How to Get Ps5 Sound Through Monitor: My Painful Lessons
Look, I’ve been there. Staring at this beautiful 4K monitor, ready to dive into the latest PS5 game, only to realize… silence. Dead, deafening silence. It’s infuriating, right?
Then the digging begins. Endless forum threads, confusing diagrams, and product pages that promise the moon but deliver a grainy satellite image. I’ve wasted enough time and money that I could have bought a second DualSense controller, maybe even a fancy headset stand.
But after wrestling with various adapters, cables, and what felt like a black magic ritual, I finally figured out how to get PS5 sound through monitor setups, even when your fancy screen thinks it’s only for visuals.
The HDMI Audio Grab Bag
So, you’ve got your PlayStation 5 hooked up to a monitor that has speakers, or maybe you’re routing it through a soundbar or receiver that’s NOT connected directly to the PS5’s HDMI out. The problem is, HDMI carries video and audio, but not all monitors are built to extract that audio signal cleanly, or your audio setup might be bypassed entirely.
HDMI audio extraction is the magic trick here, and it’s not always as simple as plugging in a different cable. I remember my first attempt involved some cheap HDMI audio splitter I found online for about $15. Big mistake. The video flickered like a strobe light at a bad rave, and the audio sounded like it was coming through a tin can tied to a string. Six weeks later, it finally died a quiet, ignominious death.
Why Some Monitors Just Won’t Cooperate
Here’s the blunt truth: Many monitors, especially those built primarily for PC gaming or professional work, aren’t designed with console audio passthrough in mind. They might have audio jacks, sure, but these are often just there for show or for basic PC microphone input, not for robust HDMI audio extraction. You might find that even if you plug in headphones, you still get no sound from your PS5.
Everyone says you just need an HDMI audio extractor. I disagree, and here is why: While extractors are often the solution, not all are created equal. Cheaper ones can introduce latency, dropouts, or even mess with your video signal. The more expensive, reputable brands actually do a decent job, but you’re paying for it. So, for me, the ‘extractor’ is a necessary evil, but the *quality* of the extractor is what matters. (See Also: How To Get Hello Neighbor On My 2nd Monitor )
The Humble HDMI Audio Extractor: Your New Best Friend (maybe)
This little gizmo is your most likely savior. It sits between your PS5 and your monitor (or your TV if it’s the same issue). The HDMI signal from your PS5 goes into the extractor, and the extractor splits the audio signal off for you, sending the video signal on its way to your monitor. You’ll typically have options like optical audio (Toslink), RCA, or a 3.5mm headphone jack to pull that sound out.
One extractor I tested, a ridiculously overpriced model that cost me around $75, had a faint, persistent hum that drove me absolutely mad during quiet moments in games. After my fifth attempt to troubleshoot it, I finally realized it wasn’t my setup; it was the damn extractor. Thankfully, I was able to return it, but that’s a lot of wasted effort and a sting to the wallet.
It felt like trying to tune an old analog radio in a lightning storm — static, interference, and a whole lot of frustration. The audio quality from that thing was also noticeably compressed, like it was trying to whisper secrets through a thick wool blanket.
What to Look for in an Extractor
- Resolution Support: Make sure it supports 4K, HDR, and the refresh rates your PS5 is capable of (120Hz if that’s your jam). You don’t want to sacrifice visual fidelity.
- Audio Output Options: Does it have the ports you need? Optical is usually the most reliable for digital audio. A 3.5mm jack is fine for headphones but might not be ideal for higher-end sound systems.
- Brand Reputation: Avoid the no-name brands on sketchy marketplaces. Stick to brands known for audio-visual accessories. I spent around $40 testing two different, well-reviewed brands, and one was noticeably better.
- Power Source: Some extractors are bus-powered (get power from the HDMI cable), which can be unreliable. A dedicated USB power input is usually a sign of a more stable device.
When Extractors Aren’t Enough: Alternative Routes
Sometimes, even with a good extractor, you might run into issues. This is where things get a bit more involved. Think of it like trying to get water from a tap that’s been deliberately painted shut. You need to find a different pipe.
Using the Ps5’s Controller Headphone Jack
This is the simplest workaround if your monitor has its own speakers and you just need to hear *something*. Plug your headphones directly into the PS5 controller. Then, go into your PS5’s sound settings and route all audio through the controller. The sound quality won’t be audiophile-grade, but it’s a quick fix and beats silence. This is like using a bucket to fetch water when the pipes are broken – not ideal, but it works.
Optical Audio Converters
If your monitor has an optical audio output (which most don’t, but some do), or if you’re using an AV receiver with an optical input, you might be able to use that. The PS5 itself doesn’t have an optical audio out, so you’d still need an HDMI audio extractor that specifically offers an optical (Toslink) output. From there, a simple optical cable can carry the digital audio signal. (See Also: How To Get Monitor To Work Of Of Motherboard )
What About Soundbars Without HDMI Arc?
This is where it gets tricky. If your soundbar doesn’t have HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or a dedicated HDMI input for the PS5, you’re going to need that HDMI audio extractor. You’ll send the PS5’s HDMI out to the extractor, then the extractor’s HDMI out to your monitor. The extracted audio (usually optical) will then go from the extractor to your soundbar’s optical input.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Audio Extractor | Versatile, can support various audio outputs (optical, 3.5mm), generally good audio quality if a quality unit is chosen. | Adds complexity, potential for signal degradation with cheap units, adds cost. | Often the most reliable solution, but research is key. I’d spend $40-$60 on a decent one. |
| Controller Headphone Jack | Dirt cheap (you already own it!), no extra cables needed, instant solution. | Audio quality isn’t amazing, not suitable for full speaker systems, limited by headphone jack functionality. | Great for emergencies or if you only game with headphones. |
| Monitor’s Built-in Speakers (via Extractor) | Uses existing hardware, cleaner setup if it works. | Monitor speakers are often terrible, limited by monitor’s audio processing. | Only viable if your monitor has decent built-in speakers and the extractor passes audio correctly. |
The Final Hurdle: Settings and Troubleshooting
Once you’ve got your hardware sorted, don’t forget the software. On your PS5, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
Here’s what I usually set:
- HDMI Device Type: Set this to ‘AV amplifier’ or ‘Soundbar’ even if you’re just using monitor speakers through an extractor. This sometimes forces the PS5 to send a more robust audio signal.
- Audio Format (Priority): I usually go with ‘Dolby’ or ‘DTS’ if available, but ‘Linear PCM’ is the most basic and compatible. If you’re getting no sound, try switching to Linear PCM.
- Output Device: Ensure this is set to ‘HDMI Device (TV/Amplifier)’ or whatever reflects your direct audio output path after the extractor.
If you’re still struggling, double-check all your cable connections. Seriously, I once spent an hour convinced an adapter was dead, only to find a slightly loose HDMI cable at the back of the PS5 itself. It sounds ridiculous, but in the heat of frustration, you miss the obvious. The texture of the plastic on that HDMI cable felt like a betrayal after all the mental energy I’d spent.
People Also Ask:
Can I Get Ps5 Audio Through My Monitor Speakers?
Yes, but not always directly. Most monitors don’t have the internal circuitry to properly extract audio from the HDMI signal sent by a PS5. You’ll almost certainly need an external device like an HDMI audio extractor to pull the audio signal out and send it to your monitor’s speakers (or an external sound system).
Does the Ps5 Support Audio Output to Monitors Without HDMI Arc?
The PS5 itself sends audio via HDMI. The monitor’s ability to *receive* and *process* that audio depends on its own hardware. Many monitors, especially those lacking HDMI ARC, cannot do this without an additional adapter. ARC is a specific feature designed for audio return, not just basic passthrough. (See Also: How To Play Sound Through Xbox One Monitor Without Speakers )
What Is the Best Way to Connect Ps5 Audio to a Monitor?
The most reliable method is typically using an HDMI audio extractor. This device connects to your PS5’s HDMI out, separates the audio, and then passes the video to your monitor. The extracted audio can then be sent to external speakers, a soundbar, or even your monitor’s headphone jack if it has one.
Do I Need a Special Cable to Get Ps5 Sound Through My Monitor?
You don’t need a *special* PS5-to-monitor cable for audio if you’re using an HDMI audio extractor. A standard high-speed HDMI cable between the PS5 and the extractor, and another between the extractor and the monitor, will suffice. The audio extraction happens at the device in the middle.
Final Verdict
Honestly, wrestling with how to get PS5 sound through monitor setups can feel like a quest for a mythical artifact. It’s not as plug-and-play as Sony wants you to believe, and the market is flooded with junk. My advice? Start with a reputable HDMI audio extractor, and if that doesn’t immediately solve it, systematically check your PS5’s audio settings. Small tweaks there can make a world of difference.
Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on the extractor. I’ve seen too many people frustrated with cheap ones that cause more problems than they solve. For me, investing around $50-$70 in a well-reviewed model saved me countless hours of head-scratching and garbled audio.
If all else fails, and you just need to hear *something*, routing audio through the PS5 controller’s headphone jack is a functional, albeit less immersive, last resort. Keep at it, and you’ll get that sweet, sweet game audio pumping through your preferred speakers or headphones.
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