I was a big fan of the first version of the Razer BlackShark headset. The performance was great for the price, but what fascinated me the most was the design with that huge volume knob inspired by aviation headsets. When the second version of the Razer BlackShark hit the market, I didn’t hesitate. I bought it immediately.
Unfortunately, the installation wasn’t as smooth as I expected. When the headset was plugged directly into my PC’s 3.5mm combo port without the app, it worked fine. But when I tried using the USB sound card that came with it, the headphones worked, but the mic did not.
After going through similar topics on Razer’s forum and a few other forums, I was able to make it work by adjusting some settings in the Razer Synapse software, but it wasn’t an easy process. What bothered me the most was the fact that I couldn’t find all the potential fixes in one place. I had to go through multiple sources and read a few hundred comments to find the solution that worked for me.
That’s why I decided to write this comprehensive troubleshooting guide. I made a compilation of all the possible reasons why your Razer BlackShark mic might not be working and fixes that could bring your headset’s microphone back to life.
Key Takeaways
- Before even trying to change the settings, make sure the microphone on your Razer BlackShark V2 is properly connected to the headset, and the right side of the microphone is facing your mouth. Also, check the MIC MUTE button on the left cup. Then, try unplugging the headset and restarting your PC.
- Additionally, if your PC has a compatible headphone/mic 3.5mm input, try using the headset without the USB sound card. If it works without the sound card, the problem is in the sound card or communication between the sound card and your PC.
- You could also try connecting the headset to different devices. If the microphone works on other PCs but doesn’t work on yours, the issue is related to your PC. It could be a misconfigured setting (either in Windows or Razer Synapse) or a hardware incompatibility.
- Most of the time, mic issues are caused by misconfigured settings on your PC or the Razer Synapse app. You need to go through all the settings related to your headset and make sure they are properly configured. Do the following:
- Run the Mic Troubleshooter.
- Update your Windows PC.
- Allow Apps/Games to Access Your Razer BlackShark V2.
- Make your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone the default recording device.
- Unmute the microphone in Windows Sound Settings and adjust the volume.
- Uninstall/reinstall and update the Headset and Microphone Drivers.
- Check microphone settings in third-party audio manager apps.
- Unmute your microphone and adjust the mic volume in Razer Synapse.
- Disable mic enhancements in Razer Synapse.
- Check in-game/in-app microphone settings (unmute the microphone).
- If the suggested fixes didn’t help, and your warranty is still valid, you could try contacting Razer and asking for additional troubleshooting tips. If they can’t fix the issue, you should get a replacement microphone or a new headset.
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Isolate the Issue – Is It Hardware or Software
There are a few things you need to check before starting the troubleshooting process. We need to isolate the issue and find the culprit. The potential suspects are:
- Your PC settings.
- Razer Synapse settings.
- Third-party audio manager settings.
- In-game sound settings.
- USB Sound card.
- The microphone itself.
- Hardware incompatibility.
- Headset hardware failure (the PCB can’t process the sound coming from the microphone).
If the microphone is working when your Razer BlackShark V2 is connected to a different PC, the list of potential suspects narrows down to your PC settings, Razer Synapse settings, in-app/in-game settings, third-party audio manager settings, and hardware compatibility issues. All these issues can be fixed.
If the microphone is not working when your Razer BlackShark V2 is connected to other PCs, the problem is probably in the headset.
Try connecting the headset directly to your PC via a 3.5mm jack (if your PC has a 3.5mm mic/headphone combo jack). If the microphone is working in this configuration (without the USB sound card), the problem is in the USB sound card. The sound card might be faulty, or the PC can’t communicate with the card for some reason. If the microphone is not working when the headset is connected to other PCs via the USB sound card, the sound card is almost certainly faulty.
If the mic is working in some apps/games, but doesn’t work in other apps/games, there has to be something wrong with the in-game/in-app mic settings or your PC’s Privacy and Security settings.
If the mic is not working on any PC, regardless of the connection type (3.5mm or USB), the problem is either in the microphone itself or some other microphone-related hardware. For example, the PCB inside the headset might be faulty and can’t process the sound coming from the microphone.
The mic is detachable and replaceable, but if the problem is not in the microphone itself, you should probably send your headset to Razer for repair.
Potential Scenarios
Scenario 1
| The microphone is not working when the headset is connected via USB to my PC, but it’s working when connected to other PCs. |
| Look for misconfigured PC settings. |
| Look for misconfigured Razer Synapse settings. |
Scenario 2
| The microphone is not working when the headset is connected via USB, but working when connected via a 3.5mm jack. |
| Your PC can’t communicate with the USB sound card (misconfigured settings). |
| The USB sound card is faulty. |
Scenario 3
| The microphone is not working in some apps/games. |
| In-app/In-game settings are causing the issue. |
| Check your PC’s Privacy and Security settings. |
Scenario 4
| The microphone is not working on any PC, regardless of the connection type. |
| The microphone itself might be faulty. |
| You might be dealing with some other hardware failure (like a faulty PCB). |
Official Microphone Troubleshooter for Razer Gaming Headsets
Fixing Razer BlackShark V2 Mic Not Working
Let’s start by covering the basics. It might be a bit too obvious to some people, but not all people are experts when it comes to gaming headsets.
Check If the Microphone is Properly Connected and Oriented
First, make sure the mic is properly plugged into your Razer BlackShark V2. Try pushing it all the way in. Also, try disconnecting and reconnecting the microphone.
Then, make sure the right side of the microphone is facing your mouth. The side with circular perforations should face your mouth.
Make sure the right side of the microphone is facing your mouth.
Check the Mute Button
Again, I know it’s too obvious, but check the mute button. It’s located on the left earcup, next to the audio cable. The button will be recessed when activated.
Make sure the MIC MUTE button on your Razer BlackShark V2 is not pressed.
Restart Everything and Reconnect the Headset
Disconnect your headset. Disconnect the microphone from the headset.
Restart your PC.
Connect the microphone to the headset, and connect the headset to your PC.
If the headset is still not working, move on to the next step.
Try Connecting the Headset Without the USB Card
I know the USB sound card is one of the biggest selling points of this headset and that you don’t want to use it without the sound card, but let’s try it.
If the microphone is working when the PC is connected via a 3.5mm audio connector, there might be something wrong with the USB sound card. If the microphone is not working when the headset is connected to other PCs via USB sound card but working when using a 3.5mm connection, there has to be something wrong with the sound card.
Try using the headset without the USB sound card (3.5mm audio connection).
However, if the microphone is working when using a USB connection on other PCs, but the only way to make it work on your PC is via a 3.5mm connection, there has to be something wrong with your settings or drivers (the sound card is fine).
Check and Adjust Windows Settings
Run the Microphone Troubleshooter on Windows
It’s easier to let Windows troubleshoot connected devices than to look for misconfigured settings manually, so let’s try that first.
On Windows 10, Go to Settings, click on Update & Security, and select Troubleshoot. Then, open Additional Troubleshooters.
On Windows 11, go to Settings, select System, and then Troubleshoot. Select Other Troubleshooters.
Windows 10: Settings – Update & Security – Troubleshoot – Additional Troubleshooters, Windows 11: Settings – System – Troubleshoot – Other Troubleshooters
Under Additional Troubleshooters (or Other Troubleshooters in Windows 11), select Recording Audio. That’s the first Windows troubleshooter you’re going to run. If this one doesn’t find any issues, click on Speech.
Additional Troubleshooters – Recording Audio, Additional Troubleshooters – Speech
Windows will ask you which device you want to troubleshoot. Select your microphone.
Select the device you want to troubleshoot (Microphone).
Windows will then automatically search for misconfigured settings and fix them.
Windows will automatically fix the misconfigured settings. In this example, the microphone was not set as the default recording device, and audio enhancements didn’t load.
Update Windows
This is another potential fix that doesn’t require too much effort. Just go to Settings, click Windows Update, and then Check for Updates. Install available updates.
In the process, Windows may update your headset and microphone drivers and potentially fix the microphone issue. Check if the microphone is working after the update is finished.
Installing Windows updates might fix your mic issue.
Allow Apps/Games to Access Your Razer BlackShark V2
Instead of letting Windows look for misconfigured settings and faulty drivers, you can do it manually.
First, let’s check if the apps and games have permission to access your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone. If you don’t give them permission, the microphone will not work when using those apps/games.
On Windows 10/11, go to Settings and select Privacy & Security. Then, select Microphone, and turn on Microphone Access and Let Apps Access Your Microphone.
Settings – Privacy & Security – Enable Mic Access
Go through the list of apps and make sure that all the apps/games you want to use are given permission for mic access.
Check if the specific app/game is allowed to access your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone.
While most gamers use Razer headsets with Windows PCs, it’s also possible to use it with MacBooks. If the microphone is not working when the headset is connected to your MacBook, check your macOS Privacy & Security settings. Make sure that all the listed apps have microphone access.
System Preferences – Privacy and Security – Microphone
Set Razer BlackShark V2 Microphone as the Deault Recording Device
If you have multiple headsets or standalone microphones and some other microphone is set as the default recording device in Sound Settings, you will experience issues with your BlackShark V2 mic.
To fix those issues, you need to set your BlackShark V2 Microphone as the default recording device.
On Windows, go to the Control Panel, select Sound and Hardware, and then click on Sound. In the Playback tab, set your BlackShark V2 as the default playback device. Then, go to the Recording tab and set your BlackShark V2 microphone as the default recording device.
If your BlackShark V2 microphone is not set as the default device, it will not work.
The same thing applies to macOS. Your gaming headset and microphone have to be selected as your main Output and Input devices.
Make sure that your BlackShark V2 gaming headset and microphone are set as the main output/input devices.
Unmute Razer BlackShark V2 in Sound Settings
After setting the BlackShark V2 microphone as your default recording device, right-click on it and select Properties. You want to focus on two tabs – General and Levels.
Under the General Tab, select the option Use This Device.
Under the Levels Tab, unmute your microphone if it’s muted and adjust the volume level to your preference.
In mic properties, go to the Levels Tab. Unmute the microphone and set the volume level.
On your MacBook, go to Sound settings, select Input Tab, and make sure the mic is not muted. Additionally, adjust the mic volume.
System Preferences – Sound – Input – Set Volume and Unmute
Uninstall/Reinstall Headset and Microphone Drivers
A corrupt headset/microphone driver could be the cause of your microphone issue. To fix it, uninstall all drivers related to your Razer BlackShark V2 headset and microphone.
Go to Device Manager. Focus on two options – Audio Inputs and Outputs and Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. Uninstall the microphone and headset drivers. After uninstalling all related drivers, you can restart your PC. Windows will install the missing drivers on startup.
Alternatively, after uninstalling drivers, click on Scan for Hardware Changes in the Device Manager. You will get a list of devices with missing drivers, and you can install them without restarting your PC.
Corrupt drivers might be causing your microphone issue. Uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers should resolve the issue.
Update Headset and Microphone Drivers
Outdated audio and mic drivers could also be the source of the problem. If you have recently updated your Windows, your old drivers might be incompatible with the new Windows version. Updating the drivers to the latest version should fix the problem.
Update all drivers related to your BlackShark V2 microphone. Check the list of drivers under Audio Inputs and Outputs, as well as drivers under Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
Adjust Settings in Third-Party Audio Managers
Some Windows PCs may also have third-party audio managers (installed along with the sound card drivers) that can be used for the same thing as your Windows sound settings.
However, if the settings in those audio managers do not match your Windows Sound Settings, you may experience some issues. For example, your Razer BlackShark V2 microphone might refuse to work.
The most popular third-party audio manager is Realtek HD Audio Manager. You can access it through the Windows Control Panel. Make sure the settings in Realtek HD Audio Manager match those in Windows settings.
Check and Adjust Razer Synapse Settings
Razer Synapse is a companion app that comes with your BlackShark V2. Settings within the Razer Synapse could also be causing your microphone issue. Or the app itself might be having problems communicating with the microphone. Let’s try a few simple fixes.
Unmute the Microphone and Adjust the Volume
You can mute your BlackShark V2 microphone in Razer Synapse. So, let’s check if it’s muted and unmute it.
Open the Razer Synapse app, select the AUDIO Tab, and click on MIC. Unmute your mic and adjust the volume.
Unmute your BlackShark V2 microphone in Razer Synapse.
Disable Microphone Enhancements
While in MIC settings, try disabling all mic enhancement options (Volume Normalization, Vocal Clarity, Mic Noise Cancellation). These enhancements might be interfering with your microphone and preventing it from working.
Disable mic enhancement options in Razer Synapse.
Reset the Device Profile
Resetting the device profile in Razer Synapse will erase all custom settings that might be interfering with your microphone.
Click on the Settings gear in the top-right corner. Select the RESET tab, and then reset your headset.
Resetting your headset’s profile in Razer Synapse might fix your microphone.
Disable Razer Synapse
The app itself might be causing the issues. To rule out this possibility, let’s disable the app temporarily.
Click on the arrow in your Windows taskbar, right-click on the Razer Synapse icon, and select Exit Synapse.
Disabling the Razer Synapse will tell you whether the app is causing your microphone issues.
Uninstall Razer Synapse
If the microphone starts working when you disable Razer Synapse, the problem is in the app. Try uninstalling the app, and performing a clean reinstall.
Uninstalling/Reinstalling Razer Synapse – Step-by-Step Guide
Update the Razer BlackShark USB Sound Card
If the USB sound card is causing the problems, you could try updating it. None of the known firmware updates for the external sound card that comes with the headset fixes microphone issues, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
Download the latest firmware for the USB sound card from the Razer’s website.
Unplug the headset and run the downloaded file.
Step 1 – Click on Next (Image credit – Razer Support)
Step 2 – Connect your Razer BlackShark V2 using the USB sound card. Then click on Update. (Image credit – Razer Support)
Step 3 – The update starts (Image credit – Razer Support).
Step 4 – During the update, you will be asked to disconnect and reconnect your headset (Image credit – Razer Support).
Step 5 – The headset has been updated.
Check In-Game or In-App Mic Settings
Another place where you can mute/unmute your BlackShark V2 mic is in-game or in-app settings.
So, if after checking your Windows settings, Razer Synapse settings, and third-party audio manager settings everything seems fine, but the mic is still not working, check in-game settings. This is a particularly efficient fix if your microphone is not working in some games but working in others.
For example, in CSGO, make sure the right device is selected in Audio settings. Also, make sure to enable Voice.
Check the microphone settings in your game’s audio settings.
Fixing Microphone Not Working Issue in CSGO
Fixing Microphone Not Working Issue on Steam
Fixing Microphone Not Working Issue on Discord
Hardware Compatibility Issues
If you’re trying to use Razer BlackShark V2 without the USB card (3.5mm audio connection), but your microphone is not working, you might be dealing with a hardware compatibility issue.
There are two types of 3.5mm audio connectors – TRS and TRRS. TRS connectors can only transmit two-channel stereo sound, while TRRS connectors can transmit two-channel stereo and mic audio.
Razer BlackShark V2 comes with a TRRS 3.5mm audio connector.
If your PC has a TRS 3.5mm input or two separate 3.5mm mic and headphone inputs, the headset will not be compatible with your PC’s inputs. You will get sound in your headphones, but the microphone will not work.
PCs with 3.5mm TRRS inputs are compatible with BlackShark V2. Those with 3.5mm TRS inputs are not fully compatible (you will get the sound, but the microphone will not work).
If you don’t want to use the USB sound card, your only option is to make your PC fully compatible with the headset using an audio adapter. The adapter should have a single 3.5mm TRRS jack (input) and two 3.5mm TRS plugs (outputs).
The Microphone Is Damaged/Dead
If your microphone is still not working after going through the entire troubleshooting process and trying all the fixes, your microphone might be dead. That’s the better option. The worst option is that the PCB inside the headset is faulty and can’t process the sound coming from the microphone.
If possible, try connecting the microphone to a compatible and functional headset. If the microphone is working on that other headset, the problem is in your headset’s PCB.
But if the microphone is still not working, the problem is in the microphone itself, which is good news since you can replace it easily.
Don’t buy a replacement mic immediately. If your BlackShark V2 is under warranty, contact Razer first.
Contact Razer
Contact Razer Support and explain your problem. Tell the support team how you isolated the problem and list all the fixes you have tried.
If your headset is under warranty and they can’t think of any additional troubleshooting tips, they will send you a replacement microphone (or headset) or ask you to send your BlackShark V2 for repair. You can send the headset for repair even if it’s not under warranty, but it will probably cost you.
Buy a New Microphone
If you are sure that the microphone is faulty (not the PCB, USB sound card, or some other internal component), you can buy a replacement mic. You can order it from Razer for $20 or buy a cheaper third-party mic compatible with BlackShark V2 on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: How do I activate my Razer BlackShark V2 mic?
- Answer: Unless the MIC MUTE button is pressed, the mic on your BlackShark V2 is active. You can also mute the mic in your PC’s sound settings, Razer Synapse, or third-party audio manager apps.
- Question: Why is my Razer headset mic not working?
- Answer: The list of potential reasons is quite long. They include misconfigured settings (PC settings, Razer Synapse settings, and in-game settings), hardware compatibility issues, a faulty USB sound card, faulty microphone, and damaged hardware inside the headset (like a faulty PCB).
- Question: Why is my Razer BlackShark V2 mic not picking up my voice?
- Answer: Your BlackShark V2 might not pick up your voice because the microphone is not properly connected or the wrong side is facing your mouth. It could also be because the MIC MUTE button is pressed. Furthermore, your mic might not be working because of the misconfigured settings, hardware compatibility issues, or faulty hardware.
- Question: Do I need Razer Synapse for BlackShark V2?
- Answer: You don’t need Razer Synapse – you can plug your headset directly into a 3.5mm audio input on your PC. However, the only way to experience the full potential of your headset is to install and use the Razer Synapse app.
- Question: Why is my PC not detecting my headset mic?
- Answer: If other PCs can detect the headset mic, the problem is in your PC’s settings or drivers (corrupt, outdated, or missing drivers). Try uninstalling and reinstalling audio drivers. Also, try updating the drivers. Make sure your mic is set as the default recording device in Sound settings and unmute it.
- Question: Why is my Razer BlackShark V2 mic not working on Discord?
- Answer: If it’s working in other apps and games but doesn’t work on Discord, the problem is probably in Discord settings. Try resetting voice settings in Discord to default – this simple fix should resolve most recording and microphone issues.
Conclusion
While Razer BlackShark V2 is a great gaming headset, it’s not without flaws. Microphone issues are the most common problem users experience with BlackShark V2.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helped you discover why your BlackShark V2 mic is not working and quickly find a proper fix.
