Corsair Headset Sounds Muffled: Causes & Fixes

While gaming with a great Corsair headset, you should be able to hear everything in surround sound from the lightest footstep to the most thundering explosion. So, it becomes quite dissatisfying when its sound output is muffled or indistinct.

While some Corsair headset users have reported having this issue after opening the box, the muffled sound issue is also common among old users.

But, so you can get back to enjoying optimal sound during gaming sessions, we will cover the common reasons why your Corsair headset is producing muffled sounds and what you can do about it.

Corsair Headset Sounds Muffled: Likely Causes

Here are some common reasons why your Corsair Headset sounds muffled:

1. Incorrect Audio and Equalizer settings

If the equalizer settings are not configured correctly for your headset or set too low, it can cause muffled sounds. You should configure the audio settings in the iCUE software in such a way that they suit your ear.

2. Frayed or Broken Wire

If your Corsair headset is wired, checking if its the wire has become frayed or broken might do the trick. To check for this, try wiggling the cable on both ends and see if that alters your audio output. If you notice no change, inspect the audio jack for any visible signs of damage or corrosion as this too can cause muffled sounds.

3. Multi-Bluetooth Pairing

For the best audio quality, you should pair your Corsair headset with only one device at a time. Pairing your device to multiple Bluetooth devices can result in interference, which can affect the quality of the audio.

Additionally, having multiple Bluetooth devices in close proximity can also cause interference, as the Bluetooth signals can interfere with each other and cause distortion, stuttering, latency, or dropouts in audio.

4. Abnormalities in Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause muffled sounds. So, make sure that the audio drivers for your headset are up to date and functioning properly.

5. Corsair Firmware Needs Update

Firmware updates, for the most part, contain bug fixes, stability improvements, and security adjustments. Corsair updates may also come with improved compatibility with various audio devices/sources, plus features that old versions lack. Read on as we will cover how to update your headset quickly.

6. Is the Problem with the Microphone’s Output?

If it’s the microphone that’s producing a muffled sound, avoid placing it too close to your mouth. Also, if the microphone’s gain/volume is too high, it can cause a muffled sound. Adjust the microphone settings on your computer or in the Corsair software to improve sound quality.

Corsair Headset Sounds Muffled: DIY Fixes

Fixes for a Corsair headset sounding muffled range from a simple adjustment of the headset’s settings to updating its firmware. We’ve outlined them here for you:

1. Adjust your Headset Audio Settings

You should configure the equalizer settings in the computer or in the Corsair software to something that suits your ear. If you’re using iCUE version 4 and newer, follow these steps to add your own preset:

1. Launch iCUE.
2. Choose your headset from the home screen.
3. Select Equalizer on the left-hand menu.
4. Click the add button (+) in the EQ Presets section.
5. Rename your new EQ Preset by double-clicking on its default name.
6. Adjust the audio to your desired preferences by using the sliders located in the EQ Presets section.

2. Disable All Enhancements

If your Windows laptop has audio enhancement turned on, you should consider turning it off as this may be interfering with your headsets settings. To disable sound enhancements on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound.
2. Select Sound and find the Speakers option on the list.
3. Double-click on Speakers to open the Properties window.
4. Click on the Enhancements tab.
5. Check the “Disable all enhancements” box if it is not already checked.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes. This should disable all sound enhancements and improve the sound quality.

3. Take Care of the Battery

The battery level of the headphones can affect the audio quality. Should the battery be low, it can cause the sound to be muffled or distorted at times.

To fix this issue, you should try charging the battery of your headphones (ensuring that the connection port turns green). If you’ve been a regular user, be sure that the batteries of your Corsair headset do not need replacement.

4. Troubleshoot Sound on your Windows

If you suspect that the muffled sound issue is from your Windows laptop, try troubleshooting to resolve it. To troubleshoot sound problems on Windows:

• Start by right-clicking on the sound icon located on the lower right of the Task Bar.
• Then, select “Troubleshoot sound problems.”
• If any issues are detected during the troubleshooting process, follow the recommended steps to fix the problem.

Note: You can also launch the troubleshooter from your Settings. Select Start  > Settings > System  > Sound  > Troubleshoot.

If troubleshooting does not solve the issue, try out the solutions provided below.

5. Reinstall the Audio Drivers and iCUE

The function of the Corsair iCUE software is to help you to adjust your headset’s gear. However, if the software or its driver is corrupt, it can result in sound output being muffled. To clear away this bug, you have to first uninstall the drivers, then the software, after which can now reinstall. Follow these highlighted steps:

Uninstall Drivers

• First, open the Windows Control Panel.
• Then, select Device Manager
• Choose Audio inputs and outputs.
• Right-click on your Corsair headset  and select Uninstall Device.
• After that, disconnect the headset from your computer. (Do not connect it back.)
• Restart your computer.

Uninstall iCUE software

• After restart is complete, open the Windows Control Panel.
• Select Programs and Features
• Then, right-click on the Corsair iCUE software and choose to Uninstall it.

Clear iCUE remnant files

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run command.
• Type %appdata%, then click OK.
• Delete any Corsair folders in the window that pops up.
• Open the Run command again and type %localappdata%.
• Delete any Corsair folders that appear.
• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run command.
• Type Regedit in the Run Window, then click OK.
• Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ and delete the entire Corsair folder.
• Then, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ and delete the entire Corsair folder.
• Before restarting your computer; remove the Bluetooth USB drive that connects your headset to the PC.
• Restart your computer again.

Reinstall iCUE

• Now, download the latest version of the iCUE software here. Note: If you suspect that the bug appeared only after a recent update, download a former version.
• Install the iCUE software and restart your computer for the last time.
• Once your computer has restarted, ensure that the iCUE software is running.
• Connect your headset back again and test its functionality to see if the sound is now audible.

6. Update your Corsair’s Firmware

Make sure to confirm whether a firmware update is available for your Corsair headset, because using an outdated firmware version can lead to audio issues and compatibility concerns. If it is out of date, you should follow these quick steps to update it:

1. First, connect your headset to a computer.
2. Next, open iCUE. If you don’t have iCUE, download it for your OS here: https://www.corsair.com/ww/en/s/downloads

3. Then, go to the ‘Settings’ tab and select your headset.
4. Check the ‘Force update’ option and click on the ‘Update’ button.
5. Wait for the update process to complete, and then check if your headset is working properly.

Wrap-Up

If you’ve gone through the above potential fixes and the muffled sound problem with your Corsair headset still persists, it is most likely due to a hardware issue. In this case, check your headset for any visible signs of damage or defects. If you find any, consider reaching out to Corsair support for further assistance or a possible replacement.