How to enable Loudness Equalisation in MW2
Find out how to use Loudness Equalisation in MW2 and hear enemy movements and footsteps with the utmost clarity.
An audio setting called Loudness Equalisation is spreading like wildfire in the Call of Duty community, so if you want to reap the benefits, this guide will explain how to toggle Loudness Equalisation in the game.
How do you turn on Loudness Equalisation?
Loudness Equalisation isn't an in-game setting, it's a different type of setting that can only be enabled on a PC - so console players aren't able to use it.
If you do play on PC, though, follow the steps outlined below to turn it on:
- Locate the Speaker icon on your taskbar
- Right-click the Speaker icon and select "Sounds"
- Select the "Playback" tab
- Right-click on your Default Device and select "Properties"
- Navigate to the "Enhancements" tab
- Click "Loudness Equalisation"
- Press "Apply"
The next time you launch MW2, Loudness Equalisation should be active! If it is, you will notice the difference right away.
Advantages of using Loudness Equalisation
Loudness Equalisation works to give equal priority to all noises in MW2. So, the volume of sounds like approaching enemy footsteps is boosted, while other less relevant sounds, like ambient noises, distance gunshots, and Killstreaks, are muffled slightly. Altogether, Loudness Equalisation allows users to easily pinpoint the locations of enemies after even the slightest movements.
Loudness Equalisation is extremely potent in Search and Destroy. Search and Destroy is typically slow-paced and tactical, so any action is going to project loudly in the silence. Players with Loudness Equalisation enabled can hide out and gain precious intel by simply waiting for their opponents to make noise.
Is Loudness Equalisation allowed in MW2?
If Loudness Equalisation is so beneficial, why is it allowed? Well, unlike cheats and hacks, it's not possible to detect or tell if someone is using Loudness Equalisation in MW2. Despite all the fuss and controversy around this audio setting, there's nothing that can be done about its usage — at least in online play.
Loudness Equalisation is not allowed at LAN events like the CDL Majors. The PCs players use at these events are monitored and regulated to ensure integrity, and Loudness Equalisation is considered an unfair advantage.
While it's possible that Infinity Ward can make changes to the way audio works in MW2 to effectively nerf Loudness Equalisation, there's been nothing yet to indicate that Infinity Ward plans to address the issue.
Until Infinity Ward takes action, expect Loudness Equalisation to be something you'll need to play around with for the foreseeable future. If you encounter PC players in MW2's brand-new Ranked Play, they are probably using Loudness Equalisation.
Loudness Equalisation is just as valuable in Warzone 2.
About The Author
Coleman Hamstead
Coleman is a freelance journalist at GGRecon. While gaming has always been his passion, it wasn’t until he worked as a Sports Journalist at the Community College of Baltimore County that he found his enthusiasm for writing. In the time since Coleman has had his work featured in publications such as The Washington Post/Launcher and ESTNN. Coleman is a graduate of Towson University with a degree in Sport Management and Business Administration.
