Why Pro Gamers Use Custom EQ Settings & How You Can Too

Pro gamers use custom EQ settings to hear enemies first and react faster. Learn how to create your own setup for better audio and sharper gameplay.

When every second counts, hearing the right sound at the right time can be the difference between clutching a round and losing it. That’s why pro gamers don’t just rely on high-end gear – they fine-tune their audio with custom EQ settings to gain an edge. Whether isolating footsteps in Valorant, catching reload cues in Call of Duty, or clearing up chaotic team fights in Apex Legends, a well-crafted EQ profile lets crucial sounds cut through the noise.

We’ll break down what EQ settings actually are, why the pros swear by them, and how you can set up your own to start hearing and playing like a pro.

What are EQ Settings in Gaming?

EQ, short for equalization, adjusts the balance between different audio frequencies. In simpler terms, EQ settings enable you to control how loud or soft specific sound ranges, like bass, mids, and treble, are in your audio mix.

In gaming, EQ settings are used to fine-tune in-game audio to make certain sounds more prominent or to reduce background noise. For example, you might lower the rumble of explosions (bass) while boosting the frequency range where footsteps or reloads occur (mids and highs). This lets you pick out critical sounds faster and more clearly, an advantage that competitive and pro gamers rely on to stay a step ahead.

Audio software such as Sonar comes with built-in EQ tools allowing players to tweak these frequencies manually or apply presets tailored to different game types or scenarios.

Common Frequency Ranges in EQ Explained

Adjusting EQ settings in gaming isn’t just for audiophiles. It’s a smart way to sharpen your awareness and improve your competitive edge.

Common EQ Frequency Ranges and What They Control

Frequency Range	Name	What You Hear	Gaming Examples
20 Hz - 250 Hz	Bass	Deep, booming sounds	Explosions, engine rumble, ambient thuds
250 Hz - 4 kHz	Midrange	Core detail and clarity of most sounds	Footsteps, gunfire, reloads, voice chat
4 kHz - 20 kHz	Treble	Sharp, high-pitched details	Glass breaking, distant footsteps, ambience

Pro Tip: In competitive FPS games, boosting mids and treble can help footsteps and reloads stand out more clearly, giving you an edge in reaction time. Sonar by SteelSeries has ready presets for specific games, such as Call of Duty, Valorant, Fortnite, and more, so you can do it all without tinkering.

Why Do Pro Gamers Use Custom EQ Settings

Pro gamers aren’t just playing with high-end gear – they’re optimizing every detail, including their sound. Custom EQ settings help players hear what matters most, when it matters most. Here’s how tailored audio settings can provide a serious competitive edge:

1. Better Spatial Awareness

In fast-paced games like Valorant, CS2, or Call of Duty, spatial cues like footsteps or directional gunfire are everything. Custom EQ enhances the frequencies where those sounds live, making it easier to pinpoint enemies based on sound alone, even before they appear on screen.

Why it matters: Hearing footsteps from the correct direction can give you a full second’s advantage. In esports, that's huge.

2. Reduced Audio Clutter

Games are filled with layered sounds: explosions, music, dialogue, and ambient effects. EQ settings allow pros to strip away non-essential noise, like heavy base from an explosion, so it doesn’t drown out important cues like enemy movement or ability usage.

Why it matters: Removing distracting or overpowering sounds helps critical audio cues cut through the mix more clearly.

3. Faster Reaction Times

A split-second delay in hearing an enemy reload or a door creak can cost the round. By boosting the mid-to-high frequency ranges where these sounds typically sit, pro players ensure they hear them loud and clear and react quicker.

Why it matters: The clearer the audio signal, the faster your brain can respond. Sound becomes a tool, not background noise.

4. Game-Specific Optimization

Each game has a different audio mix. What works for Call of Duty might not be ideal for Apex Legends. That’s why many pro players create custom EQ profiles for each game, tailoring the audio experience based on which sounds are most crucial for success.

Sonar features over 200 presets now, and very often game developers themselves create these presets in consultation with SteelSeries. Therefore you'll rest assured that these presets were done professionally.

If you're playing on console, you can take advantage of these presets too with the Arctis Companion App.

5. Personalization for Gear & Hearing

Pro players often adjust EQ based on the specific headset they’re using or even their own hearing preferences. One headset might naturally have more bass, while another may be too bright. Custom EQ ensures the final sound mix is balanced for both hardware and player.

You can make your own presets in Sonar, customize them to your heart's content, and Favorite them, and even share with others in the community. Or import someone else's.

Try This with SteelSeries Sonar: Open Sonar in SteelSeries GG, select your game, and fine-tune your EQ while testing sounds in a practice range. Walk, reload, and trigger ability sounds—can you hear key details clearly? Adjust in real time, then save your custom preset for competitive matches.

Try Sonar for Free

SteelSeries Sonar's parametric EQ, you can go from plug-and-play to pro-level precision in minutes. Start with a preset, tweak based on your game and headset, and refine over time. Your ears – and your win rate – will thank you.

EQ Settings: FAQs

Do I really need custom EQ settings if I already have a good headset?

Yes, even premium headsets can benefit from EQ tuning. Custom EQ lets you emphasize the specific sounds you care about, like footsteps or enemy reloads, and reduce distractions like booming explosions or background music.

What’s the best EQ setting for footsteps?

Footsteps usually fall in the mid to high-mid frequencies (around 1 kHz–4 kHz). Boosting this range slightly can help them stand out. But results vary by game and headset—use a practice range to test what sounds clearest to you.

Do I need a different EQ for each game?

Ideally, yes. Every game has a unique audio mix. What works for Valorant may not be ideal for Warzone. That’s why SteelSeries Sonar lets you save multiple EQ profiles and switch between them instantly.

Is Black Equalizer good for gaming?

Yes, Black Equalizer (sometimes called Black Boost) can give you a visual edge, especially in competitive shooters. It brightens dark areas of the screen without overexposing bright ones, making it easier to spot enemies hiding in shadows.

Heads-up: It’s a monitor setting, not an audio feature. While EQ improves what you hear, Black Equalizer enhances what you see—and together, they can seriously sharpen your awareness in-game.