Beats and PS4: Can You Actually Hear Yourself Rage? (And Can Others?)
You have your fancy Beats headphones. You want to play your PS4. But will these work? More importantly, will the built-in mic let you talk to your squad, or will you be gesturing like a mime in a firefight?
Let’s check the compatibility of Beats headphones and your PS4. We’ll separate fact from fiction, maybe laugh a bit along the way.
Bluetooth Blues: Why Wireless Isn’t Always Winning
You think Bluetooth is universal? Think again. The PS4 has trouble with Bluetooth headphones. It prefers Sony’s own headsets. Why? Latency, my friend. That delay between what you see and hear can ruin your game. The PS4 uses the AptX Low Latency codec for minimal delay. Most Bluetooth headphones lack this.
Want to connect your shiny new Beats Studio Buds to your PS4? It’s not happening. They don’t pair out of the box. You need a USB Bluetooth adapter to connect them. Consider it a translator for your headphones and console.
Wired Wonders: The Reliable Route
Wires can be great! Connecting your Beats to your PS4 with an analog cable? Easy audio, check! You’ll hear explosions and digital leaves. But the mic? Not directly. Use a USB cable, and you might get audio and mic signals to work together. It depends on your specific Beats model.
Decoding PS4 Settings: Microphone Mayhem (or Mastery)
Time to navigate the PS4 settings for that microphone. Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone. This is your control center. Here you select your Input Device. It could be your headset, controller mic, or USB mic. Also, to Adjust Microphone Level. Don’t be “that guy” who breathes heavily into the mic.
The PS4 usually defaults to “all audio” for headphones. This is what you want for immersion. Unless you want game sound through your TV while listening through headphones, of course.
Beats by Model: A Headphone Hierarchy for PS4
Let’s get specific about models. Not all Beats are compatible with the PlayStation.
AirPods and PS4: Mic Mishap
Can AirPods work with a PS4? Yes, for audio. But can you use their mic on PS4? That’s the problem. AirPods mics work well for calls, but they often fail in-game chat on PS4. It’s a route issue between the devices, very frustrating if you hoped for smooth Apple-Sony synergy.
Beats Studio Buds: Adapter Required
We mentioned it before. Beats Studio Buds won’t work with PS4 or PS5 without that USB Bluetooth adapter. If you’re not keen on adapters, wired might be simpler.
Beats Solo Models (3, 4, and Beyond): Solo Act, Mic Included
Good news for Solo fans! Beats Solo headphones like the Solo 4 typically have a built-in mic. These are made for calls, making it easier to get the mic to work with PS4, especially via a wired connection.
Beats Pill: Portable Sound, Mic on Board
The Beats Pill speaker also includes a microphone. While you won’t wear it on your head, it’s nice to know that Beats microphones aren’t just for headphones.
Microphone Mayday: Troubleshooting Your Beats Mic
Mic not working? Don’t stress! Let’s check some quick fixes before you toss that controller.
Basic Checks: Connection and Mute
First: Check the connection. Is that jack plugged in tightly? Is the socket clean? A bit of lint can create havoc. And please, check that your mic isn’t muted. Many headsets have a mute switch – accidentally toggling that is a classic mistake.
Wiring Wars: CTIA vs. OMTP
Here’s a tech tidbit: wiring standards matter. Xbox uses CTIA; Beats use OMTP. This means mic and ground wires differ! This mismatch can cause mic problems, particularly with old adapters or cables.
General Mic Mojo: Beats Capabilities
Beats headphones have on-ear controls and beam-forming microphones. These help with calls, music control, volume adjustment, and more. While these features suit mobile use, knowing them helps troubleshoot PS4 compatibility.
Alternative Audio Avenues: Beyond Beats for PS4 Mic
If Beats mic causes trouble on your PS4, don’t worry! There are ways to get your voice online.
External Microphones: Yeti to the Rescue
Consider dedicated USB mics like the Blue Yeti as an excellent alternative. The PS4 recognizes “Yeti Stereo” for input and output, so you avoid any Beats compatibility issues altogether. If you want clear voice quality and a desktop setup, try an external USB mic.
Phone-as-Mic: A Slightly Dodgy DIY
Want to experiment? Some apps let you use your phone as a microphone for the PS4. Both devices must be on the same network. It’s a workaround and may not look pretty but could work in a pinch.
PS4 Bluetooth Boundaries: A Recap
The PS4’s Bluetooth is picky. It isn’t that it can’t handle Bluetooth well; it’s Sony’s preference due to past lag issues causing headaches for gamers. Your typical Bluetooth headphones might pair with smartphones easily but face cold shoulders from the PS4.
Audio Annoyances: General Sound Troubleshooting
No sound even when “connected”? Let’s fix common audio gremlins.
Silent Treatment: No Sound Despite “Connected”
If your Beats say “connected” but still no sound? Start by turning up the volume on both devices. Yes, it’s obvious but easy to overlook. Ensure they’re paired correctly. Bluetooth can be fickle sometimes. And the classic fix: restart everything. Your PS4, your Beats, and maybe even take a breather yourself.
Headphone Mic Hiccups (General): Digging Deeper
If the mic won’t cooperate? Check the headset jack for damage or gunk. Make sure it’s properly seated. For Bluetooth issues, try re-pairing them like it’s your first meeting again. A fresh start can help.
Echo Chamber: Echo Issues on Calls
Annoyed by echoes during calls? It annoys you and the other person. Echoes stem from loops or microphone processing troubles. Echo issues can be trickier to fix and may relate to specific combinations of headphones and devices.
Beats Beyond Gaming: Audio and Calls in Daily Life
Don’t forget that Beats headphones are versatile! Use your Beats Studio Buds for more than gaming. They work well for music, calls, Siri interactions, and general audio enjoyment while on-the-go. Those on-ear controls and dual beam-forming mics aren’t just for gaming.
They are useful in daily life.
Solo 4 Spotlight: Calling Clarity
Beats Solo 4 is great for phone calls. They have digital beam-forming microphones. They include a voice-targeting algorithm. This guarantees clear voice quality. You can use Solo 4 to talk, command Siri, and control music.
Answer calls on Solo 4 by pressing the “b” button on the left ear cup. Press again to end the call. It is easy and intuitive.
Beats Longevity: Built to Last (Mostly)
Durability is key. With care, expect your Beats headphones to last. They may last around 4-5 years or more. Ear pads may wear out first. Luckily, they are often replaceable, so you can continue using your Beats.
Can you use Beats with PS4? The answer is yes, but tricky. Sometimes, it requires adjustments for the microphone to work. Wired options are simpler. Wireless might need a USB Bluetooth adapter. With this info, you can connect your Beats and PS4 better.
