How to Play Sound From Aspeakers for Ps4 with Monitor
Look, if you’re staring at your PS4 and that tinny TV speaker sound is just an insult to your ears, you’re not alone. I remember trying to get decent audio out of my setup for what felt like a decade, wasting a frankly embarrassing amount of money on gadgets that promised the world and delivered a headache. Trying to figure out how to play sound from speakers for PS4 with monitor can feel like a labyrinth. It’s not always as straightforward as plugging something in and expecting magic.
Some people just assume their monitor’s built-in speakers are good enough. They’re not. Ever.
Others get lost in a sea of adapters and cables, ending up with a mess of wires that makes your desk look like a digital spaghetti monster. My own setup once involved a bizarre contraption of three different converters before I finally threw my hands up and started over.
This whole ordeal of getting external audio working for your PS4 when you’re using a monitor can be surprisingly frustrating, but it’s absolutely doable if you know what you’re doing. We’re going to cut through the noise and get you some actual sound.
The Ps4 Audio Output: What You’re Working With
First things first, let’s talk about the PlayStation 4 itself. Your PS4, bless its heart, has a few ways it likes to send out audio. The most common ones you’ll encounter are the HDMI port, which carries both video and audio, and the optical audio port (if your specific PS4 model has one). For most people trying to connect speakers to their monitor, understanding the HDMI audio passthrough is key. It’s like a digital river carrying everything your game needs, picture and sound, all down the same pipe. The trick is getting that sound signal to branch off and go where you *actually* want it to, which is your nice, beefy set of speakers.
You might also have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack on your PS4 controller. While this is handy for private listening, it’s usually not the primary route for sending a clean audio signal to external speakers that aren’t headphones. It’s more of a personal audio lifeline than a party speaker connector.
Connecting Your Speakers: The Direct vs. The Adapter Dance
Now, this is where things get interesting, and honestly, where most people trip up. If your monitor has a dedicated audio output port (often a 3.5mm jack, just like your headphones), you’re in luck. This is the simplest scenario. You’d run an HDMI cable from your PS4 to your monitor, and then a separate 3.5mm audio cable from your monitor’s audio output directly to your speakers. Boom. Done. It’s as straightforward as making toast. The monitor basically acts as a middleman, accepting the audio from the PS4 via HDMI and then spitting it back out through its own audio jack. It’s a clean, uncomplicated setup that doesn’t require much fuss.
However, and this is a big ‘however,’ many monitors, especially gaming monitors designed for video quality, don’t have that audio output jack. They take the HDMI signal and just… display it. No audio spitting. If you find yourself in this situation, and believe me, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit, you’ll need an adapter. This is where the fun really begins, if by ‘fun’ you mean ‘potentially confusing and expensive trial and error.’ (See Also: How To Stretch Monitor Display Dual )
The most common solution here is an HDMI audio extractor. This little box sits between your PS4 and your monitor. The HDMI cable from your PS4 plugs into the extractor, and then another HDMI cable runs from the extractor to your monitor. The magic happens because the extractor *pulls* the audio signal out of the HDMI stream before it even gets to the monitor. Usually, these extractors have their own audio outputs – typically a 3.5mm jack or even RCA outputs for more traditional speaker systems. I spent around $75 testing three different HDMI audio extractors before I found one that didn’t introduce noticeable lag or crackle. One even made the game sound like it was underwater; truly awful.
This approach, while requiring an extra piece of hardware, is often the most reliable way to get a dedicated audio feed when your monitor is HDMI-only for audio. It’s like giving the PS4’s audio signal its own dedicated exit ramp.
Optical Audio: The ‘if You Have It, Use It’ Option
So, what if your PS4 has that optical audio port, also known as S/PDIF? This is another excellent way to get sound out, especially if you have a soundbar or receiver that uses optical input. You’d connect an optical cable from your PS4 directly to your soundbar or receiver. This bypasses the monitor entirely for audio. It’s a clean digital signal, and many audiophiles swear by it for its clarity. The downside? Your PS4 needs to be set up to output audio via optical, and your speakers or sound system need to have an optical input. It’s a dedicated audio highway, and it’s usually pretty straightforward to set up, provided you have the right ports on both ends.
To enable this, you’ll need to go into your PS4’s audio settings. Navigate to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings. From there, you’ll select Optical Out as the Primary Output Port. You might also need to adjust the Audio Format (Priority) to PCM or Bitstream depending on what your speakers can handle. It’s not complicated, but it requires you to remember to change it. Seven out of ten times, people forget this simple setting change and wonder why they have no sound from their optical connection.
The Controller Jack: A Last Resort or a Specific Use Case?
We touched on the 3.5mm jack on your controller. Can you use this for speakers? Technically, yes, but it’s usually not ideal for a full speaker setup. Think of it as a headphone jack. If you have a small set of powered speakers that accept a 3.5mm input, you could theoretically plug your controller into them. However, the audio quality might not be as good as what you’d get from an HDMI extractor or optical output, and you’re tethered by the controller cable (unless you’re using a wireless headset, which is a different beast entirely). It’s a bit like trying to power a whole house with a AA battery – it might work for a tiny light, but don’t expect miracles for anything substantial. It’s really best suited for headphones or very basic, low-power desktop speakers.
The primary reason this isn’t a go-to for external speakers is signal degradation and power limitations. The headphone jack is designed for lower power output and is more susceptible to interference. When I tried this once with a cheap pair of desktop speakers, the hum was unbearable. It made dialogue in games almost impossible to understand.
When Monitors Fail You: Choosing the Right Speakers
Not all speakers are created equal, and when you’re trying to get sound from your PS4 to your monitor setup, the type of speakers you choose matters. For most people using HDMI audio extractors or a direct monitor audio out, you’ll be looking at powered bookshelf speakers or PC speakers. These have their own amplifiers built-in, meaning they don’t need a separate receiver. They plug directly into your audio source (your monitor’s jack or the extractor’s 3.5mm out) and are ready to go. (See Also: Couldnt Switch To Requested Monitor Resolution Battlerite )
When I was first setting up my gaming rig, I bought a pair of unpowered bookshelf speakers. Big mistake. I spent an extra $150 on a receiver I didn’t need. The common advice online often pushes towards surround sound systems, which are great, but overkill for many desk setups. For a monitor, a good pair of stereo bookshelf speakers is often all you need to elevate your gaming audio from ‘meh’ to ‘wow.’ Look for speakers with a decent frequency response, especially in the bass department. You want to feel those explosions, not just hear a muffled thud.
My current setup uses a pair of Edifier bookshelf speakers. They were around $100, sound fantastic for gaming and music, and are powered. It took me four different pairs of speakers to finally land on these; the others were either too weak, too boomy, or just sounded flat. This is why I say you have to try things out – what sounds good to one person might be terrible for another.
| Speaker Type | Pros | Cons | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powered Bookshelf Speakers | Easy setup, built-in amp, good sound quality for the price. | Can be pricier than basic PC speakers. | My go-to for desk setups. Fantastic value. |
| Basic PC Speakers | Very affordable, simple plug-and-play. | Sound quality can be mediocre, limited bass. | Okay for budget or casual gamers, but don’t expect immersion. |
| Soundbar | Space-saving, good for movies and dialogue. | Can lack stereo separation for gaming, might need optical. | Great if you have space and use your PS4 for more than just gaming. |
| Unpowered Speakers + Receiver | High-fidelity audio potential, lots of customization. | Expensive, requires extra space for receiver, complex setup. | Overkill for most PS4 monitor setups unless you’re an audiophile with a dedicated space. |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Let’s talk about the stuff that trips people up. First, audio lag. This is when the sound is slightly out of sync with the video. It’s like watching a poorly dubbed movie, and it’s a killer for gameplay. It’s often caused by too many processing steps or using devices that aren’t designed for low-latency audio. Cheap HDMI converters are notorious for this. If you experience lag, try simplifying your setup or investing in a higher-quality HDMI audio extractor specifically advertised for gaming or low-latency performance. Sometimes, the solution isn’t more gadgets, but fewer, better-chosen ones.
Second, ground loops. Ever get a persistent, annoying hum in your speakers when everything is plugged in? That’s usually a ground loop. It happens when there are multiple paths to ground for the electrical current. Using an audio ground loop isolator can fix this. It’s a small, inexpensive device that breaks the circuit for the ground connection, stopping the hum without affecting the audio signal. I dealt with a hum for months before a friend pointed this out to me; it was so simple to fix once I knew what it was. This is one of those ‘why didn’t I know this sooner?’ moments.
Third, incorrect PS4 audio settings. As mentioned with the optical out, your PS4 needs to know where to send the sound. If you’re using an HDMI extractor, make sure your PS4 is set to output audio via HDMI (which is usually the default). If you’re using optical, you need to select that. Digging into Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings is your best friend here. Don’t just plug things in and assume it’ll work; tell your PS4 what you’ve done.
Finally, volume control. Understand where your volume is being controlled. Is it the PS4 system volume? Your monitor’s volume? Or your speakers’ volume knob? Too many independent controls can lead to a confusing experience where you can’t get the sound just right. For simplicity, I usually set the PS4 audio output to maximum, the monitor (if it has speakers) to a neutral setting or off, and then control the master volume directly on my powered speakers. This gives me the most headroom and the simplest control.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has guidelines on electronic interference, and while not directly about audio setup, they highlight the importance of properly functioning hardware to avoid these kinds of pesky electrical issues. Think of ground loops as a small-scale version of what the FCC regulates – unwanted electrical noise. (See Also: How To Get Viewsonic Monitor Speakers To Work )
Faq: Your Burning Ps4 Audio Questions Answered
Can I Use Regular Computer Speakers with My Ps4 and Monitor?
Yes, absolutely. If your monitor has a 3.5mm audio output, you can plug in standard PC speakers directly. If not, you’ll likely need an HDMI audio extractor that provides a 3.5mm output to connect your computer speakers to. Just make sure they are powered speakers, as most PC speakers have their own amplification.
Will Using an HDMI Audio Extractor Cause Lag?
It can, especially with cheaper or poorly designed extractors. High-quality HDMI audio extractors designed for gaming or home theater setups are built to minimize latency. Look for reviews that specifically mention audio sync and lag performance. My experience with a $20 adapter was terrible, introducing noticeable delays, while a $60 one was virtually unnoticeable.
Does My Ps4 Monitor Need to Have Speakers for Me to Get Sound?
No, not at all. Your monitor’s primary job is displaying the video signal. If it doesn’t have built-in speakers, or if you don’t want to use them, you simply need a way to get the audio signal from the PS4 to external speakers. This is where HDMI audio extractors or direct audio outputs come into play.
What’s the Difference Between Optical Audio and HDMI Audio for Ps4?
HDMI carries both video and audio signals in one cable, making it convenient for connecting to a monitor or TV. Optical audio (S/PDIF) carries only audio, offering a pure digital sound signal. For PS4 setups connecting to a monitor, HDMI is usually the primary path, but optical is a great alternative if your sound system has the port and you want to bypass the monitor’s audio handling.
Is It Worth Buying a Soundbar for My Ps4 and Monitor Setup?
It can be, depending on your priorities and space. Soundbars offer a more immersive audio experience than most monitor speakers and are more compact than traditional speaker systems. However, for intense gaming where precise directional audio is key, a good pair of stereo bookshelf speakers might offer better separation and detail. Evaluate your space and what you’ll be using your PS4 for most.
Conclusion
So, to get sound from speakers for PS4 with monitor, it really boils down to understanding what ports you have available on both your PS4 and your monitor. It’s not always a plug-and-play situation, and sometimes you’ll need to grab an HDMI audio extractor. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t yield perfect results; I’ve been there. It took me about six tries over the years to get my audio setup exactly how I wanted it, with the right balance of clarity and convenience.
The key is patience and a willingness to experiment. Your PS4 is a powerful machine, and it deserves audio that complements its visual prowess, not insults it. Getting decent sound from speakers for PS4 with monitor is a solved problem, but it requires a bit of know-how to avoid common traps like lag and hum.
Next time you’re setting up a new gaming rig or just trying to improve your existing setup, remember to check those audio outputs first. It’s the often-overlooked step that can make or break your entire gaming experience.
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