When I use headphones that aren’t loud enough…
I think how it’s like using a flashlight that’s not bright.
See, this low-volume problem beats the purpose of a headset.
And it can get frustrating, I know.
So, let me help you make your headphones louder on a PC in less than 15 minutes.
Continue reading to find out:
- 5 effortless fixes for a headset that’s too quiet.
- 11 uncomplicated steps to make your headphones louder on a PC.
- The most common reasons why your headphones’ volume is too low.
- And much, much more…
How to make headphones louder on PC – 11 steps
Before you follow the steps below to make any headphones louder on a PC…
You should first ensure that:
- Your computer’s main volume is maxed out.
- Your headphones’ volume is on its maximum setting.
- The volume of the file you’re listening to is high enough.
That’s because often, people assume that their headsets aren’t loud enough. When in fact, they just haven’t increased their volumes.
Once you’ve tried all the 3 tips above, try to listen to your PC’s audio again.
And if your headphones still aren’t loud enough…
Then you can proceed to the steps below to make them louder.
#1: Open any browser on your PC
As mentioned, all this won’t even take you 15 minutes to do.
So first, open any browser you have.
Or preferably, launch Google Chrome as it’s the easiest platform to use.
After doing so, you can go ahead and…
#2: Go to the Equalizer APO software’s download page
Using your PC’s browser, head to this website.
Or you may also type in “sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo” on the search bar.
Once the page loads up, you’ll see the features of this software.
And simply put, this program can change the audio settings of your PC.
“Does it pose any security risks?”
No, it doesn’t.
That’s because Equalizer APO is a trusted software. And it’s regularly updated by its developers.
Note: You can also check this page to see what people say about this program.
You might also want to know: Are Bluetooth Headphones Encrypted? 7 Security Facts
#3: Tap the green Download tab
On your screen, you should see a fairly big Download option.
So simply tap it to start the installation process.
Note: This is usually located on the left side of the page. But in some PC models, you might also find this at the center of your screen.
#4: Wait for the software to be downloaded
Most of the time, the Equalizer APO will download automatically.
But if it doesn’t, just click the “direct link” text at the bottom of the program’s name. And this will start the download process.
Now, this step usually only takes seconds to finish. However, you might need to wait a few minutes if you have a slow Internet connection.
Note: You’ll be able to see the progress of the download process at the bottom of your browser’s screen.
#5: Open the program
Once the APO program has finished downloading, follow these steps:
- Hover over the download tab at the bottom of your browser.
- Right-click on your mouse.
- Select Open from the window that appears.
After doing so, a User Account Control window will appear. And from here, you should…
#6: Tap Yes
Your PC will give you a notice that the program is from an unknown publisher.
However, as mentioned, this software is safe and tested…
So you have nothing to worry about.
With that, just tap Yes to continue downloading the program.
#7: Proceed with the Setup Wizard
You’ll see a new window called the Setup Wizard.
And you can simply think of this as an assistant that helps you manage your apps.
That said, in this window, you should follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Tap the Next button.
Step 2: Click the “I agree” selection.
After doing so, you’ll see the destination folder for the APO software on your PC.
Now, ensure that the destination folder on your screen states:
“C:\Program Files\EqualizerAPO.”
That’s because this is the default location. And it’ll make the steps later on much easier to do.
So if yours is saying something else…
Just paste or manually type the text I’ve written above to the space on your screen. Then…
Step 3: Click the Next tab.
Step 4: Select Install.
Step 5: Check the box beside the name of your headphones.
Important: Ensure that it’s the only 1 selected, so you don’t alter the volume of other speakers connected to your PC.
Step 6: Choose when you want to reboot your computer.
You can select the “Reboot now” option if you’re willing to restart your computer now.
But if you have important unsaved files or windows open…
Select “I want to manually reboot later” instead.
This way, you’ll have time to save and properly close your essential documents.
And once you’ve selected the option that best suits you…
Step 7: Click Finish to end the Setup wizard.
#8: Restart your PC
If you selected the Reboot now option earlier, your device would automatically restart.
But if you chose the other selection, ensure that your important windows are closed, then…
Follow these steps to restart your computer manually:
- Click the window icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Tap the power logo.
- Select Restart.
Once you’ve restarted your PC, proceed to…
#9: Go to the destination file of the EQ APO software
Wait for your computer to turn ON again, and follow these steps:
- Open the File Explorer app on your PC.
- On the left tab, select the Local Disk (C:) option.
- From the list, choose Program Files.
- Tap the EqualizerAPO option.
After doing so…
#10: Launch the config folder
At the top of the list, you’ll see a file named config.
So just select this option, then click the document with the same name on the next page.
Once you do, you’ll see a new window with a bunch of text.
And while this may seem intimidating, don’t fret. Because the next step is still very easy to do.
#11: Make your headphones louder
Now, you should delete all the words on the document you’re on.
Then, paste this text on the blank page: Preamp: +5 dB.
Note: Don’t include a period at the end of the dB.
See, this command simply tells the APO driver that…
Your headphones’ current maximum volume should be increased by 5 dB.
And while this may be a small number…
Trust me. This is usually enough to make headphones loud enough.
“Can I use a bigger number?”
Yes, you can. However, I don’t recommend doing so.
Warning: Increasing the dB of your headphones to a number higher than 10 can destroy its speakers. That’s because you’ll be pushing your device’s volume over the limits it can handle.
That said, the best number to start at is 5. Then, gradually increase it to 10 if the initial value still wasn’t loud enough.
And just like that, your headphones will now be louder than it was beforehand.
You may also wonder: Are Wired Headphones Louder Than Wireless?
Why are my headphones so quiet?
Your headphones are so quiet because your volume isn’t all the way up. Sometimes, this happens because your headset’s wire isn’t plugged completely. Moreover, this problem also occurs if your wireless headphones have too much dirt.
But fret not. I have simple fixes for these problems below.
#1: Adjust the volume of your PC and headphones
This might seem obvious…
However, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to forget to adjust all the volumes you can work with.
That said, the first fix you should try is increasing the audio output of your:
- Computer.
- Headphones.
- Video or audio file.
See, forgetting to change even just 1 of these can make your headphones sound too low.
So, before you proceed to any formal fixes…
You should increase or even max out all these volumes. Then observe if it solves your headphones’ audio problem.
#2: Plug your headphones all the way through
If you’re using a wired headset…
Then your device’s cord may not be plugged all the way through.
On that note, what you should try now is to…
Reconnect your wired headphones to your PC:
Step 1: Unplug your headset’s wire from your computer
Important: Don’t wiggle the wire as you disconnect it. Because this can loosen the headphones’ connection. Moreover, it can further lower your device’s volume.
Step 2: Remove the wire from your headphones’ body (if applicable)
If you have a pair of headphones with detachable wires…
You should also remove the cord from the headset themselves.
This way, you can ensure that they’re connected properly later.
Step 3: Reconnect your headphones to the PC
Wipe the connectors of the AUX cord you removed with a clean microfiber cloth.
Then, reconnect it to your headphones and your PC.
Now, ensure that you’re plugging the connectors firmly on both ends.
After doing so, try to listen to any audio using your headphones again.
Editor’s pick: Do Wireless Headphones Last Longer Than Wired? 5 Scenarios
#3: Charge your wireless headset
Wireless headphones are so convenient.
After all, you can privately listen to your PC even when you’re 6-feet away.
However, wireless headphones only work properly if they have enough battery.
Because if their power is too low…
You can experience audio problems, or your device can be too quiet.
That said, you should recharge your wireless headphones.
Then when they’re fully charged, try to use them with your PC again.
#4: Clean your headphones
Dirt or wax buildup on headphones is also a common cause of this low-volume problem.
With that, if your headset still isn’t loud enough…
You should take your time and clean your device.
On that note, here’s a quick video that can show you how to clean your headphones properly:
#5: Buy a new pair of headset
Not all headsets are made equal.
So sometimes, this is why your headphones’ volume is too low:
It wasn’t designed to be loud enough in the first place.
With that said, if you’re still experiencing the low-volume problem on your headphones…
I suggest getting a new and higher-quality pair.
With this in mind, I highly recommend these WHCH710N Sony headphones that only cost $150.
That’s because they can last for 35 hours on just a single charge. And they also have 30-mm drivers, ensuring you won’t experience this low-volume issue again.