How to Get Audio on Ps4 with Monitor: The Truth
Remember my first PS4? I was so stoked to finally play games on my big, fancy monitor. Then came the silence. Nothing. Zip. Nada. I’d spent a decent chunk of change on this sleek setup, only to realize my expensive monitor, while looking gorgeous, had zero built-in speakers. This is where the dreaded question of how to get audio on PS4 with monitor truly begins.
Weeks of fiddling with settings, scouring forums where half the advice was garbage, and nearly returning the monitor felt like a rite of passage I didn’t sign up for. Seriously, why isn’t this simpler? You’d think by now, with how common it is to use a PC monitor for consoles, there’d be a straightforward solution baked into everything.
Thankfully, after a painful amount of trial and error, I figured out the handful of reliable ways to fix this common annoyance. It’s not always about buying the most expensive gadget; sometimes, it’s just about knowing which cheap little adapter actually works and doesn’t introduce lag or static.
The Frustrating Reality of Monitor Audio
Look, most modern PC monitors are built for visuals, not sound. They’re designed to display crisp images from your computer, and the assumption is you’re already using dedicated speakers or headphones. This means when you plug your PS4 into a monitor that lacks built-in speakers, you’re essentially getting a silent movie experience. It’s a classic case of technology marching forward visually while completely forgetting about the auditory side for a specific use case. I remember one particular monitor, a ‘gaming’ model that boasted a blistering 144Hz refresh rate but offered absolutely no audio output. What a joke. It felt like buying a sports car with no engine.
This lack of audio output on many monitors is why so many people get stuck. They’ve got the visual component down pat, but the sound is just… missing. It’s like trying to enjoy a concert through a silent film. My frustration led me down a rabbit hole of trying to find a solution that didn’t involve buying a whole new sound system, a path that, I’ll admit, cost me more than a few quid and a lot of my sanity.
Your Options for Getting Ps4 Sound
So, what do you actually do when your PS4 is connected to a monitor and all you’re hearing is the hum of the console? You’ve got a few main avenues, and thankfully, most of them are pretty affordable. The trick is understanding what each method entails and whether it fits your setup. I’ve tried them all, and some are definitely better than others.
Option 1: The HDMI Audio Extractor (my Go-To)
This is, by far, the most common and generally the best solution. An HDMI audio extractor is a small box that sits between your PS4 and your monitor. It takes the HDMI signal, splits it into video and audio, and sends the video to your monitor while giving you an audio-only output. These usually have an optical (S/PDIF) or a 3.5mm headphone jack output. You then connect your speakers or soundbar to this output. I’ve seen these range from $15 to $50, and honestly, the cheaper ones often work just fine. Just make sure it supports the audio formats your PS4 uses (like Dolby Digital or DTS if you’re fancy, though most games just need stereo). My first one cost me around $25, and it was a total lifesaver, ditching the static I was getting from a cheaper, unbranded adapter I’d impulse-bought. (See Also: How To Put 144hz Monitor At 144hz )
The beauty of this method is that it doesn’t interfere with your video signal. Your PS4’s HDMI output goes into the extractor, and then a *second* HDMI cable goes from the extractor to your monitor. It’s a clean setup, and the audio quality is usually excellent, provided you’re not using a bargain-bin extractor that introduces noise. The little LED lights on the front of the extractor, glowing a steady blue or green, are surprisingly comforting indicators that everything is working.
Option 2: Monitor with Built-in Speakers (the Dream, Rarely Achieved)
This sounds obvious, right? If your monitor has speakers, you’re golden. However, as I mentioned, most high-end or specialized monitors, especially those geared towards PC gaming or professional use, skip the speakers entirely. They figure you have your own audio solution. If you happen to have a monitor that *does* have speakers, then all you need is a standard HDMI cable connecting your PS4 directly to the monitor. The audio will just play through the monitor’s built-in drivers. It’s the simplest solution, but sadly, not the most common for people who’ve invested in a dedicated gaming monitor.
Option 3: A Soundbar or External Speakers via Controller/console Port
This is where things get a bit more creative, and sometimes, a bit more clunky. Some monitors *do* have a headphone jack, and if yours does, you can plug a pair of headphones or even a small set of powered speakers into that jack. The PS4’s audio will then be routed through the HDMI to the monitor, and then out through the headphone jack. This works, but the audio quality can sometimes be a bit tinny, depending on the monitor’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). I tried this for a while with a pair of decent bookshelf speakers, and while it was functional, it never sounded as rich as a dedicated audio setup.
Alternatively, some people try to use the 3.5mm headphone jack on the PS4 controller itself. This is great for private gaming sessions, but if you want to use actual speakers, you’d need to ensure your controller has that jack (most DualShock 4s do) and then get a suitable adapter or cable to go from the controller’s headphone port to your speakers. The downside here is that the audio output from the controller might be lower volume or a different quality than a direct console or extractor output, and you’re always tethered to the controller’s battery life or charging cable.
The Controller Hack: Is It Worth It?
Let’s talk about using the headphone jack on your PS4 controller. Everyone points to this as an easy fix, and for headphones, it absolutely is. Plug in your favorite headset, and boom, audio. But if you’re thinking of running *speakers* from your controller’s headphone jack, you’re entering a world of compromises. I tested this with a small pair of desktop speakers, and while I got sound, it was noticeably quieter and lacked any real bass. It’s like trying to power a dance club with a AA battery – it just doesn’t have the juice.
The audio signal from the controller’s headphone port is primarily designed for personal listening, not driving external speakers. You might get away with it if you’re just trying to hear dialogue and basic game sounds, but for an immersive experience, it’s a no-go. Plus, you’re then dependent on your controller’s battery or being plugged in, which can feel restrictive. My recommendation? Stick to an HDMI extractor or a soundbar. The controller is for your ears, not your living room speakers. (See Also: How To Switch An Acer Monitor To Hdmi )
My Expensive Mistake: The ‘all-in-One’ Cable
Early on, I got suckered into buying this fancy, supposedly ‘universal’ HDMI cable that promised to transmit both video *and* audio from the console to the monitor, even if the monitor didn’t have speakers. It was advertised as a plug-and-play miracle. Cost me nearly $80, which, for a cable, felt absurd at the time. I plugged it in, excited. Nothing. Just glorious, silent visuals. After an hour of troubleshooting, I realized the cable was basically just a standard HDMI cable with a tiny, ineffective passive adapter built into one end that did absolutely nothing to separate the audio signal. It was pure marketing fluff. That experience taught me to be way more skeptical of “magic” cables and to stick to proven hardware solutions like audio extractors. I ended up tossing it after about two weeks.
| Solution | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Audio Extractor | Reliable, good audio quality, relatively cheap, separates audio cleanly. | Requires an extra box and cables, adds a small point of failure. | Highly Recommended – Best balance of cost and performance. |
| Monitor Speakers | Simplest setup, no extra gear needed. | Rare on gaming/PC monitors, often poor quality if present. | Ideal if you have it, but don’t buy a monitor *for* this. |
| Controller Headphone Jack | Great for headphones, easy to use for private listening. | Poor for driving external speakers, battery dependency. | Good for headphones only. |
| External Speakers via Monitor Jack | Can work if monitor has a decent headphone out. | Audio quality varies wildly, can be tinny. | Situational – test your monitor’s jack first. |
Setting Up Your Audio Extractor: A Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s say you’ve gone with the HDMI audio extractor – smart move. Here’s how to get it hooked up without pulling your hair out. First, you’ll need your PS4, your monitor, your HDMI audio extractor, a compatible audio cable (optical or 3.5mm, depending on your extractor’s output and your speakers/soundbar), and the necessary HDMI cables. You’ll also need your speakers or soundbar, of course.
- Disconnect everything: Power down your PS4 and unplug all cables. Unplug the HDMI cable from your PS4 that goes to your monitor.
- Connect PS4 to Extractor: Plug one HDMI cable into the PS4’s HDMI Out port and the other end into the HDMI In port on your audio extractor.
- Connect Extractor to Monitor: Plug a second HDMI cable into the HDMI Out (or ARC/OUT, check your device) port on the audio extractor and then into your monitor’s HDMI In port.
- Connect Audio Output: Connect your chosen audio cable (optical or 3.5mm) from the audio output port on the extractor to your speakers or soundbar.
- Power Up: Turn on your monitor, then your PS4. Your PS4 should detect the display and audio output automatically. You might need to go into the PS4’s sound settings to select the correct output format if you’re using optical. Most of the time, stereo is fine.
It sounds like a lot, but it’s really just adding one more device in the chain. The process is quite similar to setting up a Blu-ray player with a separate sound system, honestly.
When Things Still Don’t Work
So, you’ve followed all the steps, you’ve got the extractor, the cables are plugged in, and… still silence? Don’t panic. This is where we dig a little deeper. The most common culprit, besides a faulty cable or device, is the PS4’s audio output settings. Make sure your PS4 is set to output audio in a format your extractor and speakers can handle. For optical out, ‘Bitstream (Dolby)’ or ‘Linear PCM’ are common options. If you’re using a 3.5mm jack, it’s usually just stereo. A quick check in Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings will show you your options. I once spent nearly two hours troubleshooting a setup only to realize I had the optical cable plugged into the wrong port on my soundbar – a rookie mistake that still makes me wince.
Another thing to check is the audio source switch on the extractor itself. Some have a button to cycle through different audio modes or to confirm the signal. Also, make sure the volume on your speakers or soundbar is turned up and not muted. It’s a basic step, but when you’re deep in troubleshooting mode, the obvious can sometimes escape you. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides guidelines on audio and video interference, and while not directly about PS4s, understanding basic signal transmission principles can help diagnose issues if you’re really stuck on a persistent problem.
Will Any HDMI Audio Extractor Work for My Ps4?
Most will, but it’s wise to check the specifications. Ensure the extractor supports the HDMI version your PS4 uses (typically HDMI 1.4 or 2.0) and that it offers the audio output type you need (optical or 3.5mm). Also, look for reviews that mention PS4 compatibility. Avoid the absolute cheapest, unbranded options if you can, as they sometimes lack proper signal processing. (See Also: How To Monitor My Sleep With Apple Watch )
Can I Connect My Ps4 Directly to My Monitor and Get Audio Through My Pc Speakers?
Only if your monitor has a headphone jack that passes through the audio from the HDMI signal. If your monitor has no audio output, you’ll need an HDMI audio extractor connected between the PS4 and the monitor, and then route the audio from the extractor to your PC speakers (if they have an appropriate input).
What If My Monitor Has Speakers, but I Still Don’t Get Sound?
First, double-check the PS4’s audio output settings (Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings) and ensure it’s set to ‘HDMI Out’. Then, check your monitor’s own audio settings to make sure its speakers are enabled and the volume is turned up. Sometimes, simply cycling the PS4’s power or rebooting the monitor can resolve temporary glitches.
Is There a Way to Get Surround Sound with This Setup?
Yes, many HDMI audio extractors support surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS if your PS4 is outputting them and your soundbar or receiver can decode them. You’ll typically select the appropriate output setting in your PS4’s audio settings and ensure your extractor is also set to pass through or decode these formats.
Verdict
Figuring out how to get audio on PS4 with monitor can feel like a puzzle, but it’s usually a solvable one. The HDMI audio extractor remains the most reliable and cost-effective solution for most people who’ve made the smart choice to game on a monitor but forgot about the sound.
Don’t get burned by those ‘all-in-one’ cables that promise miracles but deliver silence. Stick to tried-and-true hardware. After all this, if you’re still struggling, a quick trip to a reputable electronics store or a call to the manufacturer of your audio gear might be your next best step.
The key is to isolate the problem: is it the PS4 settings, the extractor, the cables, or the speakers themselves? Systematically checking each component will get you to the source of the silence, and then you can finally enjoy your games the way they were meant to be heard.
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