To connect a Turtle Beach headset to PS4, you have two main options: plug a wired headset into the 3.5mm port on your DualShock 4 controller, or connect a wired or wireless headset via USB to the console. The goal is to get both game audio and chat audio through the headset, which requires a quick change in the PS4's audio settings.
How to connect your Turtle Beach headset to PS4: An introduction stating the two connection methods
Connecting gaming headsets to consoles like the PS4 is straightforward once you know your headset's connection type. Most Turtle Beach headsets use either a 3.5mm wired connection to the controller or a USB connection (wired or wireless) directly to the console. After the physical connection, you'll adjust the PS4's audio settings to route both game sound and chat sound to your headset.
Step 1: Check your headset's compatibility
Before connecting, confirm your Turtle Beach headset works with PS4. Many models support both a 3.5mm controller connection and a USB connection on PS4. For example, the Recon 70 works with PS4 via a 3.5mm connection, and the Stealth 700 Gen 2 PS is compatible with any variation of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. The Turtle Beach App on iPhone requires iOS 15.0 or later. Note that PS4 does not provide surround sound through its USB connection, so any surround effects must come from the game's own stereo audio.
Step 2: Connect the headset to your PS4
- For a wired 3.5mm headset: Plug the headset into the 3.5mm port on the bottom of the DualShock 4 controller.
- For a USB wired headset: Connect the headset's USB cable to a USB port on the front of the PS4.
- For a USB wireless headset: Connect the wireless transmitter to a USB port on the PS4, then power on the headset.
Step 3: Configure PS4 audio settings
- Go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices on your PS4.
- Set Input Device and Output Device to Controller Headset if you are using the controller's 3.5mm jack. For USB headsets, select the USB headset as the Output Device.
- Set Output to Headphones to All Audio to hear both game sound and chat sound through the headset.
- Set Volume Control (Headphones) to Maximum.
- Select Adjust Microphone Level and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your mic.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If you have no audio, check that Output to Headphones is set to All Audio, the default is Chat Audio, which only sends voice chat to the headset. For wireless models, if audio is not routing correctly, ensure the headset and transmitter are properly paired according to your specific model's instructions. Also confirm all cables are fully inserted into the controller or console USB port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect any Turtle Beach headset to PS4?
Not all Turtle Beach headsets are PS4-compatible. Check the product specifications to confirm it supports 3.5mm controller connection or USB connection on PS4. Many models, like the Recon 70 and Stealth 700 Gen 2 PS, are explicitly designed for PlayStation consoles.
Why can't I hear game audio through my headset?
This is almost always because the Output to Headphones setting is on its default Chat Audio mode. Change it to All Audio under Settings > Devices > Audio Devices to hear both game and chat sound through the headset.
Does PS4 support surround sound over USB with Turtle Beach headsets?
No. PS4 does not provide surround sound through its USB connection. Any surround effects you hear must come from game-specific surround tracks that play through the PS4's stereo USB output.
What is the correct mic calibration setting on PS4?
The setting is called Adjust Microphone Level, found under Settings > Devices > Audio Devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to set your microphone level properly.
For the wider topic, see connecting gaming headsets.
