Planning On Using An Existing Headset With A PS4? Read This

Yesterday, we received a note from Astro Gaming (whom we've recently spoken with about next-gen audio) indicating that their headsets will work for chat on the PlayStation 4… just not right away. This prompted us to dig a little deeper and find out what gaming headset owners can expect on November 15.

[N311V]

They're right about it being complicated!

I use the PS3 wireless 7.1 surround headset http://m.au.ign.com/article... which I really like. I think it uses a USB for both audio and chat, I've never had to pair the devices so I don't think any part is Bluetooth.

I thought they'd been confirmed to work with the PS4 http://www.polygon.com/2013...

Does this mean I'll get audio with the PS4 but not chat till an update? Has anyone been to a trade show and used the headset pictured in the polygon article with a ps4?

[ArchangelMike]

I've got a Pulse Elite, and I have to say Sony have supported it very well Custom setting for Bioshock Infinite, The Last of Us, and now GTA V. Although, Sony have confirmed compatibility with PS4, I can't see why it's not supported at lauch?

I hope it doesn't turn out like the whole "cross-game-chat" fiasco on the PS3 though!

[xHeavYx]

Question about the Pulse, is it the chat only that won't work? Or the whole headset?

[ArchangelMike]

@xHeavyx

Yeah, the headset will work for audio, but not for chat. Sony will be releasing a patch to include the chat functionality.

I just can't understand how Sony are not supporting their own product straight out of the gate?

[Conzul]

well that sucks. I've been using Sony's br-btd200 Bluetooth for my vita and z1. Guess the Mic won't work.

[Kleptic]

@mike...

sadly, i'm betting because an official PS4 set of peripherals aren't too far off...

keyboards, new 'official' headsets and sound systems, etc...

I guess its good that they'll patch in support...but other than new stuff being announced soon; i can't understand why it even needs a patch to begin with...

fyi though...anyone interested in a PS4 and PC gaming...the sony surround headset (i have the first one, not the elite version)...with Axon Dolby software for chat on PC...is unbelievable...the surround support is ridiculous for voice chat, you can turn people around within the chat session so that the voices are perfectly balanced with game audio...it actually functions better than i could ever get it to on the PS3...that balance between voice and game audio seemed impossibly in games like bf3...

[Nitrowolf2]

@ArchangelMike

Honestly, I expect a Day-One patch or at least one close to launch for the PS4 that'll be adding a bunch of stuff that they couldn't include in time and things we are asking. SO I am sure the wait won't be to long

[ZodTheRipper]

First negative news for PS4 in a while :D
I'm using the PULSE and as long as audio works on PS4 I'm fine.

[ShinMaster]

FROM ARTICLE:

"" The situation is similar for the Xbox One. The connector on the controller is completely different, and until Microsoft delivers the adapter it has promised, you won't be able chat using legacy devices.
Our Take
While it's good that these headsets will eventually work, it's a shame that both platform holders won't be ready to support them at launch. ""

Looks like the PS4 was singled out again by the media *sigh*.
Enjoy your views GameInformer.

[Bzone24]

@ShinMaster

How is Sony being singled out? Microsoft was trashed for weeks about this. Very short memories here.

[crxss]

Any USB or 3.5 mm jack (TRRS for both game audio and chat) headset will work for game audio and chat

[Pogmathoin]

Hehe, Bzone, welcome to N4G... I did not want to comment on the abuse X1 took a few weeks back, but as a total sony fanboy I have to say grow up and get a life. We Sony fanboys live a flawless life, and are here to help you make the right choice, or else we will torment you forever.... Oh, your very welcome...now erase your memory. Sony is perfection.... Hey you!!! Chinese worker, get back to that table, you've only worked 18 hours!

[nukeitall]

@ShinMaster:

Not only did the story not single out PS4, but mentioned Xbox One. To top it off, they didn't even mention how cheap the PS4 headset is compared to the Xbox One.

The PS4 "headset" is actually a cheap earplug.

[UltimateMaster]

The best thing is to ask Yoshida for an answer.

[Irishguy95]

It's fine really, so long as we're getting a headset with the console, just wait. It's an inconvenience at worst

[JimmyLmao]

you can get audio with PS4 no matter what headset you use, same with xbox one.

[maddskull]

no in the xbox you must buy xbox one headsets you cant use your old ones

[JimmyLmao]

@maddskull

i said audio, not chat.

you can plug whatever headset you want into the mic jack on your TV, and hear the PS4/XB1 audio.

but yes you are right, for chat on xbox one you need to use the kinect, or the included mic, or buy a new headset or get an adapter...

for chat on PS4 you can use the included mic, or any bluetooth/3.5mm mic will work, some at launch, some after a patch.

I still find it awesome how you can plug in your headset into the DualShock 4 and get game audio AND chat... its an amazing idea =)

[yarbie1000]

at maddskull - the Xbox One will be compatible with current-gen headsets http://www.polygon.com/2013...

[GiantEnemyCrab]

yarbie1000: With an adapter which MS hasn't said if it will be available at launch. I am not liking that. They should all be using BT as a standard and allow any BT headset to work, at launch.

[TechMech2]

@maddskull
No, you can use your old ones. You need an adapter

[DOMination-]

the X1 controller is capable of outputting audio and chat as well.

[dumahim]

Your link is broken because of the period at the end.

This doesn't really make sense. If the PS4 uses Bluetooth for the chat headset, why would other Bluethooth headsets not work, even when they already said the PS3 headset would work. I don't see Sony going proprietary on this at this point.

[smugbullfish]

glad to see I aint the only one confused here

[xHoii]

Yeah, I'm confused aswell, what does he mean by all those headset such use Bluetooth will not work?
Is that temporary until a firmware update is up?
I have turtle beach px5s, would those work in the future, any help appreciated.

[BoriboyShoGUN]

I thought they said the PS3 bluetooth would work? And here I was telling people if they see one cheap to snatch it up! WOOPS!

[Pope_Kaz_Hirai_II]

I have astros a40 2013 and im half glad so far.

[showtimefolks]

its gonna be supported but not at launch like many things with next gen systems, some of you just complain, but sony and ms are trying new things so what if it takes the 1st year for everything to start working right

till than enjoy the awesome games and the available service

and i am happy sony is allowing us to use our ps3 headsets, i really like the pulse elite one

be gamers not fanboys

[lilbrat23]

I wonder if the Tritton 720 will work :-/

[saas11]

'next gen' LOL

[guitarded77]

I have a Pulse Elite and have had to pair the headset with the USB dongle before.

[dethpuck]

Guess the ps4 isn't perfect after all I thought my xp400s would work. Interesting though must be a different Bluetooth driver

[da1writer]

Glad you assume it's just PS4. They also mention in the Article Microsoft won't either from the start and requires an adapter (which won't come out at the start either). Also all headphone makers said that a firmware update will be needed - Astro said it, Turtle Beach... have you not kept up with the stories so far on n4g?

http://www.examiner.com/art...

http://pixelenemy.com/turtl...

I'm glad the editor of that article just jumped on Sony for the title when inside the Article it says both Microsoft and Sony will be having headphone issues in the beginning. Pure fanboy flame bait.

[da1writer]

I guess people are right about n4g seeing my disagrees for being helpful and adding to the conversation.There's the door, I guess I'll leave.

[KrisButtar]

@da1writer

Thanks for the info and your links are way more recent than the ones I showed below...

So sounds like they are on top of it and that the systems will be getting those firmware updates quickly, or have a bunch of angry fans. lol

This article also mentions "Sony-branded PULSE gaming headset (or the elite edition of that product)" I would have thought for sure that would've worked day one being a Sony product and all.

Doesn't bother me as I'm not a headset wearer.

Edit: @

[tigertom53]

x1 stereo will work out of the controller, but an update will be required for 7.1 surround sound at lunch..

[isarai]

Do they even have a source? cause as far as i can see there is no source to speak of and i thought it was already confirmed all existing PS3 compatible headsets will work on PS4. If this is true then that update better happen REAL soon after launch or else that's going to cause a major shitstorm

[KrisButtar]

Yea a bunch of Game sites confirm that Sony's PS4 will support wireless PS3 headsets. Its easy to find a source for them confirming it. quick google and

IGN
http://ca.ign.com/articles/...

GameSpot
http://www.gamespot.com/art...

Polygon
http://www.polygon.com/2013...

PlaystationLifeStyles
http://www.playstationlifes...

"Sony rep confirming to Polygon that wireless headsets for the PlayStation 3 will be compatible with the PS4 when it launches later this year."

That sounds like a day one, so I'm not sure about this article either

Edit: spelling

[da1writer]

True but if any device is using usb for chat, it will require a firmware update from said companies like Astro and Turtle Beach for both Sony and Microsoft which will come post launch. All headsets will be compatible for in game audio but chat will come a bit later.

[aCasualGamer]

That's pretty dumb if you ask me. The PS4 has both blue-tooth and USB ports. Not taking advantage of those features, like supporting different headset brands is beyond my understanding.

Hopefully they'll fix it.

The PS3 does it perfectly, why they'd downgrade their features is something i think might have to do with the fact that every PS4 already comes with a headset? I dunno, but it's pretty frustrating for those who have 100$+ headsets at home.

[GuyThatPlaysGames]

Whatever it requires I'll just buy. Big deal guys. It's not a deal-breaker. You're making more of this than it really is.

[4logpc]

It is a big deal. I have a $200 headset that I bought. I'm not just gonna go out and buy another one.

[AlexanderNevermind]

@4logpc,

Wow that sucks bad for you if it doesn't.....and that's some serious doe to spend on a headset!!! I'm taking that its not just for the PS4.

Personally I'm rolling with my PS3 Bluetooth if I'm able (hope they fix this). If not then I'll use the prepackaged wired one until I find a better one

[isarai]

um, but you don't have to even if this is true(which i highly doubt) first off a free one comes with the PS4 and second it says your existing one will work later via update

[GuyThatPlaysGames]

If it doesn't work then you'll HAVE TO BUY ONE! Get over it!

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

Updates will come prolly in a week or two.

[Back-to-Back]

I'm sure your mommy will buy you another one for christmas.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Nobody is making more of it than it is. If I can't use my headset at launch, my official PlayStation Pulse Elite headset, that is a big deal. It essentially kills an entire portion of the way I play my games, especially with Battlefield launching with the system. Now I have to use that little ear bud and turn my TV up. Who knows how long it will take for an update.

[gamingisnotacrime]

spend over $300 on headset equipment and then say if it is a big deal or not. if you have the money then is no biggie obviously, but for me it is

[Bathyj]

This sounds like bollocks. It's just a driver, how hard is that?

Didn't they already say all headsets and steering wheels would work?

[WeAreLegion]

Using the Pulse headset, so I'm good. ;)

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Did you read it?

[WeAreLegion]

Yes, I did. I need a source on that. The Pulse headset is what they've been using on PS4's at a few conventions. They already work.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

WeAreLegion is right. I used a Pulse headset at PAX to play DriveClub on a PS4 so I'm thinking it will be ready to use at launch if they aren't already working. Then again it was only doing game audio..

[Sci0n]

states the truth and gets disagrees lol, guys youtube the convention vids and you can clearly see they are using the pulse headsets. Stop jumping the gun and panicking from every article you read. Third party sets may need a patch to function properly day one but sonys headsets should be good.

[gamingisnotacrime]

no bluetooth chat? wow that is just a shocking and awkward situation

but even worse is that usb chat wont be available at launch, that just sounds stupid in 2013 (xbox is expected but ps3 was usb and bluetooth friendly)

[garos82]

I agree totally.

But then again I can always use the included set for voice chat until it's patched to work with my PULSE set

[Are_The_MaDNess]

will just use my PC as a audio hub and use any headset that is connected to it.
optical in on the PC is king if you are gaming on the desktop :D

[NexGen]

Hurr hirr hurrrrr! I'm going to talk about my pc and issues completely unrelated to the actual topic! Huuuurrrr.

[Are_The_MaDNess]

look im just using my PC as a audio hub. meaning all headsets and sound systems works for me.
nothing more too it.
using a Razer Megalodon while playing GTA 5 on the PS3 while having music on spotify on the PC.

[nitrogav]

strange really because GAME UK advertise the pulse headphones for sale with the PS4 on release day .

[fhizikz]

i have the tritton 720+ 7.1 will that work?

[gamingisnotacrime]

it seems the optical audio will work just fine, is the chat where the issue lies. the article does day there will be an update for usb chat

[isarai]

WAIT! hold on, if they don't work then how have they been using both Pulse and Elite headsets in all the gaming conventions? i've seen it several times in off screen gameplay videos

[Campy da Camper]

Exactly. Take this story with a grain of salt.

I'm not too worried since I plan on playing watch dogs and ACBF SP for the first few weeks, anyway. Having audio in my Pulse Eliets is really all I care about.

[XANDEO]

By plugging it in the headphone jack at the bottom of the ds4, works that way but not wirelessly via Bluetooth is my guess

[isarai]

double post

[McScroggz]

This is unfortunate. Hopefully Sony can make a lot of progress and be able to have an update that would allow at the very least its PlayStation Pulse headsets to work at launch. I understand that it is complicated and that Sony has a lot of issues to iron out by the launch, but this does suck. At least most, if not all of the headsets people have been using with the PS3 SHOULD work for PS4. Just hopefully it doesn't take too long before it happens.

[FullmetalRoyale]

I'm going to try using the earbuds that I purchased for my Vita. I bought them for "surround sound" and them having a built in headset(similar to the one that will come with the ps4) was a bonus.

I like the idea of the headset being tethered to the controller, because in my experience the controller has a greater range than at least MY bluetooth headset.

If the sound quality is good enough I'll be making the switch. I would LOVE to not have to worry about charging every again. ;)

I know that Shu said you could choose to have the earbuds play either the game audio(giving you poor man's surround sound), or use it for voice chat.

What I'M really hoping for is for you to be able to use it for both simultaneously. People out there with full-on headsets can answer this: Don't they typically allow you to hear the game and the people you are chatting with at the same time?

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Do those have good audio quality? Can you buy them separately?

[FullmetalRoyale]

Yeah I bought them separately for about twenty dollars. Imo they are really good when listening to music, and worked wonders during my playthrough of Persona 4 Golden.

[boneso82]

"I like the idea of the headset being tethered to the controller, because in my experience the controller has a greater range than at least MY bluetooth headset."

How far away do you sit from your tv or console? Have you got a 40ft living room and a 100inch TV or something?

[FullmetalRoyale]

*overly dramatic eyeroll*

I should have known I would get a response like this.

It's really none of your Goddamn business, now is it?

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Thanks. I just saw them listed on Amazon for about 10 bucks.

[Thevariance]

Am I missing something, cause the article states that the pulse headsets "will not work at all" (at launch), which I interpret as audio and chat. Surely this cannot be the case.

[FullmetalRoyale]

That's exactly what the author is saying(certainly take it with a grain of salt), and don't call me Shirley.

[Akuma2K]

Wow, sony really dropped the ball on this one.....hopefully they'll have a launch day patch ready to go to fix this problem because it really doesn't help gameplay when BF4 and COD:Ghosts come out on PS4.

[isarai]

Yeah seeing as how this has no source, or even a mention of one i'm calling this fake/flamebait just an attempt at hits from GI. Especially when it's already been confirmed multiple times from several different sources even from SCE themselves that existing headsets will work at launch. Nice try though

[KingKevo]

And I thought they'd all work :/ And why exactly do USB headsets (like you had to use the Astros on the PS3) not work and why do Bluetooth headsets not work? Some OFFICIAL clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[Holeran]

I have the Pulse and the Pulse Elite for my 2 PS3s and would hate to have to buy another set so that I can have voice on the PS4. They better fix this sooner rather than later. It would piss people like me off who just spent $150 on the Elite after seeing that it would be supported on the PS4.

[Sci0n]

you do not have to buy another headset your pulse will work with the PS4 on day one I promise you!

[cunnilumpkin]

so not only are the games from last gen 100% incompatible, now the peripherals we bought will not work and we have to buy a bunch of new headsets to get quality audio?

lameness

not a concern for me currently as there is not a single game compelling enough for me to drop that kind of money on anyway

every good game is on pc as well with much better graphics for less money

though I do think killzone sf looks good, it ain't worth 100's of dollars to me

i'll be playing the waiting game on ps4/xbox1

[boneso82]

"every good game is on pc as well"

Do you own any current gen consoles? Lots of "good" exclusives not available on PC, even more "great" exclusives! For two obvious examples, have you played TLOU or GTA5 this year on your PC?

A "good game" is subjective and only determined by how much enjoyment you get out of it, without any of the next gen games being released or reviewed yet, how do you know which ones are "good"?

Ps lol at "better graphics for less money", depends entirely on your system as to how good the graphics can be, and if they are better on your system I bet you any money that it did not cost you less money to play the game looking like that! I could probably buy a PS4 and 10 new AAA games and still have change from what it cost you to buy/build your PC. If that's not true then games will not have better graphics on your PC than either next gen console.

[Rodent85]

save your breath it's useless to argue with pc extremis like him

the worst is, he even click the console section article just to talk shit

[Hicken]

We're all so glad you decided to share your opinion on something that doesn't matter to you at all.

[ziggurcat]

how he still has 3 bubbles is beyond me because i'm sure he gets marked for trolling/off topic all of the time here...

[SnakeforPresident]

My guess is production began with either the software for the chat support nonfunctional or nonexistent so they didn't want to ship some consoles with and some without. Ill bet this patch is in with in the first 2-4 weeks.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

A man will play online with the included headset and when he wants immersive SP experiences he'll use his Pulse headset until the patch when he will use Pulse for everything (elite btw). Bad news but pretty miniscule considering the included headset.

[boneso82]

I love my turtle beaches but only ever use them for multiplayer really, when I need to chat. Its a wired headset though, green pin connector for game audio (came with an adapter to connect to component audio out on PS3, there isnt one on PS4) and usb for chat. How will this set up work? plug the usb connector in the console as normal for chat and maybe the game audio pin into the controller?

My main sound system i use most of the time is an 800w Pioneer 5.1 home cinema, it is far better than a headset when u crank up the volume, but I still like having the option to use my headset as and when I want. I hope this doesn't turn into a drawn out debacle!

[yarbie1000]

Not sure why people are doubting this. Yoshida said on the 8th that the Pulse headsets would work "eventually" - go look at his twitter

[TechMech2]

Xbox one and ps4 get more similar every day.

[kewlkat007]

Sony been dancing around plenty the last few months, most truths will start to come out about what is capable at launch.

Remember, if something is not ready it should not be released.

The rush to get to market!..did anybody expect everything to work out the box?

[monkey602]

Aww man that blows! It hasn't been long since I dropped 200€ on a pair of trittons. There is just no way I would buy another set. The update better happen fast!

[PureGamer]

shit its monkey i used to play resistance with you on the ps3 back when it first came out.

[monkey602]

Haha my glory days. Hows it going dude?

[PureGamer]

its going good dude hows you? ive crossed over to the dark side that is ms haha might have to invest in a ps4 at a later stage tho

[monkey602]

I remember you getting one and never returning ha. I still have mine, fairly sure your brother is on my friends list too. Thinking of selling mine though. Don't use it, it's hard to find time for either these days but I'm keeping well. After getting mad into surfing even though I'm in this arctic hole!

[tw0qwk]

$ony lying to their fans. should have been straight up from the start. wonder what else they have been lying about?

[Heisenburger]

You were adopted.

[Daves]

Off topic, slightly... I'm a bit pissed they removed the analog RCA out. I have my audio go out to my Mackie mixer and then into a powered Blue Sky System One. The speaker in my pic.

I can still do this, but I'll have to find a HDMI splitter to extract the audio.

[Heisenburger]

Flagged.

#offtopic #youarentabovethelaw

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

Call me old-fashioned but i'm still pissed about both systems not being compatible with cd's. I'm a custom soundtrack kinda guy,don't wanna have to listen to drake while i play nba2k14.

[KrimsonKody]

Bottomline is, that's potential sales loss for PS4 launch if everyone can use their existing headsets/bluetooths. Because then, who will buy the Sony launch headsets or what they. may release in the near future? After they make their headset sales, then they will "patch" things so that any headset or Bluetooth will work.
But to be honest, did'nt Sony say that the Bluetooth they use in the PS4 is the next level Bluetooth? I don't remember the spec level that the PS4 Bluetooth is, but no Bluetooth headset currently supports it. But yeah, plugging your own headset into the phone, I don't know why that's not already in place for audio & chat.
Hopefully the patch will come a few short weeks after launch.

[serratos27]

Hold the phone!! I SWEAR I had read somewhere that the PS4 would come with a headset :O and this thread makes me think that's a huge no.

Edit: Okay. So it does come with one. "Existing headset" makes sense.

[tenacious_b]

I have two sets of astro a50s, shit better work

[Heisenburger]

Or?....

[fattyuk]

...he'll have an internetz rage

:D

[JaxLester]

Well that's great

[DoggyBiscuit]

I gotta wait for a update to use my Bluetooth headset come on Sony.

[fattyuk]

Been wanting an excuse to buy new headphones

[Heisenburger]

THAT'S the spirit!

;)

[Ozmoses]

Fine with me.. I have Tritton 720's.. They will work, I don't need to chat with people.. They probably mute me anyway.

[WitWolfy]

WTF... WTF!!!! This Pisses me off to no end I have a $90 Sony headset and the only time I'll be able to use it is when Sony decides to release an update?!?! WTF!!!!

[memots]

I got a Turtle Beach that uses the Passthrough Optical, And for the mic i run a wire to USB audio or use psEye for mic right in front of me so No impact for me.

[MadforitUK]

All current consoles support them as will next gen it takes time for the manufactures to provide the updated drivers that then have to go through quality control with Sony and MS. A few weeks they'll all be working.

[Thatmattkid]

Wow, I was literally going to buy a pair of Tritton 720+'s today, but now I'm having second thoughts. However they are optical inputs and the article states that they should work just fine. Either way thanks for the informative article Gameinformer.

[thrust]

Psn is going to be good isn't it! No talking again!

[Gamewiz_25]

Oh great that cheap@ss ps4 ear piece wire mic.
better atleast work at release or they better have a update at launch

[Smashbro29]

Wait, PS4 will actually take a step back from PS3 and won't work with bluetooth headsets? Bullshit.