In Escape from Tarkov, audio is arguably more important than your aim. If you can hear an enemy PMC packing a magazine in the room next to you, you win the fight before they even know you are there. However, Tarkov’s audio engine is notoriously buggy, and the default settings often make footsteps impossible to pinpoint.
The best audio settings for Tarkov require you to enable Binaural Audio in-game and completely disable any third-party 7.1 Surround Sound software in Windows. To hear footsteps clearly, you must also use the right in-game tactical headset, such as the ComTac 4 or Sordin.
Even if you have the Best Headset for Tarkov, incorrect software settings will ruin your directional audio. Here is exactly how to optimize your audio for maximum situational awareness.
1. The In-Game Audio Settings
Battlestate Games has overhauled the audio engine several times, but the core settings you need to adjust remain the same. Open your in-game settings and navigate to the Sound tab.
- Overall Volume: 100
- Interface Volume: 10 to 20 (You don’t want menu clicks deafening you).
- Chat Volume: 50
- Music Volume: 0 (Turn this completely off so you can hear footsteps while loading in).
- Hideout Volume: 10
- Binaural Audio: CHECKED (ON)
Why You MUST Enable Binaural Audio
Binaural Audio is Tarkov’s implementation of HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function). Without getting too technical, standard stereo audio only tells you if a sound is on your left or right. Binaural audio simulates how sound waves wrap around a human head, allowing you to tell if a sound is in front of you, behind you, or above you.
If you turn Binaural Audio off, distinguishing between a player on the first floor and the second floor of the Dorms is physically impossible.
2. Disable Third-Party Surround Sound
The most common mistake new players make is using the “7.1 Surround Sound” feature that comes with gaming headsets (like Logitech G-Hub or Razer Synapse).
You must turn this off. Tarkov’s Binaural Audio is designed specifically for standard stereo output (2 channels). If you force a third-party 7.1 virtual surround sound filter over the top of it, the audio signals clash. This results in incredibly muddy audio where you cannot pinpoint the direction of gunshots.
3. Windows Audio Optimization (Loudness Equalization)
Tarkov has a massive dynamic range. The sound of a grenade exploding is deafening, but the sound of someone creeping in a bush is whisper-quiet. If you turn your volume up to hear the creeping, the grenade will damage your real-life hearing.
To fix this, you can use a built-in Windows feature called Loudness Equalization (a basic audio compressor). It automatically lowers the volume of loud sounds (gunshots) and raises the volume of quiet sounds (footsteps).
How to enable it:
- Right-click the speaker icon in your Windows taskbar and click Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab and right-click your headset. Select Properties.
- Go to the Enhancements tab.
- Check the box for Loudness Equalization.
- Click Apply.
(Note: Some high-end DAC/Amps bypass this Windows menu. If you don’t see the Enhancements tab, you may need to use third-party software like Sound Lock).
4. Choosing the Right In-Game Headset
Your real-life headset matters, but the tactical headset your PMC wears in-game matters just as much. Different in-game headsets apply different EQ filters to the audio.
- ComTac 4: Widely considered the best headset in the game. It aggressively suppresses ambient noise (like wind and rain) while amplifying footsteps.
- Sordin: Excellent for players who prefer a bass-heavy sound profile. It makes footsteps sound very deep and punchy.
- GSSH-01: The cheapest headset. It makes everything incredibly loud and “crunchy,” which can be painful during firefights, but it is better than wearing nothing.
(If you want to optimize the rest of your setup, make sure your controls are properly mapped. Read our guide to the Best Escape from Tarkov Keybinds).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my real-life headset matter if I use in-game headsets?
Yes, absolutely. The in-game tactical headset (like the ComTac 4) applies an EQ filter to the game’s audio files. However, your real-life headset is what actually delivers that audio to your ears. If you use a cheap, muddy gaming headset, it won’t matter what in-game headset you wear—the audio will still sound terrible.
Why can’t I hear footsteps on stairs in Tarkov?
This is a known issue with Tarkov’s audio occlusion zones. The game struggles to process audio when players are transitioning between vertical audio zones (like stairwells). While enabling Binaural Audio helps mitigate this, vertical audio remains one of the game’s biggest technical flaws.
Should I use an external audio compressor for Tarkov?
While Windows Loudness Equalization works well, many streamers (like LVNDMARK) rely on pure, uncompressed audio to accurately judge distance. Compressors make quiet footsteps louder, which can trick your brain into thinking an enemy is right next to you when they are actually 50 meters away. Use compression to protect your hearing, but be aware it affects distance judging. (See LVNDMARK’s full setup in our LVNDMARK Tarkov Settings Guide).
