Plugging a headset into your controller and getting tinny, quiet, or distorted audio is frustrating. The good news is that most controller audio quality problems have simple fixes.
Here are the most common causes and step-by-step solutions for PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Why Does Controller Audio Sound Bad?
Audio routed through a controller's 3.5mm jack passes through the controller's built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Controller DACs are small and basic compared to dedicated audio hardware, which can limit sound quality.
Common Causes of Poor Audio
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Controller volume set too low in system settings
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Audio output defaulting to a lower quality setting
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Dirty or loose 3.5mm connection
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Outdated controller firmware
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Using a headset not optimized for controller audio
How to Fix PS5 Controller Audio Quality
PS5 controllers route audio through the DualSense's 3.5mm jack. Here is how to get better sound.
Step 1: Adjust Audio Settings
Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Make sure "Output Device" is set to your headset. Adjust Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Set "Output Device" to your headset and adjust volume/chat balance. If experiencing issues, try disabling 3D audio as games without support may sound distorted.
Step 2: Check the 3.5mm Connection
Unplug and replug the headset firmly into the controller. A loose connection causes audio crackling, low volume, or mono output. Clean the jack with compressed air if it looks dirty.
Step 3: Update Controller Firmware
Connect the DualSense via USB and check for firmware updates in Settings > Accessories > Controllers. Audio bugs are sometimes fixed in firmware updates.
Step 4: Use a Wireless Headset Instead
For the best PS5 audio quality, a dedicated wireless headset bypasses the controller's DAC entirely. You get a cleaner signal and better overall sound.
How to Fix Xbox Controller Audio Quality
Xbox controllers have similar audio routing through the 3.5mm jack.
Step 1: Open Audio Settings
Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & System > Settings > General > Volume & Audio Output. Set headset format to "Stereo Uncompressed" for the cleanest output.
Step 2: Adjust the Headset Volume
Use the Xbox Guide's audio controls to raise the headset volume and adjust game/chat balance. The controller output may default to a lower volume.
Step 3: Clean and Secure the Connection
Just like PS5, a dirty or loose jack causes quality issues. Make sure the plug is fully inserted and the jack is clean.
Step 4: Update Controller Firmware
Go to Settings > Devices & Connections > Accessories and select your controller to check for updates. Xbox controller sound quality can improve with firmware patches.
How to Fix Controller Audio Quality on PC
PC has more options, but also more things that can go wrong.
Step 1: Set the Correct Audio Output
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Sound Settings. Make sure your headset is selected as the output device, not the monitor speakers or controller.
Step 2: Check Audio Drivers
Outdated or incorrect audio drivers cause quality problems. Update your audio drivers through Device Manager or your motherboard manufacturer's website.
Step 3: Adjust In-Game Audio Settings
Some games default to lower-quality audio output. Check in-game settings for audio quality options and set them to the highest available.
Step 4: Skip the Controller Jack
For the best PC audio quality, plug your headset directly into the PC via USB or use a wireless connection. Routing audio through the controller adds an extra conversion step that can reduce quality.
Do Gaming Controllers Affect Headset Sound Quality?
Yes, when you use the 3.5mm jack. The controller acts as a middleman for the audio signal, and its built-in DAC is limited. Wireless headsets with their own dedicated connection avoid this bottleneck entirely.
For the cleanest sound, a wireless gaming headset that connects directly to your console or PC through USB or 2.4GHz wireless will always outperform controller pass-through audio.
Conclusion
Most controller audio issues come down to settings, connections, or the limitations of routing audio through a controller. Simple adjustments to your console settings and keeping connections clean solve most problems. For the best audio experience, Turtle Beach wireless headsets like the Stealth 700 Gen 3 and Stealth 600 bypass the controller entirely, giving you cleaner, higher-quality sound.
Check out our ultimate couch gaming setup guide for wireless controllers with a 30-foot range.
FAQs
Why is my controller's audio quality so low?
Low volume settings, dirty connections, or outdated firmware are the main culprits. The controller's built-in DAC also limits audio quality compared to direct connections. Check your console's audio settings first.
How to improve PS5 controller audio quality?
Set your headset as the output device in Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Disable 3D audio if the game's sound is distorted. Clean the 3.5mm jack and update controller firmware via USB connection.
Why does my Xbox controller have poor sound quality?
Set headset format to "Stereo Uncompressed" in audio settings for cleaner output. Update controller firmware and ensure the 3.5mm plug is fully inserted. Increase headset volume using Xbox Guide controls.
How to fix controller audio quality on PC?
Select your headset as the audio output device, not the controller. Update audio drivers through Device Manager. Connect headsets directly to the PC via USB for the best quality.
Do gaming controllers affect headset sound quality?
Yes, the controller's built-in DAC limits audio quality when using the 3.5mm jack. Wireless headsets bypass this limitation.
Is wireless audio better than controller jack audio?
Wireless headsets deliver cleaner sound by connecting directly to consoles. They avoid the controller's audio processing limitations and provide superior overall quality.
