Technical Report – THX Spatial Audio Distortion in Fortnite at 48 kHz | Razer Insider
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Technical Report – THX Spatial Audio Distortion in Fortnite at 48 kHz

  • July 11, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 169 views
Ruptor2

Technical Report – THX Spatial Audio Distortion in Fortnite at 48 kHz

Description

The virtual audio device "Speakers (THX Spatial)" produces severe digital audio distortion when playing Fortnite with the audio format set to 16-bit / 48,000 Hz.

The issue started immediately after a recent Fortnite season update. Before this update, the same hardware and software configuration worked flawlessly at 16-bit / 48,000 Hz.

System Information

  • Operating System: Windows 11

  • Headset: Razer Barracuda X (2021)

  • Connection: 2.4 GHz USB Wireless Dongle

  • Software: Razer Synapse with THX Spatial Audio

Troubleshooting Performed

I have performed the following tests:

  • THX Spatial Audio works correctly in all other games and multimedia applications.

  • Fortnite works perfectly when the output device is set directly to Razer Barracuda X instead of Speakers (THX Spatial).

  • The distortion occurs immediately when Fortnite starts, beginning with the loading screen and continuing in the main menu before entering a match.

  • I tested another physical audio device while keeping THX Spatial Audio as the output device, and the same distortion occurred.

  • I reset Fortnite's audio configuration by deleting the GameUserSettings.ini file.

  • I disabled Fortnite's 3D audio, Windows audio enhancements, and exclusive mode.

  • None of these steps resolved the issue.

Temporary Workaround

Changing the audio format of the Speakers (THX Spatial) virtual device produces the following results:

  • 16-bit / 48,000 Hz: Severe digital distortion and crackling.

  • 16-bit / 44,100 Hz: Audio works perfectly with no distortion.

This strongly suggests a compatibility, synchronization, or sample rate handling issue between the THX Spatial Audio virtual driver and Fortnite when operating at 48 kHz.

Additional Information

Before the latest Fortnite update, 16-bit / 48,000 Hz worked correctly with the exact same hardware, operating system, and THX Spatial Audio configuration. The issue only started after the game update.

Based on the troubleshooting performed, the problem appears to be related to the interaction between Fortnite and the THX Spatial Audio virtual audio device, rather than the headset, wireless dongle, or Windows audio configuration.

I would appreciate it if your engineering team could investigate this potential compatibility issue or driver regression.

    1 Reply

    AshMaster56
    • AshMaster56
    • Insider Mini
    • July 15, 2026

    Same issue here. I have a Razer Kraken V3 Pro and Fortnite sounds “deep-fried” when the audio is set to THX Spatial in Fortnite. It works fine when I select my headset output instead. It’s been an issue for about a week or so since the update. 

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