01
Install SteelSeries GG
Download **SteelSeries GG** from the official website and complete its setup.
Install **SteelSeries Sonar**, select physical audio devices, and route game and chat sound separately.
Requirements
- Windows 11 25H2 x64
- Compatible headset or speakers
- SteelSeries GG from https://steelseries.com/gg/sonar
- Voice chat application
Instructions
02
Enable Sonar
Open **SteelSeries GG** and select **Sonar**. Complete its initial audio configuration.
03
Choose physical devices
Select your actual headset or speakers as the playback device for the relevant virtual channels.
04
Configure Windows output
Open **Settings > System > Sound** and select the appropriate Sonar gaming device as the default output.
05
Route chat applications
Open your voice chat application's audio settings. Select the **Sonar Chat** virtual device for incoming voice audio.
06
Test independent volume
Play game audio while receiving voice chat audio. Adjust the separate channels inside **Sonar** and confirm independent control.
tipKeep the virtual Sonar channels assigned to valid physical devices to avoid silent output.
Common issues
No audio plays after enabling Sonar.
Check the output device assigned to each Sonar virtual channel and verify Windows playback selection.
Voice chat is still mixed with game audio.
Select Sonar Chat directly inside the chat application's output settings.
Frequently asked
Does Sonar require SteelSeries headphones?
Supported Sonar features can work with other compatible audio hardware.
Can microphone audio be adjusted separately?
Yes. Sonar includes microphone-related routing and processing controls.
How to undo this
Restore your physical headset or speakers as the default Windows audio output, change chat-app device assignments back, and disable or uninstall **SteelSeries GG**.
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