How to Get PS4 Audio Through Your PC: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting your PlayStation 4 audio to play through your PC speakers or headset can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you want to stream your gameplay, use advanced audio processing tools, or simply prefer the sound quality of your PC audio setup, there are several ways to achieve this. This comprehensive guide explores various methods, outlining the necessary equipment, setup procedures, and potential troubleshooting tips to get your PS4 audio flowing seamlessly through your PC.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Options

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the different approaches available. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, existing equipment, and desired level of audio fidelity.

The HDMI Audio Extractor Method

An HDMI audio extractor is a device that sits between your PS4 and your monitor or TV. It separates the audio signal from the HDMI stream and outputs it through various audio ports, such as optical (TOSLINK), RCA, or a 3.5mm headphone jack.

This method offers a clean and reliable way to get audio from your PS4, especially if your monitor or TV lacks audio output options. It’s particularly useful if you want to use high-quality headphones or speakers connected to your PC.

Using a Capture Card

Capture cards, primarily designed for recording and streaming gameplay, also provide a convenient way to route audio to your PC. They accept the HDMI input from your PS4 and output both video and audio to your computer.

The audio can then be accessed through the capture card’s software or through your PC’s audio settings. This method is ideal if you already own a capture card for streaming or recording purposes. Even if you don’t stream regularly, it can be a worthwhile investment for enhanced audio routing capabilities.

Remote Play and Virtual Audio Cable

PS4 Remote Play allows you to stream your PS4 gameplay to your PC over your local network. When using Remote Play, the audio from your PS4 is also transmitted to your PC. You can then use a virtual audio cable to redirect this audio to your desired output device.

This method is software-based and doesn’t require any additional hardware, making it a cost-effective solution. However, it relies on a stable network connection and may introduce some latency.

Sharing Audio via a USB Microphone

Some USB microphones have a headphone output that allows you to monitor the microphone’s input and also play back audio from your PC. By connecting your PS4’s controller to your PC and using the controller’s headphone jack as the audio source, you can hear both the microphone’s input and the PS4 audio through the headphones connected to the USB microphone.

This is a simple solution for voice chat and game audio. This method requires a compatible USB microphone.

Setting Up HDMI Audio Extraction

Using an HDMI audio extractor is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Equipment: You’ll need an HDMI audio extractor, HDMI cables, and the necessary audio cables (e.g., optical, RCA, or 3.5mm) to connect the extractor to your PC’s audio input.
Connect the PS4 to the Extractor: Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI output of your PS4 and the other end to the HDMI input of the audio extractor.
Connect the Extractor to Your Display: Connect another HDMI cable from the HDMI output of the audio extractor to the HDMI input of your monitor or TV.
Connect the Extractor to Your PC: Using the appropriate audio cable (e.g., 3.5mm), connect the audio output of the extractor to your PC’s line-in or microphone input. Make sure to use the correct input on your PC.
Configure Your PC’s Audio Settings: In your PC’s sound settings (usually accessible through the Control Panel or System Settings), set the line-in or microphone input as the default recording device. You may also need to enable “Listen to this device” in the properties of the input device to hear the audio.
Adjust Volume Levels: Adjust the volume levels on your PS4, the audio extractor, and your PC to achieve the desired audio balance.

Troubleshooting HDMI Audio Extraction

No Audio: Double-check all cable connections. Ensure the HDMI audio extractor is powered on (if required). Verify that the correct input is selected in your PC’s sound settings and that “Listen to this device” is enabled.
Static or Distortion: Try a different audio cable. Ensure the cable is securely connected. Reduce the volume levels on the PS4, the audio extractor, and your PC.
Low Volume: Increase the volume levels on your PS4, the audio extractor, and your PC. Check that the audio output on the audio extractor is set to the correct level.

Using a Capture Card for Audio Routing

Capture cards offer a versatile solution for routing PS4 audio to your PC. Here’s how to set it up:

Install the Capture Card: Install the capture card in your PC according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves installing the card into a PCI-e slot and installing the necessary drivers.
Connect the PS4 to the Capture Card: Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI output of your PS4 and the other end to the HDMI input of the capture card.
Connect the Capture Card to Your Display (Optional): Some capture cards have an HDMI output that allows you to connect your monitor or TV directly to the card. This is useful if you want to play the game on a separate display while capturing the video and audio on your PC. If your capture card doesn’t have an HDMI output, you’ll need to use an HDMI splitter to send the signal to both your PC and your display.
Install Capture Card Software: Install the capture card’s software on your PC. This software will allow you to view the video and audio from your PS4 on your computer.
Configure Audio Settings: In the capture card’s software, select the appropriate audio input and output devices. You can usually choose to output the audio to your PC’s default audio device or to a specific audio device.
Adjust Volume Levels: Adjust the volume levels in the capture card’s software and on your PC to achieve the desired audio balance.

Troubleshooting Capture Card Audio

No Audio: Ensure the capture card is properly installed and the drivers are up to date. Check that the HDMI cable is securely connected. Verify that the correct audio input and output devices are selected in the capture card’s software.
Latency: Capture cards can introduce some audio latency. Try adjusting the audio buffer settings in the capture card’s software. Closing unnecessary programs on your PC can also help reduce latency.
Audio Quality Issues: Ensure the audio source on your PS4 is set to the highest quality. Try a different HDMI cable. Update the capture card’s drivers.

Remote Play and Virtual Audio Cable Setup

This method leverages the PS4’s Remote Play feature and a virtual audio cable to route audio to your PC.

Install PS4 Remote Play: Download and install the PS4 Remote Play application on your PC from the official PlayStation website.
Install a Virtual Audio Cable: Download and install a virtual audio cable program such as VB-Cable. This software creates a virtual audio device on your PC.
Configure PS4 Remote Play: Launch the PS4 Remote Play application and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your PS4. Ensure your PS4 and PC are on the same network.
Set Remote Play Audio Output: In your PC’s sound settings, set the virtual audio cable as the default playback device.
Set Virtual Audio Cable Input: In your PC’s sound settings, under the recording tab, select “Stereo Mix” or “What U Hear” (if available) or the “CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable)” as the listening device, and set the default output as your primary listening device (headphones or speakers). If “Stereo Mix” isn’t available, enable it in the disabled devices list.
Launch Remote Play: Start streaming your PS4 gameplay to your PC using the Remote Play application. The audio from your PS4 will now be routed through the virtual audio cable and output to your chosen audio device.

Troubleshooting Remote Play Audio

No Audio: Ensure Remote Play is properly connected to your PS4. Verify that the virtual audio cable is set as the default playback device. Check that the “Listen to this device” setting is enabled for the virtual audio cable.
Latency: Remote Play relies on a stable network connection. Improve your network connection by using a wired connection or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router. Reduce the streaming quality in the Remote Play settings.
Audio Quality Issues: Ensure your network bandwidth is sufficient for streaming. Try a different virtual audio cable program. Adjust the audio buffer settings in the Remote Play settings.

USB Microphone Method

This is a slightly simpler approach, provided you have a USB microphone with a headphone output.

Connect Your PS4 Controller to Your PC: Connect your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Connect Headphones to USB Microphone: Plug your headphones into the headphone output jack of your USB microphone.
Configure Windows Audio Settings: In Windows, set the USB microphone as both the default input and output device in the Sound settings.
Configure PS4 Audio Settings: In the PS4 settings, go to “Devices,” then “Audio Devices,” and set the “Output Device” to “Headset Connected to Controller.” Also, set “Output to Headphones” to “All Audio.”
Adjust Volume: Adjust the volume levels on the PS4, Windows, and the USB microphone to find a comfortable balance. You might need to experiment to get the levels just right.

Troubleshooting USB Microphone Audio

No Audio: Ensure the PS4 controller is properly connected to the PC. Check that the USB microphone is set as the default input and output device in Windows. Verify that the PS4 audio settings are configured correctly.
Low Volume: Increase the volume levels on the PS4, Windows, and the USB microphone.
Poor Audio Quality: Ensure the USB microphone is positioned correctly and is not picking up excessive background noise. Experiment with different microphone settings in Windows.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for getting PS4 audio through your PC depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

HDMI Audio Extractor: Ideal for users who want a reliable, hardware-based solution with minimal latency. Good for high-quality audio output.
Capture Card: A great option if you already own a capture card for streaming or recording. Offers versatility and good audio quality.
Remote Play and Virtual Audio Cable: A cost-effective software-based solution that doesn’t require additional hardware. Suitable for users who are comfortable with configuring software settings.
USB Microphone: The simplest solution if you already own a USB microphone with a headphone output, but audio quality may not be optimal.

By understanding the different methods and following the step-by-step instructions, you can successfully route your PS4 audio through your PC and enjoy an enhanced gaming experience. Remember to troubleshoot any issues by carefully checking your connections, settings, and hardware compatibility. Experiment with different configurations to find the setup that works best for you.

FAQ 1: Why would I want to get PS4 audio through my PC?

There are several reasons why someone might want to route their PS4 audio through their PC. One common reason is to use a single high-quality headset for both gaming on the PS4 and communicating or listening to audio on the PC. This eliminates the need for multiple headsets and simplifies audio management. Another reason is to utilize PC audio software for advanced customization and effects, such as equalizers, virtual surround sound, or noise cancellation that might not be available directly on the PS4.

Additionally, capturing or streaming gameplay often necessitates routing PS4 audio through the PC. This allows the user to record both the game audio and their microphone input from the PC simultaneously. Furthermore, some users may want to mix PS4 audio with other audio sources on their PC, such as music or voice chat from applications like Discord, creating a richer and more personalized audio experience.

FAQ 2: What are the different methods for routing PS4 audio to my PC?

Several methods can be used to route PS4 audio to your PC, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One common method involves using a capture card. This hardware device connects to your PS4 via HDMI and transmits both video and audio to your PC. The audio can then be accessed and managed within the capture card’s software or through Windows audio settings.

Another method involves using the PS4’s Remote Play feature, which streams the game to your PC. While primarily designed for playing games remotely, this also transmits audio to your computer. The audio can then be accessed and used like any other audio input. Finally, a simpler method involves using an optical audio cable from the PS4 to a sound card with an optical input on your PC. This method provides direct audio transfer without relying on HDMI video signals.

FAQ 3: What hardware do I need to get PS4 audio through my PC?

The specific hardware requirements depend on the chosen method. If you opt for a capture card, you’ll need a compatible capture card that supports HDMI input and output. Ensure it’s compatible with your PC and PS4. Additionally, you’ll need HDMI cables to connect the PS4 to the capture card and the capture card to your monitor or TV.

For the Remote Play method, you’ll only need a USB cable to connect your PS4 controller to your PC and a stable internet connection. If you plan to use an optical audio cable, you’ll need an optical audio cable (TOSLINK cable) and a sound card on your PC that has an optical audio input. Check your PC’s specifications to determine if it has an optical audio input.

FAQ 4: How do I set up audio using a capture card?

First, connect your PS4 to the input of your capture card using an HDMI cable. Then, connect the output of your capture card to your monitor or TV using another HDMI cable. Install the drivers and software provided by the capture card manufacturer on your PC. These drivers are crucial for the capture card to function correctly and transmit audio and video.

Next, open the capture card software on your PC and configure the audio input settings. Select the appropriate audio input source that corresponds to the PS4. You may also need to adjust the audio output settings in Windows to ensure that the audio from the capture card is being routed to your desired output device (e.g., your headphones or speakers). Adjust the audio levels to achieve the desired balance.

FAQ 5: How do I use PS4 Remote Play to get audio on my PC?

Download and install the PS4 Remote Play application on your PC from the official PlayStation website. Once installed, launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your PS4. Make sure both your PS4 and PC are connected to the same network for the best performance. Sign in with your PlayStation Network account on both devices.

Once connected, the audio from your PS4 will be streamed to your PC along with the video. To use the audio, go to your PC’s sound settings (typically accessible by right-clicking the speaker icon in the system tray) and select the “Remote Play Audio” device as your default playback device. You may need to adjust the volume levels to your preference within Windows. Remember that network latency can affect audio quality.

FAQ 6: What if I’m experiencing audio delay or latency?

Audio delay, or latency, can be a common issue when routing audio through a PC. Several factors can contribute to this. If you’re using a capture card, ensure that the drivers are up to date and that the capture card software is configured optimally. Try adjusting buffering settings within the capture card software to reduce latency. Higher buffering can sometimes increase latency but can also improve stability.

If using Remote Play, network latency is a primary cause. Ensure a strong and stable network connection between your PS4 and PC. Consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi to minimize latency. Also, close any unnecessary applications on your PC that might be consuming network bandwidth or CPU resources. Lowering the video quality in Remote Play settings may also reduce audio latency.

FAQ 7: Can I use my PC microphone with PS4 audio routed through my PC?

Yes, you can use your PC microphone while routing PS4 audio through your PC. This is especially useful for streaming or recording gameplay with commentary. If you’re using a capture card, you can typically configure the capture card software to capture audio from both the PS4 and your PC microphone simultaneously. In many cases, this requires selecting your microphone as an audio input within the capture card’s settings.

For the Remote Play method, you’ll need to ensure that your PC microphone is set as the default recording device in Windows. Then, within the Remote Play settings, enable the option to use your PC microphone. The Remote Play application will then transmit your microphone audio along with the game audio. Test your audio setup to ensure that both the PS4 audio and your microphone audio are being captured correctly and at appropriate levels.