How to Set Up Headphones on Realtek HD Audio Manager

When you purchase a new headset, you’ll want to learn how to set up headphones on Realtek HD Audio Manager to optimize your audio quality. However, the name of the audio manager may change based on your window version and audio driver software. You can start the process by downloading the audio manager and any drivers listed on your best headphones brand’s website.

Realtek HD Audio Manager provides a user-friendly interface for managing their audio devices. You can usually find these drivers by looking at your specific model. If you are new to wired headphones or wireless headphones, check out how to put headphones on. Plus, if you want to play audio out of the speakers and headphones, that’s a different guide altogether.

How to Use Realtek HD Audio Manager with Headphones

Selecting and using different settings with your Realtek Audio Manager may improve the sound quality of your headphones. This program enables you to choose your preferred sound environment and equalization. If you are having trouble establishing your wired headphones because of a Bluetooth device, learn how to unpair Bluetooth headphones,

Steps

STEP 1

Download the Realtek HD audio driver from the Realtek website. You might want to check for drivers on the headset manufacturer’s website since they sometimes have their own systems instead of Realtek HD.

STEP 2

Double-click the Realtek HD icon in the lower right area of your screen. This action should enable the audio manager and prompt a pop-up window that shows your settings.

STEP 3

Plug your headset in. By inserting the audio cable into the headphone jack, you should spur the program to open a pop-up window with a list of device types. If you don’t plug the device in after opening the audio manager, your headset may be assigned the wrong type.

STEP 4

Select your device type as “Headphone.” If you want to use your headphones as audio out with a microphone, select “Mic In” and “Headphone.” You should see a new tab for your wired headphones or wireless headphones that provides access to all of the settings for the device. If your headphones are giving you problems, try comparing the Audio Technica M50 vs M50x to see which ones work better for you.

STEP 5

Click on the tab for your headphones in the audio settings area. Ensure an orange checkmark on the tab’s icon, indicating that the device is the default for your audio output. If you don’t see a check, you will need to right-click on the tab and choose “Set as default device.”

STEP 6

Click on the “Sound Effects” tab within the device’s menu. You should see several options, including “Environment” and “Equalizer.” Each of these options may help optimize your sound quality from the device.

STEP 7

Select your desired environment based on your preference or location. Some of these environments may immerse you more fully in your content. You might want to play around with the different settings to determine which sounds the best to you.

STEP 8

Play around with the equalizer settings. Many of these modes are designed for use with a specific type of music or content, but you can still use them. They provide boosts for bass and treble to improve audio quality. You probably can find a “Custom” option, allowing you to control your audio mix more completely.

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