Good audio balance lets you understand a callout and still feel what is happening in the game. Begin with both channels at a comfortable middle level. Then ask one question: can you understand a teammate without losing the important game cues?
Use voices as the reference
Set chat so a normal speaking voice is easy to follow. If voices are sharp or tiring, lower the overall volume before you change equalizer settings. Clear is more useful than loud.
Protect the cues you rely on
Footsteps, movement, reloads, and objective sounds should sit apart from music and effects. If the game offers separate sliders, lower music first and then adjust effects until the important cues return.
Save a second profile
Keep one balanced profile for multiplayer and another for story games or music. A small amount of preparation means you can switch modes without rebuilding your mix every night.
Save this guide, share it with your squad, and explore the HCG1 setup when you are ready for a simple, wired connection.