How to Use a PC headset with a PS3

When I bought my PlayStation 3 I knew I would be playing online, and would need a headset.  I started looking around for one, and found out very quickly the only real headsets available (there weren’t many) were $80.00 and up.  I also tried to find a Bluetooth headset, but due to the limitations of Bluetooth I couldn’t find one that did what I wanted. The current generation of Bluetooth headsets are limited to two channels so you can either have stereo with no microphone, or mono sound with a mic.  Of course, neither of these was acceptable.  Like many veteran gamers I have a wife and kid, and don’t have much time to play.  What time I do have is usually at night during the weekend after everyone’s in bed.  That’s why I prefer a stereo headset.  I can communicate with the mic, as well as immerse myself in the game by turning it up as loud as I want.

As I was looking at the available headsets I noticed that they seemed to be nothing more than a PC headset with a USB adapter for the mic.  Before I made the switch to console gaming I was a PC gamer.  I had a pretty good headset left over from my PC gaming days and decided to try and use it with my PlayStation.  To do this I bought my own USB audio adapter from Newegg, and it worked perfectly.  Here’s what I did.

First and foremost, you need a non USB, stereo headset. You’ll also need a USB audio adapter. I bought mine from newegg.com for $7.99 (YBA SD-CM-UAUD USB Stereo Audio Adapter). I also purchased a 3.5mm Stereo Plug to Jack Extension Cable (Plug to Jack M/F Extension Cable) which you may or may not need depending on where your audio equipment is located.

Plug the mic jack into the mic line in on the USB adapter. Then plug the USB adapter into the PS3. The adapter should light up indicating it’s receiving power. Now plug the headset audio out jack into your audio source. I plugged mine directly into the headphone jack on my LCD. At this point you’re connected. Now it’s just a matter of adjusting the mic settings for the PS3. To do this, navigate to “System Settings” on the XMB. Then select “Accessory Settings”, then “Audio Device Settings”. Here you’ll find the microphone level, input device, and output device. The input device should be the name of the USB adapter you’re using for your mic. The output device should be your home audio system, or whatever the headsets audio jack is plugged into.

Now to test your mic, start speaking. You should hear yourself in the headset and see the line level indicator moving to the sound of your voice. Use this to adjust the microphone level accordingly. If you don’t hear anything make sure your mic isn’t muted. Once the level is adjusted you’re ready to play.