Razer headsets are very popular accessories among gamers and audiophiles.
Like any electronic device, they can malfunction, which most of the time can be resolved without going through customer support.
Today, we are going to discuss the most common problems with Razer headsets and the solutions to fix them.
1. Razer Headset: Sound Problem
If your Razer headset produces poor quality sound or no sound at all, there could be several reasons: the ports or audio jack may be clogged, the connection could be poor, the volume on the headset or the playback device could be incorrectly set, or it could be caused by software problems or faulty audio drivers.
You can follow the steps below if you encounter a sound problem with your Razer headset.
If you are using a Bluetooth connection:
- Make sure your headset and audio source are correctly paired and connected.
- If you are using a computer, make sure your headset is selected as the default detected device in the settings.
If you are using a 3.5mm jack:
First, check:
- If there is a volume control on the headset itself or on the cord connecting your headset to your device, adjust the volume to make sure it is not too low.
- The system volume should not be muted or set too low.
- The jack should obviously be properly connected to your computer.
- Check that the jack and port are clean. Dirt can cause conductivity problems. Clean them if necessary by blowing into them or better yet, with a can of compressed air. If needed, a cotton swab can help you finish this little cleaning session.
Check the settings on your devices:
You must ensure that your headset is set as the default audio device on your PC:
- To access the sound settings:
- right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and choose “Sound Settings.”
- In the “Advanced” section, click on “Other Sound Settings.”
- On the window that appears, the green checkmark should be on your headset. If not, right-click on the icon representing your headset and choose “Set as Default Device.”
- If you have a balance problem:
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and choose “Sound Settings.”
- In the “Output” section, by clicking on the icon representing your headset, you will see a menu listing the properties of your headset.
- In “Output Settings,” the values of the left and right channels should be the same.
If you have enabled spatial sound enhancements such as Dolby Atmos, try disabling them to see if it corrects your sound problem. If so, try reinstalling your audio driver and Dolby Atmos or Dolby Surround software.
If your headset connects via a USB device:
- Check the cleanliness of the USB port on your machine and the USB plug on your headset. Clean them if necessary.
- If the headset is plugged into the front USB port of your machine, try plugging it into another USB port.
- Make sure your headset is set as the default audio device.
- Uninstall the headset drivers:
- Click on Win + S
- Type “Device Manager” and press Enter.
- In “Sound, video, and game controllers,” right-click on the Razer headset and select “Uninstall Device.”
- Restart your PC.
- Close the Synapse program by right-clicking on its icon in the system tray.
- Uninstall the Synapse software by going to Settings > Apps > Apps and Features. Search for “Razer” in the search bar, then uninstall all results.
- Use software like CCleaner to remove residual registries.
- Download the latest version of Synapse from the official Razer website, then install it.
2. Razer Headset: Microphone Problem
You may encounter microphone problems with Razer headsets. This could simply be due to incorrect settings, hardware malfunctions, or driver issues. Before returning your headset or using the warranty, you can perform the following checks.
Razer Kraken
- Check the audio settings on your computer:
The Razer Kraken headset should be selected as the default audio device. - Check if the headset driver is up to date:
If not, download the latest driver compatible with your operating system from the Razer website. - Check for cleanliness:
Check if the microphone is clogged or dirty, and clean it with a soft cloth.
Razer Nari
- Confirm that the microphone is enabled by going to the audio settings on your computer.
- Adjust the microphone volume to ensure it is not too low in your computer’s audio settings.
- Check the noise suppression settings: Some Razer Nari headsets have a noise suppression function, so check if it is enabled and if it affects your microphone’s quality:
- Open the Synapse software and click on the “MIC” tab.
- Test the available microphone enhancement and sensitivity options to see if an option can fix the problem.
- Update the headset driver: Always keep the driver version for your Razer Nari headset up to date.
Razer Nari Ultimate
- The microphone must be properly connected to the headset, and the microphone switch button located on the left side of the headset must be enabled.
- Ensure that the microphone is selected as the audio input device in your computer’s sound settings. You should also check that the audio input level is high enough.
- The drivers for your headset must also be up to date. Visit the brand’s website to see if updates are available.
- Sometimes, simply restarting your computer or console can resolve driver issues.
- If the microphone doesn’t work on your computer, try it on another computer or with another program to see if there is a computer or software-related problem.
Razer Kitty
- The steps to fix microphone problems on a Razer Kitty headset may be similar to those described above for the Razer Kraken.
- Make sure to properly connect the headset to your computer and check its configuration. Finally, update the driver if necessary.
Razer Blackshark
If you have a microphone problem on your Blackshark headset, after checking the connections and the cleanliness of the port and jack, you can test the headset on another computer to see if the problem is hardware-related.
If the headset microphone works on another computer, the source of the problem can only be software-related. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by checking your computer’s sound settings. The microphone must be selected as the audio input device in your computer’s sound settings. It is also necessary that the volume level is high enough for your PC to hear your voice.
- If the brand’s website indicates an available update, update the driver.
- Switch to another USB port if necessary.
Razer Electra
With the Razer Electra headset, the microphone may not be recognized as the default input device. Here, a simple connection check and a driver update are often enough to solve the problem.
If necessary, you can follow these steps to configure the microphone on your Razer Electra as the default input device:
- Right-click the sound icon in the bottom right of your screen.
- Click on “Audio Settings”.
- In the sound settings, go to the “Input” tab. If your Razer Electra headset microphone is not selected as the default input device, select it.
- Check the audio input level. Adjust it to ensure that the microphone is recording properly.
If you still encounter microphone problems after taking these measures, it is possible that the microphone has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Contact Razer’s technical support for assistance.
3. My Razer headset isn’t working
If your Razer headset isn’t turning on or working properly, don’t panic! It could be a minor issue that you can fix yourself.
Razer Kraken
If your Razer Kraken headset is no longer producing sound, start by checking if it’s set as the default device on your computer: press Windows + R simultaneously, then enter the mmsys.cpl function to display the list of output devices and click OK.
Under the Recording tab, right-click and check the two display boxes (disabled devices and disconnected devices). Then, right-click on your headset and set it as the default device.
If you can’t find your headset on the list of devices, check the connections. If necessary, clean the jacks and ports with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol (PC off).
If the problem persists, you can consider updating the audio driver.
Razer Nari
If your Razer Nari headset isn’t turning on, even after trying to charge it, it’s likely a battery issue located in the right side of your headset. If your headset is still under warranty, it’s best to have the retailer intervene.
If your headset is no longer under warranty, you can try to disassemble it and check if the battery is functioning. To do this, you can use a multimeter and check if there is voltage coming out of the negative and positive terminals of the battery. If the battery is functioning, it’s likely a loose connection between the battery and the headset. You can reconnect everything, making sure everything is properly positioned in the headset.
Razer Nari Ultimate
If your Razer Nari Ultimate headset isn’t working, the problem may be similar to that of the Razer Nari headset. Have it covered by the warranty or check the battery’s status and look for a possible loose connection.
Razer Kitty
The Razer Kitty is a derivative of the Razer Kraken. As with the latter, you need to check if your headset has been selected as the default input and output device. You should also check if your audio drivers are up to date and that the software provided by Razer with your headset is properly installed.
Razer Blackshark
If your Razer Blackshark headset isn’t working properly or not at all, the software may be the culprit. To be sure, try plugging in your headset using the jack plug. If you hear sound, you probably have a problem with your headset’s software.
Uninstall the Synapse software, then download the latest version from the Razer website. Once downloaded, you can reinstall it following the recommendations displayed on the screen.
This is also an opportunity to update the firmware of your headset in case it needs to be updated. To do this, you can go to the Synapse settings, click on Firmware Update, and select the headset you want to update.
It is entirely possible to update your headset’s firmware without going through Synapse by downloading it directly from the Razer website and following the instructions displayed on the screen.
Razer Electra
If your Razer Electra headset is no longer detected by your PC and isn’t working properly, this may be a driver issue. Indeed, several users have complained about a conflict between your computer’s audio driver and Razer’s THX studio or Synapse software.
To do a clean installation of your Razer Electra headset, follow the steps below:
- Press Win + I, then go to Apps > Apps & Features.
- Uninstall Synapse and all software related to your Razer Electra headset.
- Remove all residual registries using software like CCleaner.
- Download the latest version of Synapse from the official Razer website.
- Go to the device manager, then right-click on
4. My Razer headset only works on one side
There could be several reasons why your Razer headset only works on one side. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot:
- Is the headset properly connected to your computer or mobile device? Also, check that the connections are correct and that the cables are not damaged.
- Check your volume settings, as sometimes the sound may be muted on one side.
- Adjust the volume of your device correctly:
- Press Win + I, then go to Sound > All audio devices.
- In the Output devices section, select your Razer headset.
- In Output settings, the left and right channels should have the same values.
- Make sure that your headset drivers are up-to-date and installed correctly. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
- Clean the jack plugs or USB port, as dirt or dust may be affecting the performance of your headset. Try cleaning the plugs with a soft cloth or a cotton swab.
- Check the cord for loose connections. This is particularly relevant if the headset works when you move the cord. If this is the case, use your warranty if possible or consult a repair technician.
5. My Razer headset won’t turn on
If your Razer headset won’t turn on, here are some things to check:
- Connections:
Make sure that the headset is properly connected to your computer or playback device. Also, check that the connections are not damaged or disconnected. - Drivers:
Ensure that your headset drivers are up-to-date and installed correctly. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. - Battery:
If your headset is powered by a battery, it may need to be charged.
6. Echo problem on my Razer headset
Make sure that “Listen to this device” is not selected.
- Go to Control Panel > Sound > Recording > Properties > Listen.
- Uncheck “Listen to this device.”
- You can ensure that the sensitivity levels are not set too high or too amplified.
- Check Control Panel > Sound > Recording > Properties > Levels.
- Adjust the sensitivity level.
- Ensure that only one voice chat application is used during the game.
- Select the appropriate microphone:
- Following the path Control Panel > Sound > Recording, select the microphone of your headset.
- Set it as the default and communication device.
Ensure that your computer supports the combined audio jack. Otherwise, use the included audio and microphone splitter cable.
7. How to set up your Razer headset?
Razer Synapse software is a powerful tool for configuring and customizing the settings of your Razer headset. Always be curious to test the different options to have an optimal experience when using your headset.
Razer Kraken
To set up your Razer Kraken headset, you first need to connect it to your computer or game console using the provided audio cable. Once connected, you need to install the Synapse configuration software on your computer.
This software will allow you to customize audio settings, such as bass and treble, as well as configure button controls and game profiles.
You will also need to select the Razer Kraken as the default audio device on your computer or game console for the configuration settings to be applied.
Razer Nari
Setting up the Razer Nari headset is similar to that of the Razer Kraken. You must first connect the headset to your computer or game console using the provided audio cable. Then, you need to install the Razer Synapse configuration software on your computer. This software will allow you to customize audio settings, such as bass and treble, as well as configure button controls and game profiles.
You will also need to select the Razer Nari as the default audio device on your computer or game console for the configuration settings to be applied.
Razer Nari Ultimate
To set up your Razer Nari Ultimate headset correctly, you can follow the same procedures as for the standard Razer Nari.
Razer Kitty
Since the Razer Kitty is derived from the Kraken, you can refer to the Razer Kraken setup procedure to learn more.
Razer Blackshark
To fully enjoy the capabilities of the Razer BlackShark headset, here are some steps to configure the headset:
- Connect the headset to your computer or game console using the provided audio cable.
- Download and install the Synapse configuration software on your computer. This software will allow you to customize audio settings, such as bass and treble, as well as configure button controls and game profiles.
- Select the Razer BlackShark as the default audio device on your computer or game console for the configuration settings to be applied.
- Use the Synapse configuration options to adjust audio settings according to your preferences. You can use profile presets for various types of games (FPS, RPG, etc.) or create your own custom profiles.
- To use the built-in microphone correctly, activate the desired configuration options in Synapse. You can adjust microphone noise suppression and amplification settings there.
- Enjoy your game with 7.1 surround sound for maximum immersion.
Razer Electra
To configure the Razer Electra headset with Synapse software, follow these steps:
- Connect the headset to your computer using the provided audio cable.
- Open the Razer Synapse software on your PC. If it is not already installed on your machine, download it from the Razer website.
- Click on the Devices tab in the left menu.
- Select the Razer Electra from the list of connected devices.
- Audio configuration options are accessible via the Audio tab. Adjust settings such as volume, bass, and treble. You can also make adjustments based on various game types.
- To access microphone configuration options, click on the Microphone tab. The microphone can be enabled or disabled there. You can adjust volume and noise suppression settings.
- Click on the Profiles tab to create and save custom profiles for different game types or applications.
- To save changes and apply them to the headset, simply click Apply.
8. How to reset your Razer headset?
There are two ways to reset a Razer headset:
- Software reset:
To reset your headset settings, plug it into your computer and open Synapse software. Then, select your headset from the list of connected devices and go to the Settings tab. Once on this page, select “Reset” to restore all settings to their default values. - Hardware reset:
If the software reset of your headset does not work, you can try a hardware reset. To do this, unplug the headset from your computer or game console, press and hold the reset button (if available) for about 10 seconds, then release the button and reconnect the headset.
Once the headset is recognized by your computer or game console, the default settings of your headset will be restored, and the problem should be fixed. If you cannot find the reset button, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your headset for more information on how to reset the hardware.
It is important to note that the steps to configure a Razer headset may vary depending on the model. It is recommended to consult the user guide provided to see specific instructions for your model.