Issue with not being able to hear sounds coming from behind in games
Issue with not being able to hear sounds coming from behind in games
Hello. Please be aware this might not be the right place. I wasn't sure where to post it.
I struggle to detect any noises from behind my character in games. When I rotate 180 degrees toward the sound source—like an NPC speaking—the volume drops dramatically from 100% to just a few percent. This creates serious problems in FPS games. After some experimentation, I discovered that disabling "Audi enhancements" or enabling "Windows Sonic for Headphones" in the sound settings restores normal audio perception.
However, this reduces overall sound quality significantly, making it feel like playing with earplugs. Is there a solution to address this without sacrificing much audio fidelity? It seems to occur across all games, so it's not limited to any one title. My soundcard is built into the motherboard (B650 Aorus Elite Ax).
These are the kind of headphones you get when you try to fit multiple drivers into a small space.
Did you ensure all system drivers are current, such as the chipset?
Yes, all updates have been applied, including the chipset. I tried using a headset and the issue disappeared with the same settings, indicating it might be specific to my speakers. They are quite old—about 13 years—but I remain puzzled if it's a hardware problem. The headphones connect via USB while the speakers use a jack plug.
Regarding the mentioned configurations: Some extra observations: The "Windows Sonic for Headphones" setting significantly reduces overall sound quality. The "Audio enhancement" option has little to no effect, but the audio remains unrealistic—same volume across all sources regardless of distance in games—and there’s often a faint echo when NPCs speak in certain areas.
Does the audio control feature an equalizer? And does it function properly? I prefer the V equalize technique. Begin by setting the center frequency a bit higher than the default volume, then gradually increase both sides until they nearly meet at the peak. Adjust as needed to your preference.
I’m unsure what I’d do without equalization or presets, since the default flat line sounds poor.
It really made a difference. It's still not the best compared to the setting on, but thanks! Probably just what I can manage. 😊