In Windows 11, set the gaming soundbar as the playback device and the detachable microphone as the input device separately. Test both in Windows before changing enhancements, spatial audio, or Bluetooth formats. The reliable starting point is: soundbar selected under Output, microphone selected under Input, enhancements off while troubleshooting, and spatial audio enabled only if it sounds better in your particular game and connection.
Start with the two selectors that matter
Open Settings > System > Sound. The page has independent Output and Input sections. Choosing a soundbar for playback does not automatically choose a detachable microphone for game chat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you want to do | Windows 11 setting | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Hear games, music and system sounds | Output > select the soundbar | The soundbar is connected, powered on and not muted. |
| Transmit your voice | Input > select the detachable microphone | The input meter responds when you speak. |
| Choose a per-app device | Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer | The game or chat app is not assigned to a different output or input. |
You can also open the taskbar sound selector and choose the preferred playback device there. Use the full Sound page when you need input controls, device properties, testing, or troubleshooting.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Connect and select the soundbar
Wired or USB soundbar
- Connect the soundbar to the PC using its required cable and switch it on.
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the soundbar by its Windows device name.
- Play a system sound or a short game clip. Raise the Windows volume and the soundbar’s physical volume independently.
If Windows lists several similar devices, select the one that corresponds to the active cable or USB connection. A monitor, headset, motherboard audio output and soundbar can all appear at the same time.
#1 Best Overall
- PC Soundbar with Full-Range Drivers: Armed with two full-range drivers and two passive radiators, the Leviathan V2 X delivers a riveting audio experience across all your entertainment.Waterproof : No
- Compact Desktop Form Factor: The most compact soundbar in our Leviathan V2 range fits perfectly beneath your monitor for a clutter-free desktop
- USB Type C Power and Audio Delivery: Powered by a single USB Type C cable to deliver dynamic audio with a volume output of up to 90Db and enables for an easy setup
- Bluetooth 5.0: Enjoy smooth, stutter-free sound with a low-latency Bluetooth connection, as you switch seamlessly between your PC and your preferred mobile device that’s conveniently paired via the Razer Audio App
- Powered by Razer Chroma RGB: With 14 lighting zones, countless patterns, dynamic in-game lighting effects—experience full RGB customization and deeper immersion with the world’s largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices
Bluetooth soundbar
- Pair the soundbar in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, then confirm it is connected.
- Return to Settings > System > Sound and choose it under Output.
- Confirm that the soundbar itself is on the correct Bluetooth input and is not still listening to a television, phone or another paired source.
Bluetooth devices sometimes remain paired but disconnected. If the soundbar is absent from Output, disconnect it from other nearby hosts, toggle Bluetooth off and on, and reconnect it before changing audio processing.
Select and test the detachable microphone
Choose the microphone in Windows
- In Settings > System > Sound, scroll to Input.
- Select the detachable microphone. If several microphones are listed, use its name rather than leaving Windows on Default.
- Open the microphone’s properties.
- Choose Start test, speak at your normal gaming-chat distance, stop the test, and play the recorded sample.
- Adjust Input volume until your voice is clear without clipping or excessive background noise.
Test the microphone’s own mute switch as well as the Windows mute control. A hardware mute indicator can show that the microphone is muted even while Windows displays the device normally.
Set the microphone in the game and chat app
After Windows passes its test, open the game’s audio or voice-chat settings and select the same microphone there. Many applications keep their own input choice and can ignore the Windows default. If Windows records your voice but the game does not, check the app’s selected input, voice-activation threshold, push-to-talk key and microphone permission.
Rank #2
- Surge Stereo Sound - 4 large amplifier IC horns! Computer speakers achieved Distortion Free and Noiseless in stunning sound. Immersive cinema effect for movies, videos, games and music.
- Touch Angular Game Lights - Unique Dynamic Angular Game Atmosphere design! Desktop speaker with latest One Touch to turn on/off lights, avoid the traditional cumbersome button design.
- All In One Compact - Fits any desktop computer! Perfectly under the monitor without taking up any extra desktop space. Cables are glued together to avoid desktop clutter.
- Plug And Play - No need for any driver! Must Plug in the USB powered cable and 3.5mm audio cable to enjoy now! Top volume knob for easier volume adjustment.
- Type C Adapter Included & Compatibility - USB speakers match computers, desktops, PCs, laptops. Suitable for windows(Vista/7/8/10), Mac OS, Chrome OS, etc.
Windows microphone privacy controls are under Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Make sure microphone access, access for desktop apps, and access for the affected game or chat application are enabled. Restart the application after changing permission.
Use a clean baseline before enabling processing
For an unspecified soundbar, microphone, PC and game, there is no universal best enhancement setting. Start with processing disabled so you can identify connection or level problems first.
Disable enhancements when diagnosing problems
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Select the soundbar under Output, then open its properties.
- Find the Audio enhancements control and set it to Off while testing.
- Repeat the test in the game or with a known clean audio clip.
Enhancements can contribute to distortion, crackling, unstable loudness or a sound that is too quiet on some devices. Turning them off is a troubleshooting test, not a rule that every soundbar should permanently run without processing. If the clean baseline is stable, test one enhancement at a time and keep only settings that improve clarity without changing levels unpredictably.
Rank #3
- 【Hi-Fi Sound Quality】Featuring dual drivers and dual diaphragms, these computer speakers deliver a harmonious blend of high-pitched notes and deep bass. With anti-magnetic technology eliminating static interference, you'll enjoy a crisper, more immersive audio journey.
- 【2 Ways to Connect】No need to worry about this computer soundbar not being compatible with your existing devices. Featuring both a 3.5mm headphone plug and Bluetooth 5.0 function, connects effortlessly with your preferred device.
- 【Relaxing Ambiance Lights】Gentle light strips complement the avant-garde design of the computer speaker, elevating your auditory experience, and adding a touch of elegance to your desk.
- 【Simple USB-powered】Simply plug into a USB port - be it from a laptop, PC, power bank, or adapter, and the computer soundbar powers on instantly. No additional drivers or software required, just plug and play.
- 【Compact Profile Design】Slim and futuristic design, which allows the Bluedee computer soundbar to fit neatly below your computer monitor without taking up much desk space; The speaker measures 16.4" W x 2.6" D x 2.6" H.
Check levels before blaming the soundbar
- Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer and verify the master volume and the game’s individual volume.
- Check that the game, browser or chat app is not muted.
- Confirm the correct output is assigned to the app; an application can use a different device from the system default.
- Check the soundbar’s physical volume, mute state and input source.
- Unplug and reconnect a loose cable, or remove and re-pair a Bluetooth connection.
Spatial sound: an optional comparison, not a guaranteed upgrade
Windows 11 can expose spatial-sound choices for a selected playback device. Microsoft’s named built-in option is Windows Sonic for Headphones; Dolby Access and DTS Sound Unbound are additional options that may appear when supported. The Windows Sonic label is explicitly headphone-oriented, so do not assume it is optimized for every soundbar.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteHow to test spatial sound fairly
- Select the soundbar under Settings > System > Sound.
- Open the device’s spatial-sound control. You can also access the playback device from the taskbar sound selector and its properties.
- Record the baseline with spatial sound Off.
- Enable the available mode, play the same game section or audio clip, and compare it at a similar volume.
- Keep the mode that gives you clearer dialogue, more useful positional cues and stable volume. Turn it off if it adds echo, hollow effects, excessive bass or confusing directionality.
| Comparison | Listen for | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial sound off | Natural voices, consistent volume and no added reverberation | Use this when processing masks footsteps, dialogue or music detail. |
| Available spatial mode on | More useful front/back or height cues without distortion | Use it only if the actual soundbar and game produce a convincing improvement. |
Games can also have their own surround, binaural or headphone virtualization options. Avoid stacking multiple virtualizers without testing: a game effect combined with Windows processing and a soundbar’s own mode can produce an exaggerated or indistinct result.
Bluetooth settings and the stereo-versus-mono problem
Try a basic format only as a diagnostic
For Bluetooth troubleshooting, Microsoft documents trying a two-channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz format. Treat that as a diagnostic option, not a guaranteed optimum for every Bluetooth soundbar. If changing the format fixes silence, glitches or unstable playback, keep the working value; otherwise return to the device’s normal supported setting.
Rank #4
- Rich Sounds & Look - The first Redragon RGB sound bar has the upgraded driver that delivers clear and crystal sound quality combined with rich bass. 4 different backlit modes includes both dynamic and static glowing LED illumination.
- Lightshow Projection - What's better than play your favorite music while gaming or working? An illuminating backlight show sync to the playing music. Classic with RGB, you can sit and watch this all day.
- Bounce to Daylight - Easy to place it underneath any device you have, about 16 inches compact size suits perfect for your audio system. Whether you’re feeling Wave, Disco, Rain, or something in-between, start bouncing with your music today.
- Handy Volume Knob - Delicate and compact volume knob combined with on/off switch offers you a convenient and precise volume adjustment.
- Plug & Play for Broad Compatibility - USB powered with 3.5mm audio cables allows this rockstar to party on wide type of stages for PC, TV, Laptop and Smartphone. Get it all connected well on your device and spice up your next party.
To reach format controls, select the Bluetooth soundbar in Settings > System > Sound, open its properties and look for the format or advanced device controls. The labels can vary by driver and Windows build.
Why active microphone use can reduce Bluetooth playback
Bluetooth audio has separate playback and microphone behaviors. Stereo playback while the microphone is active over Bluetooth LE Audio is conditional, not a general feature of every Bluetooth connection.
Microsoft identifies all of these requirements:
- Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer.
- A PC with factory-integrated LE Audio support.
- Suitable manufacturer drivers.
- A compatible LE Audio peripheral.
On a compatible system, Windows may show a Format when microphone is active control. If that control is missing, Microsoft says the system does not support the stereo-while-microphone feature, and audio may be mono when the microphone is in use. Do not apply these requirements to wired, USB or ordinary non-LE Bluetooth connections.
Best Value
- Multi-Driver PC Soundbar & Subwoofer: Packed with 2 full-range drivers, a down-firing subwoofer, and more, this all-in-one sound system is designed to provide full-range, high-fidelity sound that elevates your audio experience.Waterproof : No
- THX Spatial Audio: Advanced 7.1 surround sound delivers audio with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for a more realistic and detailed soundstage that makes movies, games, and music truly come alive
- Compact Desktop Form Factor: Fits perfectly beneath a monitor to keep desktops clutter-free, while detachable rubber feet keep it angled towards you for minimal audio obstruction
- Bluetooth 5.2: Enjoy smooth, stutter-free sound with a low-latency Bluetooth connection, as you switch from your PC to as many as 8 other devices conveniently paired via the Razer Audio App
- Powered by Razer Chroma: With 18 lighting zones, countless patterns, dynamic in-game lighting effects—experience full RGB customization and deeper immersion with the world’s largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices
What to do when stereo glitches
- Confirm that the soundbar is the selected Output device and the detachable microphone is the selected Input device.
- Check whether Format when microphone is active is available in the Bluetooth device’s properties.
- If stereo is available but the soundbar loses audio, stutters or behaves erratically when chat starts, try the mono option.
- Compare a stable mono conversation with unstable stereo playback. For competitive chat, reliable voice and game audio are usually more useful than a nominal stereo mode that repeatedly drops out.
- If the control is absent, do not attempt to force LE Audio through unrelated format settings; use a supported wired or USB path, or accept the Bluetooth device’s available behavior.
These LE Audio conditions do not describe every Bluetooth headset or soundbar. The exact Bluetooth profile, Windows version, PC hardware, driver and accessory determine what controls appear.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Recommended starting profiles
| Use case | Output | Input | Enhancements | Spatial sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First setup on any connection | Soundbar selected in Windows | Detachable microphone selected and Windows test passed | Off while diagnosing | Off for the baseline |
| Stable wired or USB gaming | Soundbar and correct app assignment | Detachable microphone selected in Windows and the game | Test individually after baseline | Compare off with the available supported mode |
| Bluetooth soundbar with microphone active | Soundbar selected and connected to the PC | Detachable microphone selected | Off during connection troubleshooting | Test only after playback is stable |
| LE Audio stereo-capable setup | Bluetooth LE Audio soundbar | Compatible microphone path and drivers | Off initially | Compare after stereo stability is confirmed |
| LE Audio setup with dropouts | Keep the soundbar selected | Keep the microphone selected | Off | Use the stable mode |
Troubleshoot by symptom
The soundbar is not listed
- Check power, cable seating, the soundbar’s selected input and the PC port.
- For Bluetooth, confirm pairing and disconnect the soundbar from other hosts.
- Open the taskbar sound selector and the full Sound page; one view can reveal a device that is not currently the default.
- Reconnect the device and restart the game after Windows recognizes it.
Windows shows the soundbar, but there is no sound
- Raise both Windows and physical soundbar volume.
- Check master and per-app levels in Volume mixer.
- Remove mute states and verify that the game is assigned to the soundbar.
- Turn enhancements off and retry.
- For Bluetooth, try the documented two-channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz diagnostic format.
The microphone test is silent
- Confirm the detachable microphone is selected under Input.
- Check its hardware mute switch, connector and cable.
- Raise Input volume and run Start test again.
- Review microphone privacy permissions.
- Close applications that may have exclusive control, then reopen the game or chat app.
Windows hears the microphone, but game chat does not
- Select the microphone inside the game’s voice settings instead of relying on Default.
- Check push-to-talk, voice-activation threshold and the game’s mute state.
- Verify that the game has microphone permission and restart it after permission changes.
- Make sure the game did not switch to a monitor, webcam or soundbar microphone.
Audio becomes mono when chat starts
This is expected on some Bluetooth configurations. Check whether the system meets the Windows 11 24H2, factory LE Audio, driver and peripheral requirements and whether the Format when microphone is active control exists. If not, mono may be the supported behavior. If the control exists but stereo glitches, compare stereo and mono and retain the stable option.
Audio crackles, distorts or changes volume
- Turn enhancements off.
- Test with the same game clip at a moderate volume.
- Check for a loose cable, competing Bluetooth connection or incorrect soundbar input.
- Re-test with spatial sound off before enabling it again.
- Change only one setting at a time so you know which change affected the result.
A repeatable test routine after every change
Use the same short game sequence or audio clip for each comparison. First verify that the soundbar plays cleanly with enhancements and spatial sound off. Next run the Windows microphone test and listen to the sample. Then enter the game, test voice chat, and only afterward compare one processing option. For Bluetooth, repeat the comparison while the microphone is actively transmitting; idle playback does not reveal the stereo-versus-mono limitation.
Write down the working output device, input device, enhancement state, spatial mode and Bluetooth format. This makes it easier to restore a known-good setup after a driver update, device reconnection or game change.
When a different microphone connection makes sense
If the detachable microphone is not detected or works in Windows but fails in the target application, a USB gaming microphone can be an optional alternative. Windows still requires you to select it under Input, run Start test, adjust Input volume and choose it in the game. Check the PC’s available ports, the application’s supported devices and the soundbar’s connection before buying; compatibility depends on that specific hardware and software combination.
The Bottom Line
Set the soundbar under Output and the detachable microphone under Input, test both in Windows, and leave enhancements and spatial sound off until the baseline works. Then compare processing on the actual game and connection. Bluetooth LE Audio stereo during active microphone use requires Windows 11 24H2 or newer plus compatible PC support, drivers and peripheral hardware; when stereo is unstable or unsupported, use the stable mode rather than chasing a nominal setting.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
