SSE High Quality Music
⚪ Last updated 2018⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.0% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #38 of 84 Audio mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
What Bethesda did for Skyrim, is to use XWM's default ratio between file size and sound quality, which is approximately 48kbps. The result is, average file size but poor sound quality.
48kbps is not the only available bitrate for XWM. It can handle much higher bitrate, up to 192kbps, if set properly.
Higher quality
Since the Special Edition release on PS4 (or before if you were playing on PS3), you may have noticed that the sound quality (music and voices) is indisputably better than PC and Xbox 360/One versions.
If PS3 and PS4 versions of the game are not affected by this compression issue, it's because they are using Sony's proprietary audio format instead of Microsoft's XWM. This proprietary audio format remain a lossy compression, but is much more efficient, preserving the sound quality.
What this mod do
This mod will replace the vanilla music files with new ones, in much higher quality (192kbps), made with audio files from the PS4 version. This quality upgrade will make the music more clear, more dynamic ; the soundstage (stereo field) will no longer be muffled. Compression artifacts will be removed. No more muddy compression. The game soundtrack will recover it's original beauty.
This mod support every music file of the game, including Dawnguard, Dragonborn and unreleased tracks.
The original mod only includes loose files (no ESP is needed).
The optional version includes a small ESP plugin which will restore a few unused tracks. (mus_explore_day_06, mus_dread_03, Sovngarde palette ambiance)
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Note : The quality difference between mod and vanilla may not be evident for everyone, depending on your sound installation and your own perception. While audiophiles will notice a huge difference, some others may just notice a small one. Or, you may not ear any difference at all. Even in that last case, I strongly suggest you to try the mod anyway.
(Wear headphones or headset to watch the preview video)
SSE High Quality Music replaces Skyrim Special Edition's compressed music files with lossless versions, delivering cleaner, more dynamic audio. It's a simple drop-in mod with no plugin, compatible with Oldrim and VR. With over 10,000 endorsements, it's a trusted audio upgrade for players who notice the difference.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust with 10,477 endorsements and 347k downloads
- No plugin means zero load order conflicts and easy removal
- Works across SE, Oldrim, and VR – one mod for all your Skyrim installs
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2018 – may not be officially updated for newer game patches, though music files rarely break
- Only affects music, not sound effects or voice – if you want a full audio overhaul, look elsewhere
- Requires manual installation or mod manager – no FOMOD installer for options
For Skyrim players who notice the compressed audio in the base game and want a cleaner, more immersive soundtrack without adding gameplay mods. Perfect for audiophiles and modders building a stable load order. Skip if you're happy with the default music or want broader audio improvements.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're using a mod manager like Vortex or MO2, you can install the mod as a regular archive – it will place the loose files correctly.
- Since there's no ESP, you don't need to worry about load order – just make sure no other mod overwrites the music files.
- For VR users, this mod works as-is, but test in-game to ensure the music plays correctly with your VR setup.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Myania
- Version
- 1.8
- Downloads
- 347,721
- Endorsements
- 10,477
- Category
- Audio
- Created
- 11/24/2016
- Updated
- 5/9/2018
🧩 Commonly Used Together
Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Skyrim commands, item IDs, and more.
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