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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYou can adjust Arctis GameBuds noise control in either the Arctis Companion app or SteelSeries GG. The Companion app also has documented EQ preset steps, while SteelSeries’ sidetone instructions are general headset guidance and do not specifically confirm the control for GameBuds. Use the paths below, and avoid running two EQ processors at once.
Change GameBuds noise control
SteelSeries documents noise control in both the Companion app and GG. It is a slider for choosing how much noise cancellation to apply. The two app paths are different; SteelSeries does not establish that every setting is available in both.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In the Arctis Companion app
- Open the Companion app and go to Settings from the home screen.
- Open the EQ section.
- Move the noise-control slider to adjust how much noise cancellation you want.
In SteelSeries GG
- Connect the GameBuds to your computer over 2.4 GHz.
- Open SteelSeries GG and go to Engine and the GameBuds device settings.
- Scroll below custom EQ to find the noise-control slider, then adjust it.
See SteelSeries’ GameBud Noise Control and GameBuds Companion app overview for the documented locations.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Change an EQ preset
SteelSeries’ preset instructions cover the Companion app generally, rather than a GameBuds-specific layout. The documented route is:
#1 Best Overall
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100 presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360 SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- Connect the headset in the Companion app.
- Open the device settings and find the Equalizer settings card.
- Open Preset and tap the preset you want.
If sound distorts or clips after changing EQ, check whether EQ is active in both Sonar and Engine. SteelSeries recommends using only one EQ path at a time: set Engine EQ to Flat when using Sonar EQ, or set Sonar EQ to Flat when using Engine EQ or the mobile app. SteelSeries’ GameBuds distortion guidance also notes that console audio enhancements and spatialization can interact with EQ; the result depends on the device, settings, and game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust sidetone
Sidetone is microphone monitoring: it feeds microphone input, including your own voice, back into the headset. SteelSeries’ Companion app instructions say to connect the headset, open its device settings, find the Microphone settings card, and drag the Sidetone slider.
Rank #2
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for Xbox and console gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your Xbox, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
That guidance is for headsets generally and does not specifically name GameBuds, so it does not confirm that the sidetone slider is available in every GameBuds setup. See SteelSeries’ sidetone and Companion app instructions for its documented steps.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
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.
