This video will help you connect the  PlayStation 4 (PS4) to Elgato Gaming hardware, and various types of headsets.


 

The PS4 has a software limitation where it disables HDMI audio when a headset is connected.

This means that if you use a headset, the PS4 no longer sends an audio signal out of its HDMI port to your TV, which means that audio won't reach capture devices either.  Hence, no game audio in recordings or streams.

Unfortunately, unless the PS4 has a software update, you will have to use a workaround for this issue.

The first thing you need to know is what kind of headset you're using on the PS4.  The three types of headsets used on a PS4 are:

1) Analog
2) USB
3) USB and Optical

Let's go into each type of headset, and what you will need to set up PS4 Audio.

 

USB Connection

A headset that plugs into the PS4 using USB Only will not have a workaround. 

It doesn't matter if the headset is wired or wireless - USB Only headsets won't be able to transmit audio to an Elgato Gaming device.

 

Analog Connection

There are two types of Analog headsets.

• Headsets with a single, 4 pole, 3.5 mm jack (sometimes known as a "mobile" jack).  That jack carries microphone audio, and game audio.  This is the type of headset that plugs directly into your PS4 controller.

• Headsets with two, 3.5 mm jacks, one for microphone audio, and one for game audio.  These connections are mostly used for PCs. 

If you are using a headset with two, 3.5 mm jacks, you'll need to get a 4 pole Y-adapter that will turn these two jacks into a single "mobile" jack.

Once you have a single 3.5 mm "mobile" jack, you'll want to use the Elgato Chat Link to get yourself setup with audio.

1) Plug the male, 4 pole 3.5 mm jack from the Elgato Chat Link into the PS4 controller.
2) Plug your headset into the female port of the Elgato Chat Link.
3) Plug the 3.5 mm jack of the Elgato Chat Link and into the female, Audio In port of the Elgato Game Capture HD60, or the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S.  If you are using Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro, plug the 3.5 mm Elgato Chat Link into the Line In port of your PC.

Please Note: If you are using the original Elgato Game Capture HD, you will also need a 3.5 mm to RCA adapter, and the Component breakout cable that's included with Elgato Game Capture HD.

4) Finally, go to the Capture Settings in the Elgato Game Capture HD software, and set the Audio Input to Analog Audio, or your encoder of choice.

 

USB and Optical Connection

Headsets that use both USB and Optical connections include the Astro A40 with Mixamp, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tactical Audio System, and the Turtle Beach Elite 800.

With these types of headsets, the solution is simply configuring the PS4 software.

1) In your PS4 interface, go to Settings
2) Choose Devices
3) Select Audio Devices
4) Under Output Device, change the output to TV or AV Amplifier

This change will send all audio out via HDMI and optical, rather than USB on your headset.

Please Note: Keep in mind that these 4 steps will need to be done each time you turn on your PS4 system.

This sends chat audio over optical and HDMI, and thus the chat audio might not sound quite the same as it did when it came over USB. 

Using these settings, you'll be able to record both game and chat audio without buying anything extra.

 

Wireless Headsets

Wireless headsets typically fall under one of the three categories described above.

1) A wireless receiver connected to the PS4 via USB Only
2) A wireless receiver connected to the PS4 via USB and Optical
3) A wireless receiver connected to the PS4 Controller via Analog "mobile" cable

Follow the instructions in the sections above for how to setup the wireless receiver. 

As discussed earlier, USB Only connections won't work, and don't have a workaround.