PS4 Sound Issues? Here Is What to Do

Hey there, fellow PS4 gamers! We all know how frustrating it can be when you’re just trying to relax with your favorite game, and suddenly, you encounter a sound issue. Whether it’s no sound at all, muffled audio, or a buzzing noise, these pesky problems can quickly ruin your gaming experience. But don’t worry; I’ve got your back. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common PS4 sound issues and provide step-by-step instructions to help you get back to gaming in no time.

No Sound at All

We’ve all been there: you turn on your PS4, and there’s no sound at all. This can be pretty alarming, but don’t panic! There are a few easy steps you can take to get your audio back on track.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the connections: Make sure all the cables are connected properly. This includes the HDMI cable connecting your PS4 to your TV or sound system, as well as any audio cables if you’re using an external sound system.
2. Verify the audio settings: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Sound and Screen’ > ‘Audio Output Settings’ on your PS4. Ensure that the ‘Primary Output Port’ is set to ‘HDMI OUT’ and the ‘Audio Format (Priority)’ is set to ‘Linear PCM’. If you’re using an external sound system, check its settings as well.
3. Restart your PS4: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue. Power off your console completely by holding the power button for 7 seconds, then turn it back on.
4. Test a different HDMI cable: If the issue persists, try swapping out the HDMI cable for a new one, as it could be damaged. If you think the issue has something to do with the HDMI cable, check out my article about HDMI Issues here.
5. TV audio settings: Ensure that your TV’s audio settings are configured correctly. Some TVs have a ‘mute’ or ‘audio off’ function that could be accidentally enabled.
6. HDMI handshake issues: Unplug your PS4 and TV from the power source for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This can help resolve HDMI handshake issues that may cause audio problems.
7. Contact support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Sony’s customer support for further assistance.

Muffled or Distorted Sound

Another common sound issue is muffled or distorted audio. This can be annoying, especially if you’re playing story games where its all about atmosphere.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Clean your speakers: Dust and dirt can accumulate in your TV or sound system speakers, leading to poor sound quality. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the speakers gently.
2. Adjust the audio settings: In your PS4’s ‘Settings’ menu, go to ‘Sound and Screen’ > ‘Audio Output Settings’. Experiment with different ‘Audio Format (Priority)’ settings to see if any of them improve the sound quality.
3. Update your PS4’s software: Make sure your PS4 is running the latest system software by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘System Software Update’. An outdated software version can sometimes cause audio issues.
4. Check for game-specific audio settings: Some games have their audio settings that can cause sound issues. Access the game’s options menu and try adjusting the audio settings.
5. Verify audio output: Make sure your audio output is set to ‘Stereo’ if you’re using a stereo speaker setup, or ‘Surround Sound’ if you have a surround sound system.
6. Disable audio enhancements: Some TVs or sound systems have audio enhancements that may cause muffled or distorted sound. Disabling these features can help improve audio quality.
7. Contact support: If the problem persists, get in touch with Sony’s customer support for further guidance.

Audio Delay or Lag

Experiencing audio delay or lag while gaming can be quite disorienting. Here’s what you can do to fix it:

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the audio settings: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Sound and Screen’ > ‘Audio Output Settings’ on your PS4. Make sure that the ‘Audio Format (Priority)’ is set to ‘Linear PCM’ and the ‘Primary Output Port’ is set to ‘HDMI OUT’. Also, ensure that your TV or sound system is set to ‘Game Mode’ or ‘PC Mode’ if available, as this can help reduce audio lag.

2. Update your PS4’s software: Ensure your PS4 is running the latest system software by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘System Software Update’. Outdated software can sometimes cause audio lag issues.
3. Disable audio processing: If you’re using an external sound system, check if it has any audio processing features enabled (such as surround sound or audio enhancements). Disabling these features can help reduce audio lag.
4. Try a different HDMI port: Some HDMI ports on your TV might have lower latency than others. Try connecting your PS4 to a different HDMI port to see if it helps with the audio lag.
5. Game-specific audio settings: Some games have their audio settings that could cause lag. Access the game’s options menu and try adjusting the audio settings.
6. Disable HDCP: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ on your PS4 and uncheck the ‘Enable HDCP’ option. This can help with audio lag issues in certain cases.
7. Contact support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Sony’s customer support for further assistance.

Buzzing or Static Noise

Buzzing or static noise coming from your PS4 can be distracting and annoying. Here’s how to get rid of it:

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected and not damaged. Loose or damaged cables can cause buzzing or static noise.
2. Inspect the power source: Plug your PS4 and TV into a different power outlet or surge protector. Sometimes, electrical interference from other devices can cause buzzing or static noise.
3. Try a different HDMI cable: A faulty HDMI cable can also cause buzzing or static noise. Swap it out for a new one to see if it resolves the issue.
4. Adjust the audio settings: In your PS4’s ‘Settings’ menu, go to ‘Sound and Screen’ > ‘Audio Output Settings’. Experiment with different ‘Audio Format (Priority)’ settings to see if any of them eliminate the buzzing or static noise.
5. Ground loop issues: If you’re using an external sound system, ground loop issues can cause buzzing or static noise. Try using a ground loop isolator to eliminate the noise.
6. Interference from other devices: Keep your PS4 away from other electronic devices that might cause interference, such as routers, microwaves, or wireless phones.
7. Contact support: If the problem persists, get in touch with Sony’s customer support for further guidance.

Sound Cutting In and Out

If your PS4’s sound keeps cutting in and out, it can be incredibly frustrating. Here’s what you can do to fix it:

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the connections: Make sure all cables are securely connected and not damaged. A loose or damaged cable can cause intermittent sound issues.
2. Update your PS4’s software: Ensure your PS4 is running the latest system software by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘System Software Update’. Outdated software can sometimes cause sound issues.
3. Adjust the audio settings: In your PS4’s ‘Settings’ menu, go to ‘Sound and Screen’ > ‘Audio Output Settings’. Experiment with different ‘Audio Format (Priority)’ settings to see if any of them resolve the intermittent sound issue.
4. Test a different HDMI cable: If the issue persists, try swapping out the HDMI cable for a new one, as it could be damaged.
5. Audio output device issue: Test your TV or sound system with another device to see if the sound issue persists. If it does, the problem may lie with your audio output device.
6. Overheating: Ensure that your PS4 has enough ventilation, as overheating can cause various issues, including sound cutting in and out.
7. Contact support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Sony’s customer support for further assistance.

Remember that troubleshooting sound issues can be a trial-and-error process, and each setup might require a different approach. Don’t forget that Sony’s customer support is always there to help if you need further guidance. Happy gaming!