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How to Enable Spotter Sounds in Iracing

Silent spotter? For iRacing drivers, this guide shows how to enable spotter sounds in iRacing, pick the right device, set volumes, and fix common issues fast.

If you’re stuck with a silent spotter, the fix is usually in the Sound options or your audio device. Below is exactly how to enable spotter sounds in iRacing and verify they’re coming through the right speakers or headset. You’ll be hearing clear “car left/right” calls in a couple of minutes.

Quick Answer: how to enable spotter sounds in iracing

Go to Options (gear icon) > Sound. Select a Spotter voice pack (not “None”), set Spotter Volume to a hearable level, choose the correct output device(s), and apply. If you use a separate voice chat device or Crew Chief, make sure the spotter isn’t routed or muted elsewhere.

What’s Really Going On

The iRacing spotter is a built‑in audio assistant that calls traffic, pit entry, and incidents. If you can’t hear it, one of three things is usually wrong:

The spotter pack is set to None or turned down.
Audio is playing to the wrong device (speakers vs headset).
Another app (like Crew Chief) or a hotkey is muting/overriding the spotter.

Step-by-Step Fix

Open iRacing Options > Sound.
Spotter voice: In the Spotter drop‑down, select a voice (e.g., Default/English). Avoid “None.”
Volumes: Set Spotter Volume to 70–100%. Ensure Master Volume isn’t low and Voice Chat Volume is reasonable.
Devices: Set your main Audio Output to the headphones/speakers you’re using. If you see a “Voice Chat Output” device, pick where you want radio/spotter to play. If you’ve routed voice chat to another device, the spotter may follow it.
Ducking: Increase Spotter (or Voice Chat) Ducking so the engine lowers when the spotter speaks (0.3–0.6 is a good start).
Controls check: Options > Controls > search for “Spotter” or “Mute.” Remove any accidental “Mute Spotter” binding and make sure it isn’t toggled.
Windows check: In Windows Volume Mixer, confirm iRacing isn’t muted and is using the intended output device. If you swapped devices mid-session, reselect them in iRacing.
Test: Enter Test Drive or a session. Drive alongside an AI/car or pass pit exit—listen for “car left/right” or “clear.”

Extra Tips / Checklist

Using Crew Chief? Decide which spotter you want. Either disable iRacing’s spotter (set Spotter to None) or disable spotter in Crew Chief to avoid double calls.
Bluetooth headsets can switch profiles mid-session and kill volume. Use wired or ensure the headset stays in the “Stereo”/A2DP mode.
If you use a USB mic/headset, set Windows “Default communications device” to that headset if you want radio/spotter there.
After Windows updates, output devices can change names. Revisit iRacing Sound settings and reselect the device.
Too loud car, too quiet spotter? Lower engine volume slightly and/or raise spotter ducking so calls cut through.

FAQs

Why can’t I hear the iRacing spotter at all? Usually the spotter pack is set to None, the Spotter Volume is at 0, or audio is routed to the wrong device. Recheck Options > Sound and Windows Mixer.
Does the spotter use the same device as voice chat? By default it follows your main audio, but if you’ve set a separate “Voice Chat Output” device, the spotter may play there. Pick the device you actually hear.
How do I change the spotter voice? Options > Sound > Spotter. Choose a voice pack you prefer and apply.
Can I run Crew Chief with the iRacing spotter? You can, but you’ll get duplicate calls. Most drivers pick one: use Crew Chief and set iRacing Spotter to None, or disable spotter in Crew Chief.

Short Wrap-Up

If the spotter is enabled, audible, and routed to the right device, you’ll get reliable “left/right/clear” calls. Next session, tweak ducking and volume so the spotter cleanly cuts through your engine noise without being distracting.