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If game audio is drowning out friends, open the Xbox guide’s Audio & music controls and move Headset chat mixer toward chat. Use Headset volume to change the overall loudness of everything in your headset, and Mic monitoring to change how much of your own voice you hear. These settings do different jobs.
What each Xbox headset audio setting changes
| Setting | What it changes | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Headset chat mixer | Relative balance between game audio and chat audio. | Chat is present but game sound is masking it, or game sound is too quiet beside chat. |
| Headset volume | Overall headset loudness. | Both game and chat sound too quiet or too loud. |
| Mic monitoring | How much of your own microphone audio you hear through the headset. | You want more or less of your own voice in your ears while speaking. |
Xbox describes these controls in its headset setup guidance. The exact labels or availability may vary with headset and software configuration.
Make party chat louder than game audio
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide, then select the Audio & music icon.
- Move Headset chat mixer a little toward chat. Listen, then make another small adjustment if needed.
- Stop when chat is easy to hear and game audio is still comfortable. At either extreme, the mixer mutes one of the two sources, so avoid the ends unless you intend to mute chat or game audio.
The chat mixer changes listening balance; it is not a microphone gain control. If both chat and game audio are too quiet, raise Headset volume instead of pushing the mixer all the way toward chat.
Set headset volume and mic monitoring for their intended jobs
Headset volume: overall loudness
Adjust Headset volume when all headset audio needs to be louder or quieter. Some headset models also have a physical volume dial, so check the headset itself if the guide control does not produce the change you expect.
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- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
Mic monitoring: your own voice in your ears
Raise Mic monitoring if you want to hear more of your own speech through the headset; lower it if that feedback is distracting. Xbox notes that the leftmost position removes your mic input from headset audio. This is sidetone for you, not a control for how loudly other players hear your microphone.
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- IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE GAME — Game loud and clear with the XBOX Wireless Headset, featuring enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation for crystal-clear chat, intuitive design, plus direct pairing to your console, PC, or phone.
- BEST-IN-CLASS SPATIAL AUDIO — Surround yourself with spatial audio technologies including Dolby Atmos (included at no extra cost), Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X. Revealing depth, clarity, and details like never before.
- COMFORTABLE AND INTUITIVE DESIGN — Experience the flexible, lightweight design with an adjustable headband and plush earcups for extended play sessions. Rotate the earcup dials for a quick, intuitive way to adjust volume and game/chat balance.
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR CHAT — Be heard clearly with enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation powered by dual boom mics with illuminated LED indicator. Background noise is reduced so your voice comes through loud and clear.
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- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
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- Low-Latency 2.4GHz Wireless plus Bluetooth 5.2 Connectivity
- Best-in-Class Battery Life of up to 40 Hours Plus Quick Charge
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If chat is still unclear or the controls are unavailable
- Check the headset’s physical mute and volume controls.
- Use the applicable Xbox headset or party troubleshooting flow if the microphone still fails or a setting is unavailable. The exact cause and steps depend on the headset and configuration; do not treat mic monitoring as a fix for a low transmitted mic level.
- If you need a wired connection, Xbox says all Xbox Series X|S controllers have a 3.5 mm jack and can connect to wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. This is a compatibility option, not a necessary purchase when the issue is only the game/chat balance. The cited guidance does not establish compatibility for specific wireless headsets.
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