The monitor on a PS5 headset, specifically the MONITOR switch on the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset, enables mic monitoring, which lets you hear your own voice through the headset in real time. This is a hardware feature of the headset itself, not an external screen or display for adjusting game visuals.
What the monitor on a PS5 headset actually does
The MONITOR switch activates mic monitoring, a feature that feeds your own voice back into the headset speakers. This allows you to hear yourself as you speak, preventing you from unintentionally shouting during intense gameplay or speaking too softly during quiet moments. The feature is documented specifically for the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset and is controlled by a physical switch on the headset, not through the PS5 console interface.
How to use the Monitor switch on your headset
The MONITOR switch is located on the headset itself. To use it:
- Locate the MONITOR switch on the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset.
- Slide the switch to enable or disable mic monitoring.
- Listen for the beep indicator: a high beep means mic monitoring is on, and a low beep means it is off. The headset manual says you will hear a beep when toggling it: high beep = on, low beep = off.
Important: If you mute the headset, mic monitoring is automatically turned off. This means you cannot hear your own voice through the headset while the microphone is muted. If mute is on, mic monitoring is turned off.
PS5 settings for headset audio output
The PS5 console has a system setting that relates to headset audio, but it does not control the MONITOR switch. To adjust audio output for your headset, navigate to Settings > Device > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones on the PS5. This setting determines whether all audio or only chat audio comes through the headset, but the mic monitoring feature itself is controlled solely by the physical MONITOR switch on the headset.
Why mic monitoring improves your gaming experience
Mic monitoring provides several practical benefits during gameplay. It prevents shouting during intense moments by giving you real-time feedback on your voice volume. It helps you maintain consistent voice levels, so you don't suddenly speak too loudly or too softly when communicating with teammates. In multiplayer games, this improves team communication because you can hear exactly how you sound to others, allowing you to adjust your speaking level naturally.
Monitor feature limitations and compatible devices
The MONITOR switch documentation applies to the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset. The MONITOR switch is a hardware feature of the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset and is not available through iPhone or Android apps. PULSE Elite can connect to compatible mobile devices that support Bluetooth, but no monitor control is documented on iPhone or Android. The feature is exclusive to the headset hardware itself. When connecting gaming headsets to consoles, always check the headset's physical controls for features like mic monitoring rather than expecting app-based controls. Apple's headphone-safety pages document Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety, Reduce Loud Audio, Headphone Notifications, Control Center > Hearing, and Health > Browse > Hearing > Headphone Audio Levels on iPhone. Headphone Notifications may be unavailable or fixed by country or region on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MONITOR switch work with all PS5 headsets?
No. The MONITOR switch is documented specifically for the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset. Other PS5 headsets may have different methods for enabling mic monitoring or may not offer the feature at all.
Can I adjust the volume of mic monitoring separately from game audio?
The MONITOR switch simply turns the feature on or off, and the volume of your own voice is determined by the headset's overall volume level.
Why can't I hear my voice even with the MONITOR switch on?
Check that your headset is not muted. If mute is enabled, mic monitoring is automatically turned off regardless of the MONITOR switch position. Ensure the switch is slid to the on position and that the headset microphone is active.
Does the PS5 system setting affect mic monitoring?
No. The PS5 setting Settings > Device > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones controls which audio (all audio or chat audio) plays through the headset, but it does not control the mic monitoring feature. Mic monitoring is managed entirely by the headset's MONITOR switch.
Can I use mic monitoring with Bluetooth on my phone?
No. The feature only functions when the headset is used with the PS5 console.
