If you have issues with footsteps or in-game audio, you have come to the right place. Here are the best audio settings for Modern Warfare 3.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is a revamped arcade shooter experience with new movement mechanics and a weapon pool. Modern Warfare 1 (2019) had notoriously bad audio, with players complaining about not hearing footsteps. However, Sledgehammer Games fixed the problem with Modern Warfare 3’s new spatial audio system.
Footsteps are an integral part of being good in any CoD title. You can hear a player coming in your direction quickly with the right audio settings. So, if you’re looking for the best audio settings to hear footsteps clearly, here’s an in-depth guide.
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Best Audio Settings for Modern Warfare 3
There are 4 main settings players need to adjust to get the best audio from the new and improved system. Here are the optimal settings for the best audio results.
Volumes
- Audio Mix: Headphones Bass Boost
- Master Volume: 70
- Music Volume: 0
- Dialogue Volume: 40
- Effects Volume: 100
- Hit Marker Volume: 60
- Speakers/Headphones Game Sound Device: Default System Device
- Mono Audio: Off
The headphone’s bass boost is essential as this audio mix amplifies footsteps, making them heavier and easier to hear. As for the volumes, turn the music volume down to zero. This takes away any distractions from the game that aren’t necessary.

Voice Chat
- Voice Chat: On
- Game Voice Channel: All Lobby/Friends Only
- Last Words Voice Chat: On
- Proximity Chat: On
- Voice Chat Device: Default System Device

Proximity chat is a game-changing feature for Warzone 2.0. Most players are unaware that their mics are on in-game, so when they speak, you can hear them if they are in your proximity. Make sure to keep it on. Furthermore, the last words of voice chat allow you to hear the callouts of an enemy you have downed, helping you understand what their squad is doing or is planning to do.
Microphone
- Microphone Mode: Push to talk
- Push to Talk: V
- Mute Yourself When Connecting: On
- Microphone Input Device: Default System Device
- Microphone Level: 100
- Microphone Test: Off

Set your mic to push to talk to avoid the Proximity chat feature. Moreover, make sure to turn on the mute yourself when connecting option so your mic remains off after joining a game.
Audio Advanced Settings
- Juggernaut Music: Off
- Hit Marker Sound Effects: Classic
- Mute Game When Minimized: On
- Reduce Tinnitus Sound: On

Keep the reduced tinnitus sound option on to avoid the excess sound of flashbangs and stun grenades. This will help decrease the side effects of getting flashed and stunned by almost 50%.
So, these are the best audio settings for Modern Warfare 3. Follow our Call of Duty guides for the best loadouts, settings, tips, and tricks regarding Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 3.
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