Razer BlackShark V2 Mic Sounds Bad? (Let’s Fix It Fast)
If your Razer BlackShark V2 mic sounds bad, this is the only guide that you’ll ever need!
Considering the large number of people complaining about the quality of their BlackShark V2 microphone, we’re here to get everything in one place.
Don’t worry, the microphone is not bad by default, the problem either comes from your Windows, Synapse 3, or Discord audio settings.
If your BlackShark V2 microphone sounds bad, first update their firmware and configure the audio options on your Windows, Synapse 3, and Discord.
Additionally, you may have to check the wireless/wired connection of your headset.
How to Fix When a Razer BlackShark V2 Mic Sounds Bad?
Tip: Try all steps chronologically!
1. Update your Razer BlackShark V2
If you’re facing issues with the sound quality of your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone, the first and most important step is to update the firmware.
According to many users with the same issue, updating the headset brought the problem in the first place.
Therefore, we assume that Razer has addressed the problem by now, so updating the headset should help you instantly boost the recording quality of your BlackShark V2 mic.
Here’s how to update your Razer BlackShark V2 in easy steps:
- Connect the Razer headset to your computer.
- Then, download the latest firmware update.
- Run the (.exe) file, and confirm the prompts.
- Continue by clicking on “NEXT” → “UPDATE.”
When the process is completed, the updater will let you know whether you have installed the latest firmware.
If yes, test if the Razer BlackShark V2 mic now sounds better.
2. Adjust Windows’s Sound Settings
In most cases, the bad recording quality of your BlackShark V2 Pro microphone comes from the Windows settings.
Some of these settings include the microphone boost, which if turned up too much, you may start hearing hissing, buzzing, and many other unpleasant recording noises.
Let’s begin chronologically and ensure your Windows mic settings are configured correctly!
- From the Start menu, go to “Change system sounds”, verify that you’re viewing the “Recording” tab, and right-click your mic to select “Properties.”
2.1 Microphone Levels
From the little tabs above, click on “Levels” and verify that the Microphone slider is about 75% in volume, which guarantees that your recordings will be audible.
2.2 Microphone Boost
Again, in the “Levels” tab, you want to make sure that the Microphone Boost is not amplified too much, otherwise, you’ll hear buzzing and hissing.
The recommended level for the boost is +20.0 dB, but if you still hear unpleasant noises, you can go even lower at about +10.0 dB.
2.3 Exclusive Mode
If you go to the “Advanced” tab, you’ll notice the “Exclusive Mode”, which allows your apps to access your microphone.
So, make sure to tick both checkboxes and provide access to apps, so they can take control of the mic.
Also, provide applications with exclusive mode priority.
When ready, head back into your communication software to test if your mic now sounds better!
3. Adjust the Synapse 3 Mic Settings
If you’re still looking for a quick Razer BlackShark V2 mic quality fix, you might have to tweak the microphone settings in the Razer Synapse 3 software.
This might be the thing with your mic, especially if you’ve played with those settings, not knowing the correct way of setting them up.
- To reach those settings, open Synapse 3, select your headset (BlackShark V2), and go to the “MIC” section from the tabs on the top.
So, let’s go through the most essential mic configurations in Synapse 3:
3.1 Volume Normalization
Volume normalization is an option that automatically controls the volume of your microphone by adjusting the Gain, preventing sudden drops and spikes.
So, you should keep the normalization enabled and set the slide at about 40%, that will provide a smooth and balanced normalization.
Quick Note: If you don’t want automatic adjustments, you can disable this option and test how your BlackShark V2 mic sounds.
3.2 Vocal Clarity
Vocal clarity is an amazing option, automatically enhancing the clarity of your voice while recording with your microphone.
This vocal clarity affects essentials such as noise reduction, frequency equalization, and de-essing, which can instantly boost the audio quality of the mic.
You should definitely keep this option enabled, and set the clarity enhancement to about 50%, but feel free to experiment to get the perfect balance.
3.3 Mic Equalizer
The microphone equalizer is going to have the greatest impact on how the microphone sounds, especially after a thoughtful configuration.
We’re going to show you an optimal configuration that should match the characteristics of your voice and enhance the quality of your mic to perfection.
- Set 31Hz to +6.5 dB
- Set 63Hz to +6.0 dB
- Set 125Hz to +3.0 dB
- Set 250Hz to +2.5 dB
- Set 500Hz to +1.0 dB
- Set 1kHz to +0.5 dB
- Set 2kHz to +0.5 dB
- Set 4kHz to +0.5 dB
- Set 8kHz to +3.0 dB
- Set 16kHz to +6.5 dB
When your microphone equalizer is configured, this is how it should look like:
4. Update Razer BlackShark V2 Driver
If your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone still sounds bad, even after all the configurations we’ve done so far, it’s time for a driver upgrade.
To do so, you’ll need to access your Windows system “Device Manager”, locate your BlackShark V2 input device, and update your drivers from there.
Here’s how to update your BlackShark V2 microphone drivers:
- Click the “Start” menu and go to “Device Manager.”
- From there expand the “Audio inputs and outputs.”
- Right-click on the Razer BlackShark V2 microphone.
- Click on “Update driver” and wait for the installation.
It’s very simple and if everything went the way it’s supposed to, your mic quality must be better!
5. Shorten the Wireless Signal Distance
So, if you’re using your Razer BlackShark V2 with a wireless dongle, the distance between your computer and headset is essential for the input/output.
If your BlackShark V2 headset is too far away from the wireless dongle while you’re wearing it, chances are your mic won’t sound good.
So, if needed, stay right next to the wireless dongle while using the Razer BlackShark V2, and test whether your microphone will perform better.
If not, continue reading…
6. Connect to Different 3.5 mm Mic Port
If you’re using a wired Razer BlackShark V2 Pro connection to your PC, know that there are two 3.5 mm microphone ports.
One on the front (chassis) and one on the motherboard on the back of the computer.
So, one quick way to rule out a defective microphone port is to connect your Razer BlackShark V2 to the other one, and then run a microphone test to check the recording.
If that’s not working either, there is one more thing you can do!
7. Tighten the 3.5 mm AUX Connectors
If you use your Razer BlackShark V2 connected via a 3.5 mm AUX cable to your PC, you must inspect a few key points.
The Razer headset’s AUX connector plugs into the extension, which has a double 3.5 mm end, respectively connecting to the mic and audio output computer port.
What you’re interested in is the connection from the headset’s AUX to the extension cable and the cable’s connection to the microphone computer port.
We recommend twisting and rotating the 3.5 mm AUX connector while recording with your mic, to check whether the issue comes from the connection.
According to many users, over time the AUX connection becomes loose, which results in muffled recording or constant hissing/buzzing.
Quick Note: If you have another AUX extension cable, test by implementing it into your setup!
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Mic Sounds Bad on Discord?
If you’re mainly using Discord to communicate with your Razer BlackShark V2, the problem is typically in the settings.
So, we’re going to walk you through all microphone settings available in Discord and assist you in configuring them correctly to sound nice and smooth while speaking.
- To access the mic settings in Discord, click on the cogwheel (User Settings), next to your icon and go to Voice & Video on the right tab.
When inside the options, scroll down chronologically and follow the instructions:
1. Input Mode – Voice Activity
The input mode is whether you want your mic to be enabled all the time or when you press a button, so set this one to “Voice Activity” for automatic detection.
2. Echo Cancellation – Disabled
The echo cancellation option reduces the echoing effect during conversations and can make your microphone sound bad, especially if there are background noises.
So, we recommend disabling this option and testing if your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone will sound better.
3. Noise Suppression – Disabled
This is a very convenient option that actively reduces the background noises from the mic of your BlackShark V2 such as air conditioning or fridge buzzing.
However, this option can make your microphone sound bad, so we recommend disabling the noise suppression and testing.
4. Automatic Gain Control – Disabled
If you’ve followed our instructions for adjusting the Synapse 3 settings, your microphone already has an automatic gain adjustment.
So, you don’t need this one enabled in Discord as well, so go ahead and disable the automatic gain control.
When you’re ready with these options, leave the other by default, and test your microphone!
Wrapping Up
Hence, if your Razer BlackShark V2 mic sounds bad, you must first upgrade the headset’s firmware build and start configuring the settings.
So, start with the Windows input outputs, then configure the Synapse 3 settings, and if using Discord, adjust the audio options there as well.
If your mic still sounds bad, inspect the wired/wireless connection or update your mic drivers!
Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.