My new Corsair RGB Elite Wireless doesn't have bass

[Swedz]

What the hell is this....

The bass in my previous headset, corsair RGB wireless, died in may. But that's understandable since i've had it for 4 years. I just came back from the store now with my new RGB Elite Wireless and the bass & surround STILL DOESN'T WORK.

I've tried everything man. I ran my iCUE installer and repaired that ****. Rebooted. Still nothing.
I messed with the EQ presets settings, still nothing. I've uninstalled the headset in my device manager, then plugged the USB dongle back in. I did however notice that I got no message from windows telling me that it's installing the dongle again. Even after uninstalling the headset. I can't find the USB dongle in my device manager....
I've also tried uninstalling all audio drivers in device manager, then reboot to let them reinstall...nothing!

Appreciate any help 

[Alex Ushigome]

If this graph I found first on Google is to be believed, it's because they have none existent low-end, which is where bass comes from. Any headset that a gaming company makes is going to suck, it's all about spending money on LEDs and nothing on actual sound. Heck, even Toms hardware says they have crap bass, and I take everything good they say with a house full of salt.

 

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-void-rgb-elite-usb

[HenrySalayne]

10 hours ago, Swedz said:

What the hell is this....

The bass in my previous headset, corsair RGB wireless, died in may. But that's understandable since i've had it for 4 years. I just came back from the store now with my new RGB Elite Wireless and the bass & surround STILL DOESN'T WORK.

I've tried everything man. I ran my iCUE installer and repaired that ****. Rebooted. Still nothing.
I messed with the EQ presets settings, still nothing. I've uninstalled the headset in my device manager, then plugged the USB dongle back in. I did however notice that I got no message from windows telling me that it's installing the dongle again. Even after uninstalling the headset. I can't find the USB dongle in my device manager....
I've also tried uninstalling all audio drivers in device manager, then reboot to let them reinstall...nothing!

Appreciate any help 

Get something like Voicemeeter Banana and use the EQ to fine tune the amount of bass. But be warned it may clip and sound distorted when you crank it up too much.

[geo3]

2 minutes ago, HenrySalayne said:

But that's understandable since i've had it for 4 years

Imagine thinking this is acceptable... 

 

Nothing is going to fix the shit sound. Return them and get something that doesn't suck.

 

Buy audio equipment from an audio company and you won't have these problems.  

[Tigerleon]

2 hours ago, geo3 said:

Imagine thinking this is acceptable... 

 

Nothing is going to fix the shit sound. Return them and get something that doesn't suck.

 

Buy audio equipment from an audio company and you won't have these problems.  

Like sennheiser, beyerdynamic, audio technica and more.

[Swedz]

3 hours ago, geo3 said:

Imagine thinking this is acceptable... 

 

Nothing is going to fix the shit sound. Return them and get something that doesn't suck.

 

Buy audio equipment from an audio company and you won't have these problems.  

You don't understand bro, i've thrown my 4 year old headset away. But now when I just purchased my new ones I still have 0 bass like I had during the 4th year of my previous headset. They are both Corsair. 

[Alex Ushigome]

12 minutes ago, Swedz said:

You don't understand bro, i've thrown my 4 year old headset away. But now when I just purchased my new ones I still have 0 bass like I had during the 4th year of my previous headset. They are both Corsair. 

4 years life is bad. My 6 year olds are still going strong, sound like what they did 6 years ago, and that's because they're made by an actual audio company, not a gaming company. Have you burned them in (let them run playing audio for a day or 2), because brand new headphones will always sound different after a small period. Honestly, everybody on this forum, myself included, would recommend returning them and getting real headphones though.

[dalekphalm]

3 hours ago, Swedz said:

You don't understand bro, i've thrown my 4 year old headset away. But now when I just purchased my new ones I still have 0 bass like I had during the 4th year of my previous headset. They are both Corsair. 

The point they are getting at is that the headset should last wayyyyy more than 4 years. It should last a decade - longer for well made ones.

 

I bought my Sennheiser HD 598's at least 7-8 years ago now, and they still basically look new, and run flawlessly.

 

Anyway, given that your replacement is experiencing the exact same issues as your old one, I'm hesitant to blame the headset. There's a difference between "literally no bass" and "the bass just really sucks and is really weak". Only you can confirm which of these is happening.

 

My first and most urgent suggestion would be to try the new headphones on a different computer - ideally with a fresh install of Windows + core drivers + updates. Does the same thing happen there too? If yes, you either need to RMA the headset and get an exchange with another one, or a refund and buy something different.

 

If it works fine on the other computer, then your old headset was probably never broken, and it may be a driver issue. In this case, I would suggest backing up your PC, then wiping the system and reinstalling Windows from scratch.

[Swedz]

20 hours ago, dalekphalm said:

The point they are getting at is that the headset should last wayyyyy more than 4 years. It should last a decade - longer for well made ones.

 

I bought my Sennheiser HD 598's at least 7-8 years ago now, and they still basically look new, and run flawlessly.

 

Anyway, given that your replacement is experiencing the exact same issues as your old one, I'm hesitant to blame the headset. There's a difference between "literally no bass" and "the bass just really sucks and is really weak". Only you can confirm which of these is happening.

 

My first and most urgent suggestion would be to try the new headphones on a different computer - ideally with a fresh install of Windows + core drivers + updates. Does the same thing happen there too? If yes, you either need to RMA the headset and get an exchange with another one, or a refund and buy something different.

 

If it works fine on the other computer, then your old headset was probably never broken, and it may be a driver issue. In this case, I would suggest backing up your PC, then wiping the system and reinstalling Windows from scratch.

You're most likely right, yes, it has to be some sound card/audio driver issue. But I really don't wanna have to wipe my harddrive or reset my windows in order to fix this. Surely there has to be some other way?? 

[dalekphalm]

1 hour ago, Swedz said:

You're most likely right, yes, it has to be some sound card/audio driver issue. But I really don't wanna have to wipe my harddrive or reset my windows in order to fix this. Surely there has to be some other way?? 

*shrugs*
 

You could try uninstalling and cleaning drivers, software, etc. Particularly regarding any drivers or software that was new around the time the issue first started. 
 

But until you test the headset on a different system, you’re just grasping in the dark with no idea whether the problem is hardware or software. 
 

Do that first, then we can try narrowing down the issue. 

[Swedz]

5 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

*shrugs*
 

You could try uninstalling and cleaning drivers, software, etc. Particularly regarding any drivers or software that was new around the time the issue first started. 
 

But until you test the headset on a different system, you’re just grasping in the dark with no idea whether the problem is hardware or software. 
 

Do that first, then we can try narrowing down the issue. 

I did try my new Corsair Void Elite headset on my brothers computer. iCUE was not installed there, but that shouldn't matter. Anyway, no bass working using my headset on his computer either. Could it really simply enough be this individual headset that's factory-broken/faulted? I doubt it though

[dalekphalm]

11 minutes ago, Swedz said:

I did try my new Corsair Void Elite headset on my brothers computer. iCUE was not installed there, but that shouldn't matter. Anyway, no bass working using my headset on his computer either. Could it really simply enough be this individual headset that's factory-broken/faulted? I doubt it though

Are there other drivers aside from the iCUE software?

 

It could be driver related still but if not, the headset is either defective or simply not suitable for your needs. 

[Swedz]

31 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

Are there other drivers aside from the iCUE software?

 

It could be driver related still but if not, the headset is either defective or simply not suitable for your needs. 

There are no other software available other than iCUE. Using my previous Corsair Void headset from 2016 to 2019, i didn't even have iCUE installed. Everything was working splendid with great bass volumes and sound overall. It was first when the bass disappeared back in May that i installed iCUE.  

[dalekphalm]

11 minutes ago, Swedz said:

There are no other software available other than iCUE. Using my previous Corsair Void headset from 2016 to 2019, i didn't even have iCUE installed. Everything was working splendid with great bass volumes and sound overall. It was first when the bass disappeared back in May that i installed iCUE.  

I would suggest using another mic (or your phone as a last resort) and record the headsets audio from near the ear cup (as close as you can without distortion). Then post that here. 
 

Do all other frequencies sound the same/normal/good? 
 

What happens if you boost bass via an EQ?

[HenrySalayne]

@Swedz

Ok. Maybe, just maybe your headset was already bass boosted and this boost just disappeared back in May?

And now you puzzled why your bass boost is gone?

I'm pretty sure there is no physical damage which only affects bass response on two different headphones on both sides. Physical damage should only affect one of the ear-cups.

 

BTW: Even professional broadcasting headsets won't live 10 years without any defects when daily used. The difference is just the availability of replacement parts and service documents. And especially how long you will be able to get them.

 

[geo3]

3 hours ago, HenrySalayne said:

BTW: Even professional broadcasting headsets won't live 10 years without any defects when daily used.

Maybe if you abuse them.

[HenrySalayne]

8 hours ago, geo3 said:

Maybe if you abuse them.

I would consider a defect anything which limits the functionality of the headphones. A broken cable, the ear cushions falling apart, etc. My DT-797's ear pads need to be replaced after 5 years of use. This is not a sign of abuse, but just the normal wear and tear. And I would consider the DT-797 to be a professional headset made by an audio company, not a gaming company. It's everything you can expect from a good headset: several years without any problems and easy access to replacement parts.

[Alex Ushigome]

1 hour ago, HenrySalayne said:

My DT-797's ear pads need to be replaced after 5 years of use

My Cloud II earpads are still the original, barely any peel, and they're 6 years old. Do you wear them with wet/sweaty hair? As for whether I would consider it a defect... only if it effects sound quality (worn out filters, since they typically come attached to the pads).

[Swedz]

15 hours ago, HenrySalayne said:

@Swedz

Ok. Maybe, just maybe your headset was already bass boosted and this boost just disappeared back in May?

And now you puzzled why your bass boost is gone?

I'm pretty sure there is no physical damage which only affects bass response on two different headphones on both sides. Physical damage should only affect one of the ear-cups.

 

BTW: Even professional broadcasting headsets won't live 10 years without any defects when daily used. The difference is just the availability of replacement parts and service documents. And especially how long you will be able to get them.

 

Nah, the equalizer settings had to be default back in may, since I didn't install the software iCUE until AFTER my bass completely disappeared. 

It's just so fucking weird that this no-bass issue would transfer from my old 2016-headset to my NEW recently bought ones. I really don't wanna switch headphone brand, but what else is there to do?  

[Swedz]

38 minutes ago, Alex Ushigome said:

My Cloud II earpads are still the original, barely any peel, and they're 6 years old. Do you wear them with wet/sweaty hair? As for whether I would consider it a defect... only if it effects sound quality (worn out filters, since they typically come attached to the pads).

Could it perhaps be that my NEW corsair void headset is using my 2016-void sound card that's still somehow installed/integrated in my PC? I don't think its a crazy thought. 

If my new headset would use it's own soundcard i'm pretty sure I would finally hear some bass 

[Alex Ushigome]

5 minutes ago, Swedz said:

Could it perhaps be that my NEW corsair void headset is using my 2016-void sound card that's still somehow installed/integrated in my PC? I don't think its a crazy thought. 

If my new headset would use it's own soundcard i'm pretty sure I would finally hear some bass 

The way it works is: OS (Windows 10) > Wireless Card (Bluetooth or 2.4ghz) > Headphones Receiver (built into headphones) > Headphones built in DAC > Speakers in headphones. Converting the audio into analogue is done inside the headphones, and other sound cards will not effect this, as analogue travels via internal wires.

 

Edit - I am over simplifying the whole process, but this explains the basics.

[Swedz]

38 minutes ago, Alex Ushigome said:

The way it works is: OS (Windows 10) > Wireless Card (Bluetooth or 2.4ghz) > Headphones Receiver (built into headphones) > Headphones built in DAC > Speakers in headphones. Converting the audio into analogue is done inside the headphones, and other sound cards will not effect this, as analogue travels via internal wires.

 

Edit - I am over simplifying the whole process, but this explains the basics.

Sorry I still dont quite grasp these basics hehe, but you're telling me it's impossible that I would be using the 2016-void sound card right now? So I am using the 2020 Void sound card and either the card or the entire headset is faulty? This is a mess lol

[rice guru]

On 8/29/2020 at 8:39 AM, Swedz said:

You don't understand bro, i've thrown my 4 year old headset away. But now when I just purchased my new ones I still have 0 bass like I had during the 4th year of my previous headset. They are both Corsair. 

4 years is nothing my guy a proper headphone can last forever I know people still using akg k240's from the 80s  used to record and master back then but now just used for listenig to music. my k240s are goinf strong @ 6 years now that was my first proper good headphone . dont buy trash buy a proper headphone. 

[dalekphalm]

2 hours ago, Alex Ushigome said:

The way it works is: OS (Windows 10) > Wireless Card (Bluetooth or 2.4ghz) > Headphones Receiver (built into headphones) > Headphones built in DAC > Speakers in headphones. Converting the audio into analogue is done inside the headphones, and other sound cards will not effect this, as analogue travels via internal wires.

 

Edit - I am over simplifying the whole process, but this explains the basics.

The OS level driver could still affect this, however. The OS still needs to send audio data to the bluetooth, then to the receiver, then to the headphones. If the headphones are receiving a signal with no bass in it, then the headphones could do exactly what he's describing. What would cause that? Hell if I know.

 

Alternatively, it could be some freak of luck in that the replacement is somehow defective in the same way as the original - but that's highly suspect.

[HenrySalayne]

2 hours ago, Swedz said:

Nah, the equalizer settings had to be default back in may, since I didn't install the software iCUE until AFTER my bass completely disappeared. 

It's just so fucking weird that this no-bass issue would transfer from my old 2016-headset to my NEW recently bought ones. I really don't wanna switch headphone brand, but what else is there to do?  

Bass response depends on two factors in a closed-back headphone:

- the compression chamber, formed by the earcups, the driver membrane and your head

- the input signal and EQs applied to it

 

The two earcups are independend from each other. If the compression chamber would be leaking because of a defect, I highly doubt it would affect both of the earcups at the same time. If you haven't changed something on your head which prevents the cups from sealing (e. g. new glasses, new haircut, gigantic earrings or you drilled holes in your head right behind your ears), they are most likely not broken and work as intended.

 

Which only leaves a change to the input signal or the EQ. You mentioned you already tested the new headset on a different computer and it sounds the same. You also mentioned it sounds just like your previous headset (after the May incident). This implies the headsets (old and new) work as intended.

 

Just use a software to boost the bass to the point your comfortable with and it'll be fine.