What is Sonar Device Manager?
Sonar Device Manager is a feature that helps you manage audio devices when using them with Sonar. It allows users to decide which devices should be used within Sonar and which should be excluded.
How can I access Sonar Device Manager?
You can access Sonar Device Manager from the mixer page by clicking on any device in the game, chat, media, aux, or mic channels and then clicking on the "Device Manager" button.
What will I see in Sonar Device Manager?
The Device Manager page is split into two sections:
- Output Device Priority List - are ones you want to use, such as your headset or speakers, while excluded devices are those you prefer not to use, like monitors or graphic card audio connections.
- Excluded Devices List - excluded devices are those you prefer not to use, like monitors or graphic card audio connections.
In the Device Manager page, you will have access to a bunch of interesting features like:
- Output Device Priority List: Manage the order of devices that Sonar uses when switching devices.
- Excluded Devices List: Exclude devices that you don’t want Sonar to utilize.
- Backup Device Switch: Set to AUTO to automatically change to another device if the current one becomes unavailable.
- Shortcut Settings: Set shortcuts for changing devices and adjusting volume.
- Use the same device across all channels: Option to use the same device for all output channels.
- Media/Aux Channel enable/disable: Deactivate media and aux channels if desired and view channel format information.
How do I manage my output and excluded devices?
By default, all devices appear in the output device priority list:
- You can exclude devices by dragging them into the excluded area, and Sonar will then ignore these devices completely.
- You can change the priority of devices by sorting them in the output device priority list
- Alternatively you can modify the output device priority and exclusion lists directly in the dropdown menu by clicking on the device under each channel in the mixer page.
What is the "Backup Device Switch" feature?
The backup device switch is set to manual (OFF) by default.
When switched to AUTO, Sonar will automatically select a new device if your current one is disconnected or unavailable. The next device is chosen based on your output device priority list.
How do I set shortcuts in the Device Manager?
You can set shortcuts for both volume and changing devices on any channel. These are particularly useful when gaming in full screen, allowing control of Sonar without leaving the game.
What is the "Enable the Same Device on All Output Channels" feature?
This feature enables the same device across all output channels, applying the same output device priority and exclusion list. It can be activated in the Device Manager or linked across channels in the mixer page.
How do I ensure my headset is used for all channels?
If you use the same headset for game, chat, media, and aux channels, you can enable the "Enable the Same Device on All Output Channels" feature, ensuring consistent device usage across channels.
How do I enable/disable Media or Aux channel in the Device Manager?
You can deactivate the media and aux channels if they are not useful to you. To do so just head to the Media (or Aux) channel from the top tab in the device manager page, then hit the disable/enable button
Can I configure hardware features in the Sonar Device Manager?
The Device Manager is not used for configuring hardware features like illumination, sidetone, or battery settings. For these, users must use the SteelSeries Engine.