries GG | Engine device settings > below custom EQ | Connect the GameBuds to the computer via 2.4 GHz, open GG and the GameBuds settings in Engine, then scroll below custom EQ to the noise-control slider. |
SteelSeries’ GameBuds-specific instructions confirm both locations, not that every setting or screen is identical between the apps. See SteelSeries’ GameBud Noise Control guide and its GameBuds Companion app overview.
Change an EQ preset in the Companion app
SteelSeries’ Companion app preset directions apply to headsets generally; the support page does not establish a GameBuds-only layout or software version. If the EQ controls are available for your GameBuds, use this path:
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- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100 presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360 SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- Connect the headset in the Companion app.
- Open its device settings.
- Find the Equalizer settings card.
- Open Preset and tap the preset you want.
SteelSeries’ Companion app equalizer preset instructions describe this general procedure.
Avoid applying EQ twice
If audio becomes distorted or clips after changing EQ, check whether EQ is active in both Sonar and Engine. SteelSeries advises using one EQ path at a time:
Rank #2
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for Xbox and console gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your Xbox, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- When using Sonar EQ, set Engine EQ to Flat.
- When using Engine EQ or the mobile app, set Sonar EQ to Flat.
Console audio enhancements or spatialization can also interact with EQ. SteelSeries says the result depends on the device, setting, and game, so these combinations do not necessarily cause distortion in every setup. See SteelSeries’ GameBuds distortion guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust sidetone—with a GameBuds compatibility caveat
Sidetone, also called mic monitoring, routes microphone input—including your own voice—back through the headset. SteelSeries’ Companion app instructions for headsets generally give this path:
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Rank #3
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- Connect the headset in the Companion app.
- Open its device settings.
- Find the Microphone settings card.
- Move the Sidetone slider to adjust how much microphone input you hear.
The cited SteelSeries sidetone instructions do not specifically name GameBuds, so this path should not be taken as confirmation that the slider is available on every GameBuds configuration.
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