In a 6v6 hero shooter, audio cues are your only warning that a devastating ultimate ability is about to wipe your team. If your game volume is drowned out by loud music or teammate chatter, you will die to abilities you never heard coming.
The best audio settings for Marvel Rivals require you to turn Music Volume down to 0% and maximize Sound Effects (SFX) and Voice-Over volume. This ensures that enemy footsteps and ultimate voice lines are the loudest things in your mix.
This is part of our complete Marvel Rivals Settings and Gear Guide (2026): see the full setup for mouse, keyboard, monitor, headset, and every settings recommendation in one place.
Even if you have the Best Headset for Marvel Rivals, the raw in-game audio mix will get you killed if left on default. Here is exactly how to optimize your audio for maximum competitive advantage.
1. The In-Game Audio Settings
Before you queue up for competitive, open your settings menu and navigate to the Audio tab. You need to isolate the tactical sounds from the cinematic fluff.
- Master Volume: 100%
- Sound Effects (SFX) Volume: 100% (This controls footsteps and weapon firing).
- Voice-Over Volume: 80% (This controls Ultimate callouts. You MUST hear when an enemy pops their ultimate).
- Music Volume: 0% (In-game music is a massive distraction during a clutch situation).
- UI Volume: 30% (Menu clicks don’t need to be deafening).
2. Voice Chat Settings (Comms Win Games)
If you are playing Ranked, you must communicate with your team to coordinate ultimate combos. Navigate to the Voice Chat tab.
- Output Device: Default System Device
- Input Device: Select your specific microphone.
- Incoming Voice Chat Volume: 60% (Do not let screaming teammates drown out game audio).
- Mic Volume: 80%
- Voice Activation Mode: Push to Talk
Crucial Tip: Never use “Open Mic” in Marvel Rivals. The loud “clack” of your mechanical keyboard will annoy your teammates and cause them to mute you. (If your keyboard is too loud, read our guide to the 5 Best Linear Switches for Gaming to find quieter options).
3. Windows Audio Optimization
Marvel Rivals has a massive dynamic range. The sound of Hulk smashing the ground is deafening, but the sound of Loki flanking is quiet.
To fix this, use a built-in Windows feature called Loudness Equalization (a basic audio compressor). It automatically lowers the volume of loud sounds and raises the volume of quiet sounds.
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 and click Apply.
(Once your audio is perfectly dialed in, make sure your visual settings aren’t holding you back. Read our guide to the Best Video Settings for Marvel Rivals).
Windows Sound Settings for Marvel Rivals
Windows applies its own processing before audio reaches your headset. Checking these settings helps make sure the game’s sound reaches your ears without unwanted changes.
Spatial Sound Options
Windows offers spatial sound formats such as Windows Sonic for Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, and DTS Headphone:X. You can find them under Settings > System > Sound > your output device > Spatial audio.
These formats can make positional sound feel wider. They can also add reverb or shift where sounds seem to come from, which some players find less precise.
We recommend starting with spatial sound turned off, then testing Windows Sonic in a practice match to see if it improves your sense of direction. If footsteps feel harder to place or sound muddy, turn it off again.
Disabling Audio Enhancements
Audio enhancements include features like bass boost, virtual surround, and room correction. These can change the frequency balance and add delay.
You can turn them off by opening your output device in Sound settings and setting Audio enhancements to Off. On some systems, the option appears as a checkbox labeled “Disable all enhancements” in the legacy Sound Control Panel.
We suggest disabling them unless you use a specific enhancement on purpose. A clean signal makes it easier to judge your own EQ changes.
Sample Rate
The sample rate setting is under your device properties in the Advanced tab of the Sound Control Panel. Common options include 16-bit or 24-bit at 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz.
We recommend 24-bit, 48000 Hz for most headsets. Higher rates are unlikely to improve in-game positional audio and may cause issues with some USB devices or software.
Loudness Equalization: Pros and Cons
Loudness equalization reduces the gap between quiet and loud sounds. It is often found in the Enhancements tab for Realtek and some other drivers.
The main benefit is that quiet sounds, such as distant footsteps, become easier to hear. It can also help in a match where explosions and ultimates would otherwise drown out smaller cues.
The downside is that it compresses the whole mix. Loud and quiet sounds end up closer in volume, which can make it harder to judge distance, and it may cause pumping when a loud sound plays.
We consider it a reasonable option for players who struggle with quiet cues. Competitive players who rely on distance judgment may prefer to leave it off.
EQ for Footsteps, Flying Heroes, and Ultimate Voice Lines
A 6v6 fight can produce many overlapping sounds at once. An equalizer lets you raise the frequencies that carry useful information and lower the ones that cover them up.
Key Frequency Ranges
- 20 to 120 Hz (sub-bass and bass): Explosions, impacts, and heavy ability sounds. Too much here can mask other cues.
- 120 to 500 Hz (low mids): Body and weight of sounds. Excess can make the mix sound muddy.
- 500 Hz to 2 kHz (mids): Much of the core of voices and many ability sounds.
- 2 to 5 kHz (upper mids): Clarity for voice lines and the attack of footsteps.
- 5 to 8 kHz (presence and lower treble): Detail in footsteps, movement sounds, and some airborne effects.
- 8 kHz and above (treble): Air and sparkle. Too much can sound harsh and cause fatigue.
A Simple Starter Curve
You can apply this curve in your headset software or a system-wide EQ app. We suggest small changes and adjusting from there.
- 60 Hz: -3 dB
- 250 Hz: -2 dB
- 1 kHz: 0 dB
- 3 kHz: +2 dB
- 6 kHz: +3 dB
- 10 kHz: 0 to +1 dB
Lowering the bass and low mids reduces the masking from explosions. Raising the 3 to 6 kHz range helps footsteps, movement from flying heroes, and ultimate voice lines stand out.
If the sound becomes sharp or tiring, reduce the 6 kHz boost by 1 or 2 dB. Lowering your overall volume after boosting can also prevent distortion.
Headset vs IEM for a Hero Shooter
Both headsets and in-ear monitors (IEMs) can work well for Marvel Rivals. The better choice depends on comfort, fit, and how you use your setup.
Headsets
Gaming headsets often include a built-in microphone, which is useful for team communication. Many also come with companion software for EQ.
Open-back headsets tend to offer a wider sense of space, which can help with positional audio. Closed-back models block more outside noise but may feel less open.
IEMs
IEMs sit inside the ear canal and can provide strong noise isolation when the ear tips fit well. Many models offer detailed treble and mids, which suits footstep and voice line clarity.
IEMs usually need a separate microphone for voice chat. Some players also find long sessions uncomfortable, and a poor tip fit can reduce bass and change the sound.
Our Recommendation
We suggest a headset for players who want an all-in-one setup with a mic. IEMs are a good option for players who already use a separate microphone and want isolation and detail.
Audio Cues Worth Learning
Good settings help most when you know what to listen for. Learning a few categories of cues can improve your awareness during busy fights.
Ultimate Callouts
Heroes typically play distinct voice lines when using their ultimates. Enemy and allied lines often sound different, which tells you which team is activating one.
We recommend learning the ultimate voice lines for the heroes you face most. Recognizing them quickly gives you more time to react, reposition, or use a defensive ability.
Flanker Movement
Flanking heroes often approach from behind or above the main fight. Footsteps, grapple or traversal sounds, and movement effects can give away their position.
Pay attention to sounds that come from directions away from the frontline. A cue from behind your team usually needs a faster response than one in front.
Ability Wind-Ups
Many abilities have a sound that plays before the effect lands. These wind-up sounds can warn you that a large attack or crowd control effect is coming.
You can learn these cues in practice modes or by watching replays with sound on. Linking each sound to a specific hero ability helps you respond without needing to see it.
Troubleshooting Marvel Rivals Audio Issues
Audio problems often come from drivers, device settings, or conflicts between apps. The steps below cover common fixes.
Audio Desync
If sounds play later than the action on screen, check whether spatial sound or audio enhancements are enabled. These can add processing delay, so try turning them off.
Wireless headsets can also add latency. Using a wired connection, or the low-latency mode some wireless headsets offer, may help.
Updating your audio drivers and restarting the game can resolve desync caused by device switching during a session.
Crackling or Popping
Crackling can come from a sample rate mismatch, outdated drivers, or USB power issues. Setting your device to 24-bit, 48000 Hz is a good first step.
Try a different USB port, ideally one directly on the motherboard rather than a hub. Closing other apps that use audio, such as browsers or streaming tools, can also reduce conflicts.
If the problem continues, reinstall your audio drivers from your motherboard or headset manufacturer.
Sounds Too Quiet
Check that the correct output device is selected in both Windows and the game. Windows may switch to a different device when you plug in new hardware.
Make sure the game’s volume is not lowered in the Windows Volume Mixer. Some headsets also have separate game and chat volume controls that need adjusting.
If specific cues are still hard to hear, the EQ curve above or loudness equalization can help bring them forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I hear enemies behind me?
More Marvel Rivals guides: Best Monitor for Marvel Rivals: 5 Top Picks for 2026, Best Mouse Sensitivity for Marvel Rivals (Find Your eDPI), Best Marvel Rivals Crosshairs (Exact Slider Settings).