The Pulse 3D headset has received numerous beneficial enhancements thanks to the PS5’s latest firmware update. Previously, users of this specialized headset did not have much to justify the $99 price tag.
The PS5 Firmware, which has all of Pulse 3D’s features, is where the feature update for the app originates. To view the enhancements that Sony has to offer, all you have to do is navigate to the notification panel on your PS5.
In contrast to the Dualsense controller, Pulse 3D cannot be updated immediately over a USB connection to the PS5. Consequently, you need not be concerned about connecting to your console.
As previously reported, when Pulse 3D is linked to the PS5, there are some sound volume difficulties. It appears that there is a firmware bug causing this, and updating Pulse 3D’s functionality is necessary. This issue has been resolved by Sony as well, slightly improving the headset’s experience.
Like before, the first thoughts of the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset were that it was incredibly quiet, even at maximum volume. This meant that, in comparison to my preferences, the sound of games like Resident Evil Village and Returnal was much more muted.
Again, you do not need to connect Pulse 3D to PS5 via USB for the upgrade to take place. Just upgrade the PS5’s firmware to the latest version, that should solve the Pulse 3D problem somewhat. Go to [Setting] – [System Software] – [Console Information], and make sure your Firmware version is: 21.02-04.00.00.
As said before, the Pulse 3D upgrade will bring sound quality improvements, volume errors, and more enhancements and EQ for gaming. So you just need to connect Pulse 3D via Bluetooth and go to the Sound section, you will find profiles specific to Pulse 3D. However, you should note, despite being upgraded, the volume of Pulse 3D is still limited and not really what I expected.
Listen Up
After finding the new equalizer presets. This can be found by going to ‘Sound’ in the PS5’s Control Center, the EQ presets available include ‘Standard’, ‘Bass Boost’, ‘Shooter’, and three customizable slots called ‘Audio Mode’. After flicking between Bass Boost and Shooter, one thing immediately stood out: the headset was noticeably louder. However, it wasn’t as dramatic as I’d like, which led me to create my own Audio Mode preset.
Crank it
While I’d never usually commit the cardinal sin of sliding every EQ band up to max. The PS5’s equalizer doesn’t really impact the headset’s sound signature as clearly as the Xbox Wireless Headset’s EQ does. But what it does do is significantly increase the volume of the headset whenever you raise each slider. And that’s proven to be a game-changer.
After settling on a V-shaped style EQ, which essentially helps to boost the low and high-end frequencies. I’ve found that it’s helped bring some of my favorite PS5 games to life in the audio department, particularly those with native 3D Audio support. More importantly, there’s the flexibility to lower and raise the volume depending on the game I’m playing without maxing out.
The combination of being able to tailor the frequencies of the 3D Pulse Headset as well as it resulting in a much-needed boost to overall volume has suddenly made Sony’s official headset my go-to can for gaming on PS5. Resident Evil Village can now make the hairs on my neck stand on end with its chilling audio. And I can pick out threats in Returnal far easier simply using sound alone. Switching back to the ‘Standard’ EQ only serves to outline just how damn quiet Sony’s cans were before.
Bass facts
One caveat that’s worth mentioning, though, is that bass is still pretty limited on the 3D Pulse Headset, particularly compared to the eardrum thumping lows that the Xbox Wireless Headset can provide. The new EQ won’t fundamentally change that. However, I’ve found that spatial audio benefits most when the higher-end frequencies aren’t drowned out by too much low-end. So ultimately, that isn’t a deal-breaker for me.
Read Also: How do I Fix my PS5 Connection?
Sony’s system update brings more pleasing changes to PS5 owners. But if you care about 3D audio and have lamented the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset’s subpar volume level. Things are about to get a lot louder in the near future.
You can now enjoy 3D audio through your TV speakers.
To enable 3D audio for your TV speakers, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output], and then turn on [Enable 3D Audio for TV Speakers]. You can also measure the acoustics of your room using the microphone on your DualSense wireless controller to apply the 3D audio setting that’s optimized for your room.
How do You Set The Microphone of Your PS5 Headset?
During in-game chat conversations, you may ensure that your teammates can properly hear you by adjusting the microphone settings on the PlayStation 5. Most gaming headphones can be connected wirelessly or with a USB cord. Additionally, there are headsets that may be connected to your DualSense controller via a 3.5mm socket. In this manner, you can speak with each other using the controller’s included microphone. We will describe how to modify the microphone configuration for every kind of headgear.
Preparation
Make sure the cable or receiver of your headset is connected to the USB port on the back of your PS5. Does your headset have a 3.5mm cable? The connector should be firmly plugged into your controller. The batteries of your controller have to be charged. The ‘mute’ function should be turned off. You usually control this function with a button on the ear cup or headphone cable.
Change the settings in 3 steps:
- Step 1: set up the microphone of your headphones
- Step 2: activate the microphone of your controller
- Step 3: adjust the microphone settings
Step 1. Set up the microphone of your headset
Select the headset as the input device. You can do so as follows:
- Open the main menu of your console. Click on the gearwheel icon in the top right corner and go to Sound > Microphone.
- Select ‘Controller Microphone’ for ‘Input Device’. Change the status of the controller microphone to ‘mute’ via the dropdown menu.
- Select your gaming headset for ‘Input Device’. You’re now ready to chat with your friends.
Step 2: activate the microphone of your controller
Do you want to connect your gaming headset to the DualSense controller via a 3.5mm cable? Set up the built-in microphone on the controller as follows:
- Open the main menu of your console. Select the gearwheel icon in the top right corner and go to ‘Sound’ > ‘Microphone’.
- Select the controller microphone for ‘Input Device’.
- Change the status to ‘On’. From now on, you can talk to your teammates via the microphone of your controller.
Step 3: Adjust the microphone settings
You can easily adjust the microphone settings via the main menu. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. With ‘Adjust Microphone Level’, you change the transmission volume of your microphone. That way, you can make yourself clearly understandable for others. With ‘Sidetone Volume’, you can adjust how loudly you hear yourself. Your headphones do need to support this feature. Do you want to change the transmission volume in the middle of a game? Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller. Select ‘Mic’ and turn the volume up or down.
What PS5 Headset Has the Best Audio?
Whether you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in a single-player adventure or speak during multiplayer games, a specialized gaming headset for your PS5 can help boost your gameplay experience. The Tempest 3D audio technology on the PS5, which can fill your environment with sound coming from all sides, is a great match for the greatest headphones for the system.
The top PS5 headsets available right now are listed below.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P is our top pick for the best PS5 headset and it’s also compatible with the Nintendo Switch and PC. It even supports simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections so you can pair your phone while still hearing audio from your PS5.
The Arctis Nova 7P has a standard design with a metal frame that’s wrapped in plastic. The ear cushions use a memory foam fabric that feels light and breathable. You can also swap the ear cup covers and fabric headband with colored replacements for an additional price, though there aren’t many choices.
On-board controls include a power button, Bluetooth button, a volume dial, and a handy sidetone dial. Sidetone lets you hear what your microphone picks up so you can monitor the volume and quality of your voice. However, controlling the balance between in-game audio and chat must be done through the PS5 itself.
The microphone is fully retractable which we prefer compared to other headsets with swivel or removable mics. Voice pickup is clear and the microphone does a nice job of eliminating noises like breathing.
When it comes to sound quality, the Nova 7P delivers great performance. It handles spatial audio formats well and does a solid job isolating sounds. Like most gaming headsets, the 7P’s audio profile offers deeper bass than regular headphones, which can be effective for adding some extra oomph to games.
The headset comes with a USB-C dongle that can plug right into the front of a PS5. However, if you use the console’s front USB-C port, the dongle will block the PS5’s second front-facing port. If this becomes a problem you can simply use the included USB extender to connect the dongle to one of the PS5’s rear USB-A ports instead.
The battery lasts 35 to 40 hours on a single charge, which is above average for wireless headsets. In practice, you should be able to use the Arctis Nova 7P for more than a week on each charge if you play for around four hours a day.
You should keep in mind that SteelSeries sells a few different versions of this headset. The “7P” is geared toward PlayStation consoles and features the aforementioned sidetone dial built in. However, this version can’t connect wirelessly to Xbox consoles. If you want dual PS5 and Xbox support, you should opt for the Arctis Nova 7X, which adds Xbox compatibility but swaps out the sidetone dial for a ChatMix dial that only functions with Xbox systems.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is easily one of the best gaming headsets you can buy, whether you’re using a PS5 or another console. It takes everything we like about the Arctis Nova 7P and adds a few extra features for buyers willing to pay a bit more. Key additions include active noise cancellation (ANC), leatherette ear cushions, and a dedicated wireless hub that can also serve as a charging base for the headset’s swappable batteries.
The overall build is nearly identical to the Nova 7P, with a metal frame encased in plastic, a retractable microphone, and even the same replaceable ear cup covers. The Nova Pro also has the same power button, volume dial, and Bluetooth control, but it doesn’t have a sidetone dial like the 7P since you can adjust features like that via the included base station instead.
The wireless base station is easily the biggest feature of the Nova Pro Wireless; it has an OLED display and allows you to control the headset’s settings on the fly, along with standard controls like volume, noise cancellation, and audio input. The receiver also doubles as a battery charging station.
Two batteries come with the headset; the spare should be left charging in the wireless receiver when not in use. Batteries can be hot-swapped in about 30 seconds by removing the right ear cover. The individual batteries last for about 15-20 hours on a single charge, which is about half as much as the Nova 7P, but when you add them together you get around the same total playtime.
For some, this might be an inconvenience, as you’ll have to swap batteries more often than you’d need to charge the more affordable Arctis Nova 7P. However, as long as you always keep your spare battery in the base station, there’s never a worry that your headset will run out of power. Also, if the battery life starts to decrease over time, you’ll be able to replace the batteries themselves rather than the entire headset.
Just like it does with the Arctis Nova 7, SteelSeries also sells different versions of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless geared toward Xbox or PlayStation consoles. The main difference between each version is that the PlayStation edition can’t wirelessly connect to Xbox systems, but the Xbox edition can support both. The Xbox edition’s wireless receiver has one port for PlayStation/PC and one that’s Xbox only.
Meanwhile, the Playstation edition’s receiver has two PlayStation/PC ports. If you plan to use your headset with a PlayStation and PC, the PlayStation edition is more convenient, but we think the added benefit of Xbox support is a better tradeoff for most gamers.
Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset
This straightforward headset from Wyze is one of the best wireless gaming headsets you can get on a budget, offering great features and a solid build for $60. Wyze uses a no-frills, all-black design with a removable microphone, leatherette ear cushions and headband, and a metal frame.
The ear cushions aren’t quite as comfortable as the memory foam on the Arctis Nova 7P, but they feel fine and the overall fit is standard. Typical on-board controls for volume and mute are present, but there’s no dial for balancing the voice chat and game audio. The flexible boom mic can be fully removed when not in use.
In testing, the Wyze lasted longer than the expected 20-hour battery life with up to 32 hours of use. The range and consistency of the wireless signal were also on par with competing headsets. However there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack to plug directly into the DualSense controller, or any other device, like a Nintendo Switch or tablet, so you can’t use a wired connection as a backup.
In terms of sound quality, the Wyze gaming headset isn’t quite as good at eliminating outside noise as other headsets, but playback quality is on par with most models we tried. Though again, like most headsets, the sound profile has heavier bass than regular headphones. The microphone also does a solid job of eliminating background and ambient noise, but your voice can sound distant compared to other models.
