Here are easy steps to make sure sound is coming out of your gaming headset when wanting to play on PlayStation.
Console gaming with headsets is easier than ever, but there's still a few steps beyond plugging in and using it. We'll walk you through a quick method to making sure your gaming headset outputs audio when used with a PlayStation 5.
1. Plug in the headset with a USB cable or a wireless dongle
Depending on the kind of gaming headset you have, make sure it's connected first. With Arctis Nova 5P Wireless, you will use a small USB-C dongle that you can plug in to the front of your PlayStation 5 in order to use 2.4GHz wireless, which is a much better connection than Bluetooth. Even Bluetooth headsets need dongles, as the PlayStation 5 does not have native Bluetooth for headsets.
You might as well get the better audio connection. Other kinds of headsets may also have dongles, USB wires, or a Wireless Base Station in the case of Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
2. Select the output in PlayStation Settings (or use a shortcut)
Your console may switch to the headset output automatically (which has a setting also), but in the event that it doesn't or you want to switch things around, there are two ways to change the audio output on PS5.
For a quicker method
- Press the PS button on the Home screen
- At the bottom navigational menu, you will see a row of icons. Navigate to the Sound icon which is shaped like a speaker.
- There you will see an option to select the output device. Press X to progress in the settings.
Alternatively (and to see all audio settings)
- Go to the Settings menu through the Home screen.
- Navigate to Audio > Audio Output.
- From the Output Device screen, choose your headset.
If your headset is not on the list, it may be turned off or not connected properly. Visit our Suport Page for help with further troubleshooting if needed.
3. Adjust audio settings on PS5
You can even determine what kind of audio comes out on your headset. For example, if you want only chat audio to come to your headset on PS5, this is how to do it. Go back to the Audio Settings menu like mentioned in Step 2 (the longer way), under Audio Output.
Here you can select "Voice Chat Audio" if you don't want game audio to come out of your headset, or if you want all audio.
There is also a setting for automatic headset switching when plugged in, which you can toggle on or off.
Furthermore, you can adjust the settings on the headset microphone, such as boosting its level. You can do the same in the quick menu at the bottom of the Home screen when pressing the PS button. It has its own Mic shortcut.
4. Enable Tempest 3D Audio on PlayStation
In the same Sound menu (under Settings), you can scroll below a few options to see "3D Audio for Headphones." You can toggle 3D Audio on or ff, as well as Adjust 3D Audio Profile.
If you're doing it for the first time, you'll go through a few steps that ask you for your preferences; just make sure to pick 3D audio over Stereo. The rest is up to your preference, so listen well and decide. All the Arctis Nova headsets feature 360° Spatial Audio with support for Tempest 3D Audio on PlayStation.
5. Adjust audio balance on PS5
Finally, even while in-game, you can adjust the audio balance on PlayStation. Press the PS briefly to bring up the shortcut menu, and from there, go to the Sound tab again. You can adjust game and chat audio balance as well as tinker with a few other options, such as volume and source again.
6. Get 100s of game-specific audio presets for even better sound
With the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 companion app you can access 100+ EQ presets that fine-tune your audio beyond the sound settings in game or the PS5 menu. With boosts in bass for better immersion, as well as other frequencies to help you hear the details you need to hear better, such as footsteps, reloads, item usage, and more, get the best audio on console for your favorite games with the companion app and Arctis Nova 5P Wireless.
