When your Razer BlackShark V2 headset fails to work properly on Discord, it can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you’re trying to hop into a game with friends or coordinate a strategy in real-time. The headset is known for superb sound quality and a rich microphone experience, yet Discord issues can unravel all that promise. Whether it’s your mic not being heard or you can’t hear your teammates, there’s usually a simple fix. In this guide, we’ll walk through the common causes and step-by-step solutions to get your Razer BlackShark V2 working perfectly on Discord.
TL;DR:
If your Razer BlackShark V2 isn’t working on Discord, check your input/output devices in Discord’s settings first. Make sure the mic privacy settings and audio drivers are correctly configured on your PC. Disabling additional audio enhancements and ensuring Synapse software is up to date can also resolve conflicts. Follow these troubleshooting steps below for a seamless Discord experience.
1. Check Your Default Input and Output Settings
The first thing to verify is that Discord is actually using your Razer BlackShark V2 as its primary device. Discord sometimes defaults to a different audio device, especially if you’ve recently unplugged or changed peripherals.
- Open Discord and click on the User Settings icon near the bottom-left.
- Go to Voice & Video.
- Set your Input Device to Razer BlackShark V2.
- Set the Output Device to the same headset as well.
- Test your mic using the Let’s Check feature.
Make sure your headset is properly connected via USB sound card or audio jack. If you’re using the USB sound card that comes with the BlackShark V2, select that specifically instead of “Default.”
2. Allow Discord to Access Microphone
Windows privacy settings can block Discord from accessing your microphone, especially after a Windows update. Here’s how you can fix that:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
- Ensure Allow apps to access your microphone is turned On.
- Scroll down and ensure Discord specifically has mic access enabled.
After enabling access, restart Discord to apply the change.
3. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause your headset to stop working on communication apps like Discord. You can fix this by updating or reinstalling your drivers.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Audio inputs and outputs category.
- Right-click on your headset or microphone and select Update driver.
- If that doesn’t work, click Uninstall device, restart your PC, and plug your headset back in to reinstall drivers automatically.
For additional accuracy, download the latest drivers from the Razer Support website.
4. Make Sure Razer Synapse Is Running
The BlackShark V2 takes full advantage of Razer’s software ecosystem. Razer Synapse manages profiles and can affect how your device interacts with applications like Discord.
- Ensure Razer Synapse is installed and running in the background.
- Update Synapse to its latest version.
- Check your audio profiles: some might be muting or lowering mic sensitivity unintentionally.
If Synapse seems to interfere, try launching Discord first or run both apps as Administrator to avoid permission conflicts.
5. Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows
Exclusive Mode lets some programs take full control of your audio devices, which might cause conflicts between Discord and other apps.
- Right-click the sound icon in the system tray and choose Sounds.
- Under the Recording tab, select your Razer Headset Microphone and click Properties.
- Go to the Advanced tab and uncheck :
- Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
- Give exclusive mode applications priority
- Click Apply and OK.
Repeat this for both the microphone and the playback section.
6. Turn Off Audio Enhancements
While enhancements can improve audio in some situations, they may sometimes degrade or alter your mic input enough for Discord to stop recognizing it properly.
- Again, go to Sound Settings.
- Click on Sound Control Panel.
- Right-click your BlackShark V2 microphone and select Properties.
- Go to the Enhancements tab and check Disable all enhancements.
- Click Apply and OK.
Then test your microphone inside Discord to see if the issue is resolved.
7. Reset Voice Settings in Discord
If all else fails, Discord might just need a refresh of its voice configuration. Try resetting your settings:
- Go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Reset Voice Settings.
- Restart Discord and reselect your Razer headset as the default devices.
This can clear up API glitches or corrupted temp files that might be causing conflicts.
8. Try Running in Legacy Audio Subsystem
Discord continuously updates its audio engine, and sometimes newer subsystems can clash with specific headset drivers. Legacy mode can solve these issues:
- Open User Settings in Discord.
- Go to Voice & Video and scroll to the bottom.
- Under Audio Subsystem, switch from Standard to Legacy.
- Confirm and restart Discord.
9. Other Troubleshooting Tips
Still having trouble? Here are a few bonus steps worth checking:
- Test your headset on another computer or app to rule out hardware issues.
- Ensure Discord has the correct permissions in any third-party firewall or antivirus software.
- Try using the 3.5mm audio jack instead of the USB sound card, or vice versa.
Conclusion
The Razer BlackShark V2 is a premium headset, and it should give you a great experience on Discord when everything is configured correctly. By following the steps above, you can eliminate most common microphone and audio issues quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a simple input switch or a more complex driver issue, troubleshooting methodically ensures you’re back in the game with crystal-clear communication.
Remember to keep your software and hardware drivers up to date, and always double-check Discord’s settings after any major Windows or Discord update. You’ll avoid most common compatibility issues by staying proactive.