A new PS5 firmware update available now is set to improve the console's audio experience when you're playing with the new Pulse Explore earbuds, and the Pulse Elite headset releasing next month. A new equalizer is designed to enhance overall sound quality while a sidetone feature lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear in the microphone.
You can grab the 1.186GB PS5 firmware update now in order to gain access, then the new features will be available in the Sound tab in the Control Centre. You can then edit some equalizer presets across five different options and preview what it'll sound like. Your settings will be stored on the earbuds and they'll carry over and be automatically selected should you connect them to another device.
The Pulse Explore PS5 earbuds are available now for £199.99 / $199.99, while the new Pulse Elite headset releases on 21st February 2024 for £129.99 / $149.99. Both come bundled in with a PlayStation Link USB adapter, so you'll get all the benefits of that Sony technology with the accessories.
Other new features included in the PS5 firmware update are upgrades for Parties functionality, some improvements to messages, and more stability. Are you excited to try out these new audio features? Let us know in the comments below.
[source playstation.com]
Comments 27
To be clear: all these EQ preset features are exclusive to the Pulse hardware, yes? Because they seem like they'd be nice to have for other headsets, even if the settings weren't stored on-device. I only use my Turtle Beach headset with my PS5. I'd love to adjust some of that stuff and then... have the PS5 save it for when I connect my headset.
Is that possible?
Is the 3D Pulse supported or just the new range?
Why but why can't the console get an full-on equalizer usable with every device?
I don't see why they wouldn't be usable for any headphones. But storing the settings on the headphones might be exclusive to Sonys hardwarw
I use the PS Platinum headset I bought for my PS4 years ago on my PS5. They really don't have much mileage on them and still sound great. Hoping this update supports the older Sony headsets as well as the current/new range.
@mvhess You'd think that, but this is Sony. They require a dongle to use Bluetooth in 2024. They don't always make the most sensible design decisions.
@MFTWrecks they use 2.4 ghz wireless for their connection not Bluetooth, hence the dongle. It's not that uncommon in gaming
@Turismo4GT Glad to see I'm not the only one still using the Platinum headset. My only problem is the material on the ear cups is peeling pretty badly. It's not something I did because I take good care of my stuff and the same thing happened to my Gold headset, my PS VR, and my PSP Go Case which just sits on the shelf. I think it has something to do with the faux leather material they use combined with my room's temperature/dryness.
Great. I hope it includes some stability fixes too. I got the Explore earbuds and they often fail to connect to the console. Yes; I read the instructions. Yes; I did the standard troubleshooting. Sometimes they connect right away. Other times I reset the buds, console, etc and it still doesn’t work. There’s no rhyme or reason to it as far as I can tell.
@xDD90x That happened to my Platinum's earcups as well. I figured it was a combination of the heat they endure when I'm wearing them as well as the climate here in Barbados. I take care of my things as well and couldn't stand to see the peeling on an otherwise new looking headset, so I removed the earcup pads and used rubbing alcohol to remove the rest of the faux leather coating and the adhesive residue. Afterwards I washed them by hand and let them air dry. Took a bit of doing, but what was left is a kind of velvety fabric covering the foam that still feels good on the ears.
Still using my gold headset and they still work really well and are more comfortable now than when I bought them 5 years ago. However I am tempted to purchase the new pulse elite super dooper ones.
@Turismo4GT Good idea. I'll have to give that a try. Thanks
@mvhess Alright. But they made the choice to do that when they didn't have to. They could have built the system to not require a dongle. They chose not to.
@MFTWrecks you typically need a dongle for 2.4 ghz connection. It creates a more stable, low latency connection
@Northern_munkey
I am also tempted…you go first and tell me what you think. 😜
@koverby lmao 👍
@xDD90x Same for me.
@Turismo4GT Report back on if it work. I wanna try mine.
The Pulse Explore were a huge bummer for me. The most uncomfortable earbuds I've ever worn. Returned them after 2 days. It's too bad because the sound was great
Now we need that ps portal firmware update!
@DulyNoated yeh we do. You get the choppy frames? I hope that is fixable, last update we saw is a while now I mean you’d think they’d know about it ..anyways cranked the low to mids up on my earbuds, bit of a difference I suppose bass is like a physical thing, needs breathing space
@Olmaz Lol Why else do you think? To get you to buy their specific products. That's why you can't use any wireless headsets for the Playstation.
After all these updates why can't Sony implement the ability to split the audio channels for Game and Voice? WebM supports multi-channel audio and the built-in capture features on PC can do this......I hate having to toggle voice sharing on and off.
@VaultGuy415 You have to buy new ear tips. I hated the the ones that came with the buds. They kill my ear but with the new tips, no issues at all.
@Fishface45
Any recommendations on earbud tips?
@koverby I use these and they make such a big difference.
https://a.co/d/j1lcFIK
@Fishface45
THANKS! I’ll check them out.
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