Will Putting Aux in Monitor Pick Up Audio From Ps4?
You’re staring at your shiny new monitor, PlayStation 4 humming away, and you’ve got that one cable left. It’s the aux cable, that old reliable audio jack. You’re wondering, will putting aux in monitor pick up audio from ps4? I’ve been there, squinting at cables, muttering to myself about signal flow. It’s a question that pops up when you’re trying to save a few bucks or just simplify your setup, and frankly, the answer isn’t always a straight yes or no.
Honestly, I spent a good $150 on some fancy adapter years ago that promised the moon for my old Xbox 360, only to realize it was just a glorified volume knob. That taught me a lesson: sometimes, the simplest solutions are the ones that actually work, and sometimes, they just don’t.
So, let’s cut through the jargon and figure out if that aux port on your monitor is your new audio savior for your PS4, or just another dangling wire.
The Simple Answer: Maybe, but Don’t Count on It
Look, the direct answer to ‘will putting aux in monitor pick up audio from ps4’ is often no, at least not without some crucial caveats. Most monitors with an aux-out port are designed to send audio *from* the monitor *to* external speakers or headphones. They aren’t typically built to receive an audio signal from an external source like your PS4 directly through that same aux port.
Think of it like a one-way street. The audio signal from your PS4 needs to get *to* the monitor in a way it understands, and then the monitor’s aux-out port lets you pipe that sound elsewhere. Plugging a PS4’s audio output into a monitor’s aux *input* (if it even has one, which is rare for aux) is like trying to send a letter into a mailbox that only accepts outgoing mail.
This whole confusion often stems from people seeing that little headphone jack and assuming it’s a universal audio port. It’s not. The labeling matters. If it’s clearly marked ‘Audio Out’ or has a headphone icon, it’s for sending sound away. If it’s labeled ‘Audio In’ or ‘Line In’, then yes, you can feed sound into it. But most monitors just have that one aux port, and it’s almost always an output.
Why Your Ps4 Won’t Just ‘talk’ to the Monitor’s Aux Port
The PS4 outputs audio via HDMI. That’s the primary way it sends both video and sound data. When you connect your PS4 to a monitor via HDMI, the monitor processes that signal. If the monitor has built-in speakers, it plays them. If it has an ‘Audio Out’ aux port, it’s designed to pass that HDMI audio signal through to something else, like a soundbar or a separate speaker system.
My own personal nightmare involved a gaming headset that cost me a ridiculous $250. It had an optional USB dongle for wireless, but also a wired option via a 3.5mm jack. I spent nearly an hour trying to get it to work through my monitor’s aux-out port, convinced I was missing some obscure setting. Turns out, the monitor’s aux port was just an output, and the headset’s aux jack was expecting an *input* signal. I ended up having to run a separate audio cable directly from the PS4’s controller’s headphone jack to the headset’s input. Utterly frustrating, and a total waste of my Friday night.
This is where the confusion between audio *input* and audio *output* really bites. It’s like trying to plug your phone charger into the USB port on your car’s dashboard to charge your phone – that USB port is for data or connecting a media device, not for charging the car itself. The PS4 is sending its audio signal out via HDMI. Your monitor’s aux port is usually designed to send audio *out* from the monitor. (See Also: Is It Bad Monitor Too Far Away )
What About Those ‘people Also Ask’ Questions?
Can I Get Audio From My Ps4 Through My Monitor?
Yes, you absolutely can get audio from your PS4 through your monitor, but usually not by plugging an aux cable from the PS4 directly into the monitor’s aux port. The standard way is via HDMI. The audio is transmitted with the video signal. If your monitor has built-in speakers, you’ll hear it. If it has an ‘Audio Out’ port, you can connect external speakers or headphones there.
Does a Monitor Aux Port Output Audio?
Generally, yes. The 3.5mm aux port on a monitor is almost always an audio *output*. This means it’s designed to send audio from the monitor itself (either from its internal speakers or from an incoming HDMI audio signal) to external devices like headphones, soundbars, or powered speakers. It’s not typically an audio *input* port for receiving sound from other devices.
How Do I Connect Ps4 Audio to Speakers?
The easiest way is to use HDMI. Connect your PS4 to your monitor via HDMI. If your monitor has an ‘Audio Out’ port, connect that to your speakers or soundbar using a 3.5mm aux cable. If your monitor lacks an audio-out port but has HDMI, some TVs and monitors might allow you to extract audio via an HDMI audio extractor device. Another common method, especially for older setups or when using a monitor without audio-out, is to connect your PS4 controller’s headphone jack directly to your speakers if they have an input, or use a separate optical audio cable from the PS4’s optical out port (if available) to a receiver or soundbar that accepts it.
Can I Connect My Headphones to My Monitor?
Yes, in most cases. If your monitor has a 3.5mm aux port labeled ‘Audio Out’ or with a headphone icon, you can plug your standard wired headphones directly into it. This will route the audio signal coming from your PS4 (via HDMI) through the monitor and into your headphones. This is a fantastic way to get game audio without disturbing others.
When the Aux Port Is Your Friend: Using It Correctly
So, if plugging the PS4 into the monitor’s aux port doesn’t work, what *does* work? The key is understanding the signal path. The PS4 sends audio out via HDMI. Your monitor receives it.
Scenario 1: Monitor with Built-in Speakers and Aux Out
This is the most common and straightforward setup. PS4 connects to Monitor via HDMI. The monitor plays sound through its speakers. If you want *better* sound, or just want to use your own speakers, you run an aux cable from the monitor’s ‘Audio Out’ port to your external speakers or soundbar. This works perfectly. I did this for years with a simple set of desktop speakers, and the difference was night and day compared to the tinny monitor speakers.
Scenario 2: Monitor without Speakers, but with Aux Out (See Also: Will The New Us Space Force Monitor Ufo )
Still good! PS4 connects to Monitor via HDMI. Since there are no built-in speakers, the audio signal is essentially ‘lost’ unless you use the aux-out. You then run an aux cable from the monitor’s ‘Audio Out’ to your headphones, speakers, or soundbar. This bypasses the monitor’s lack of speakers entirely and gives you your game audio.
Scenario 3: Monitor WITHOUT Aux Out (but has HDMI)
This is where things get tricky and people often want to force the aux port. If your monitor only has HDMI inputs and no audio-out port, you cannot use the monitor’s physical ports to send audio elsewhere. You will need to get audio directly from the PS4. The PS4 controller has a headphone jack, which is a lifesaver. You can plug headphones directly into the controller. Alternatively, if your PS4 has an optical audio out port, you could use that with a compatible sound system.
Alternative Audio Solutions and Why They’re Better
Trying to force an aux connection where it’s not designed to work is like trying to use a screwdriver as a hammer. It might vaguely work if you’re desperate and don’t care about the outcome, but it’s not the right tool. The best way to get PS4 audio involves understanding how the console and your display are designed to communicate.
HDMI: The King of Connection
This is the default and most reliable method. Everything goes through one cable. If your monitor supports HDMI audio passthrough, you’re golden. I’ve tested dozens of monitors, and the ones that handle HDMI audio gracefully are always the easiest to set up for gaming sound.
Controller Headphone Jack: The Silent Hero
Seriously, don’t underestimate this. Sony put a headphone jack on the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers for a reason. Plugging your headphones directly into the controller is often the simplest and most immediate way to get private game audio. The audio quality is surprisingly decent for most gaming, and it completely bypasses any potential monitor audio quirks. I’ve used this for late-night gaming sessions more times than I can count, and it’s never let me down. (See Also: Do I Plug My Headset Into My Monitor Or Pc )
Optical Audio: For the Audiophiles (or Older Setups)
Some PS4 models have an optical audio out port (S/PDIF). This is a dedicated digital audio connection. If you have a soundbar or receiver that supports optical input, this can provide very high-quality audio, often better than what you can get through a monitor’s aux out. My old surround sound system relied on this, and the clarity was amazing, even if setting it up felt like performing a minor surgery at first.
HDMI Audio Extractors: The Niche Solution
If you have a monitor that *only* accepts HDMI for video and has zero audio outputs (no speakers, no aux), but you *want* to use external speakers via an aux cable, an HDMI audio extractor is your friend. This small box sits between your PS4 and your monitor. It takes the HDMI signal, splits off the audio (which you can then output via aux), and passes the video on to your monitor. I used one of these for about six months when I had a budget monitor that lacked any audio capabilities, and it worked like a charm, albeit adding another cable and box to my setup. It cost me around $40, which felt reasonable compared to replacing the monitor at the time.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 HDMI to Monitor (with built-in speakers) | Simplest setup, no extra cables needed. | Monitor speaker quality can be poor. | Good for casual use. |
| PS4 HDMI to Monitor Aux Out to Speakers | Uses monitor’s HDMI audio, good flexibility. | Requires extra aux cable. | Excellent for most setups. |
| PS4 Controller Headphone Jack | Private audio, easy access, no monitor needed. | Cable length can be limiting, controller battery drain. | Great for personal listening. |
| PS4 Optical Out to Sound System | High-quality digital audio. | Requires compatible sound system and optical cable. | Best for dedicated audio setups. |
| HDMI Audio Extractor | Extracts audio from HDMI if monitor lacks it. | Adds complexity, another device, potential for signal degradation (rare). | Lifesaver for monitors without audio out. |
can I Plug My Ps4 Controller Into My Monitor’s Aux Port?
No, you cannot. The PS4 controller itself has a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output *from* the controller (which is connected to your PS4). Your monitor’s aux port is typically an audio *output* for sending sound *from* the monitor. You can plug headphones into the controller, or you can plug speakers into the monitor’s aux output, but you don’t connect the controller directly to the monitor’s aux port for audio.
will Putting Aux in Monitor Pick Up Audio From Ps4 If the Monitor Has an ‘audio In’ Port?
This is the rare exception where the answer is yes! If your monitor *specifically* has an ‘Audio In’ or ‘Line In’ port (usually a 3.5mm jack, distinct from an ‘Audio Out’ or headphone jack), then you *can* run an audio cable from your PS4’s headphone jack (or a dedicated audio output if you have one) directly into that monitor input. However, most monitors only have an ‘Audio Out’ port, making this a less common scenario. Always check your monitor’s manual or look for clear labeling.
is the Audio Quality Different When Using the Monitor’s Aux Out vs Controller Headphones?
It can be, yes. The audio quality when plugging headphones directly into the PS4 controller is generally good for gaming, but it’s processed through the controller’s DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). Using the monitor’s aux out means the audio signal travels via HDMI to the monitor, and then the monitor’s DAC converts it. In many cases, a monitor’s dedicated audio-out DAC might be slightly better than the one in a controller, especially on higher-end monitors. However, the biggest difference usually comes from the headphones or speakers you’re using. A cheap pair of headphones will sound bad regardless of the source. If your monitor has a good DAC and you have decent headphones, you might notice a slight improvement over the controller jack. Conversely, if the monitor’s audio processing is poor, the controller might actually sound better. I’ve found my PS4 controller’s headphone jack to be perfectly adequate for most gaming sessions.
Final Thoughts
So, to definitively answer: will putting aux in monitor pick up audio from ps4? Usually, no, not directly from the PS4 *into* the monitor’s aux port. That aux port is almost always for outputting sound *from* the monitor. Your PS4 sends its audio via HDMI, and you can then route that sound through your monitor’s audio-out to speakers or headphones. If your monitor lacks an audio-out, or any audio output for that matter, you’re better off using the controller’s headphone jack or exploring optical audio if your PS4 and setup support it.
Don’t go buying fancy adapters unless you’ve confirmed they’re designed for your specific PS4-to-monitor audio routing needs. Stick to the HDMI path or the controller’s built-in audio jack – they’re the most reliable ways to get that sweet game sound into your ears without unnecessary fuss.
Honestly, I wasted a good chunk of time and money chasing phantom audio solutions when the simple, built-in options were right there. For most people, the PS4 controller’s headphone jack is your best friend for private listening, and the monitor’s aux-out is there to help you send that sound onward to better speakers if you’ve got ’em.
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