Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customizing the audio parameters of a networked voice communications device (NVCD) are presented. One method includes receiving a settings file, determining a group parameter, extracting at least one audio control parameter from the settings file based upon the group parameter, deriving audio processing parameters based upon a value selected from the at least one audio control parameter, and controlling the audio characteristics of the networked voice communications device using the audio processing parameters. An apparatus having audio characteristics configured by a settings file is also presented, which includes a processor, and memory which is functionally coupled to the processor, where the memory stores a group parameter and executable instructions, and the executable instructions cause the processor to control the audio characteristics of the networked voice communications device based upon the group parameter.