PS4 Overall Volume (Still) Too LowPS4

[David Brooks]

I am wanting to get a gaming headset (perhaps the Astro A20) mainly because the only mic I have is the default ps4 mono ear piece and it is an absolute dog trying to click the mute switch when racing. But this volume issue is a real unknown and I'm not prepared to take a risk buying it and then finding it sounds worse than what i have now (sound straight from the tv)

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

Really, I'm glad to see this thread still getting some traction. Thanks to all that have contributed. With the past patches, along with reasonable work arounds, this is my only complaint with the game. I'd like pit strategy tire pressures to to be in the same units of measurement as the setup screen, but that's a want, not a complaint. Please @IanBell , can you get this volume issue sorted for us?

 

[Ssantana]

But why just this game? No way am I buying a new tv, or new headphones, or anything to get around an obvious software issue. If this were a problem with ANY other game I've tried, I'd search for alternatives. But this is specific to one game, and is a problem with several other people.


Do you use wireless headphones with the USB dongle on a PS4?

I completely agree with you, I'm not suggesting that is the solution, the solution should be provided by the developers and not the end-users. I'm only stating what I found in case someone else with this same issue has a spare monitor, tv or headphones they can use until hopefully the devs sort it out AS THEY SHOULD!

 

[Ssantana]

Check my reply bro above! Maybe they fixed it in latest update!

Nah, I already had the latest update when I made that comment. I'm in Australia and we get the udpates before any one else does (aside from Kiwis I think).

And yes, once in multi-player the sound does go out of wack if you are using a conventional set of headphones or external audio via the HDMI. The only way to remedy this (I've found) is to use a proper headset with mic attached to the controller and then adjusting the party mix slider.

 

[Georgeagea]

And yes, once in multi-player the sound does go out of wack if you are using a conventional set of headphones or external audio via the HDMI. The only way to remedy this (I've found) is to use a proper headset with mic attached to the controller and then adjusting the party mix slider.

I use a hyperx cloud 2 headphones with the USB directly plugged into the ps4pro. Isn't that the same thing, or i have to use the 3.5mm jack on the controller?

 

[Ssantana]

I use a hyperx cloud 2 headphones with the USB directly plugged into the ps4pro. Isn't that the same thing, or i have to use the 3.5mm jack on the controller?

You'll need to plug them into the controller, at least that's what I did with mine (not hyperX's though, just some no-frills hand-me downs from my son lol). Keep in mind that even though I was able to control the volume levels for chat vs game I still had very low volume overall using this method and only really got loud sound by using the methods described earlier but unfortunately there's no chat/game volume level balance doing it that way :/

 

[Georgeagea]

You'll need to plug them into the controller, at least that's what I did with mine (not hyperX's though, just some no-frills hand-me downs from my son lol). Keep in mind that even though I was able to control the volume levels for chat vs game I still had very low volume overall using this method and only really got loud sound by using the methods described earlier but unfortunately there's no chat/game volume level balance doing it that way :/

Sorry but what are the methods already described?! I don't care about chat in public online lobbies so I will eliminate those of there's a way to do so!

 

[Ssantana]

Sorry but what are the methods already described?! I don't care about chat in public online lobbies so I will eliminate those of there's a way to do so!

Unfortunately there is no way to shut these guys up when playing online, at least not one I have come across yet.

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

My biggest issue: I DO care about the chat. The mindless dribble that comes out of my buddy's mouths on league night - is exactly why I'm in the league I'm in! Believe me. If anyone here wants to have a blast racing with clean racers, while laughing your rear end off listening to the background chatter, check us out. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...lounge-mon-nights-new-drivers-welcome.359293/ We have some super fast guys, some kinda fast guys, and some not so fast guys. We all race super clean, leave our mic's open, and have a very fun Monday night.

 

[DesertPenguin]

My biggest issue: I DO care about the chat. The mindless dribble that comes out of my buddy's mouths on league night - is exactly why I'm in the league I'm in! Believe me. If anyone here wants to have a blast racing with clean racers, while laughing your rear end off listening to the background chatter, check us out. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/◆-snail-the-lobanaro-lounge-mon-nights-new-drivers-welcome.359293/ We have some super fast guys, some kinda fast guys, and some not so fast guys. We all race super clean, leave our mic's open, and have a very fun Monday night.

I can't wait until I'm welcomed back. Can't happen soon enough

 

[Georgeagea]

My biggest issue: I DO care about the chat. The mindless dribble that comes out of my buddy's mouths on league night - is exactly why I'm in the league I'm in! Believe me. If anyone here wants to have a blast racing with clean racers, while laughing your rear end off listening to the background chatter, check us out. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/◆-snail-the-lobanaro-lounge-mon-nights-new-drivers-welcome.359293/ We have some super fast guys, some kinda fast guys, and some not so fast guys. We all race super clean, leave our mic's open, and have a very fun Monday night.

Seems to me this is mostly for USA or American countires right?

 

[shoemaker]

There is a lack of volume on xbox one x as well. Iam using optical to mixamp pro and it is just too quiet.

 

[Logsi]

I was lucky enough to get a Xbox One X Scorpio Edition for Christmas and promptly downloaded Project Cars 2 Demo to see how different it looked compared to the PS4 Pro deluxe edition of the game I have and also to see if this audio issue is the same.

It’s not. The audio is fine on Xbox and I’m hearing things I’ve never heard on PlayStation.

I may have to double dip and buy this on Xbox now as it looks quite a bit better judging from this demo alone. Will wait for the next patch to pounce but it definitely pips the pro version that’s for sure! Really good supersampling.

Not sure why there is so much hate for the demo on the Xbox Store because it’s great. I think it looks and plays better than Forza.

 

[DesertPenguin]

Forza fanboys as usual probably

 

[OdeFinn]

I have strong feeling at LFE extra isn't working as it should, all sounds start to break when it is activated, even lowest value 1 makes distortion on sounds, zero gives cleanest sounds, including bass sounds.
Something on PS4 audio mix isn't right.

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

I have strong feeling at LFE extra isn't working as it should, all sounds start to break when it is activated, even lowest value 1 makes distortion on sounds, zero gives cleanest sounds, including bass sounds.
Something on PS4 audio mix isn't right.

Sorry, but what's LFE?

 

[Napalm_LT]

LFE is a low frequency efect - subwoofer chanel

 

[OdeFinn]

Sorry, but what's LFE?

As @Napalm_LT said, it's on audio settings in game, when I let sound come from TV it wasn't a big deal, only virtual surround thru stereo speakers which aren't capable of giving good sound in any cases, but when tried first time on 5.1 headset it was just pain for my ears, crazy distortion of whole sound scale, similar which happens when you boost audio sample to higher on audio editor, or speak too close on microphone and airflow and loudness breaks mics capability to end and it distorts sound, same when you breath on Mic from close distance.
Default 25 value LFE and sounds were a combination of B-class samples broken on wrong channels with heavy distortion. I tried several values on LFE and it just make more distortion on sounds, only choice for me was 0 value on LFE extra boost which leaves "best" quality on sounds.
"Best" is sadly still B-class audio samples, with short repeat loop and weird peripheral equipment sounds looping behind on engine sound, i.e. Ford samples (escort+ Sierra) has really annoying bonus wonk-wonk-wonk sound looping in ~1.5 sec cycle, basically destroying immersion and feeling to drive those.

 

[Scaff]

As @Napalm_LT said, it's on audio settings in game, when I let sound come from TV it wasn't a big deal, only virtual surround thru stereo speakers which aren't capable of giving good sound in any cases, but when tried first time on 5.1 headset it was just pain for my ears, crazy distortion of whole sound scale, similar which happens when you boost audio sample to higher on audio editor, or speak too close on microphone and airflow and loudness breaks mics capability to end and it distorts sound, same when you breath on Mic from close distance.
Default 25 value LFE and sounds were a combination of B-class samples broken on wrong channels with heavy distortion. I tried several values on LFE and it just make more distortion on sounds, only choice for me was 0 value on LFE extra boost which leaves "best" quality on sounds.
"Best" is sadly still B-class audio samples, with short repeat loop and weird peripheral equipment sounds looping behind on engine sound, i.e. Ford samples (escort+ Sierra) has really annoying bonus wonk-wonk-wonk sound looping in ~1.5 sec cycle, basically destroying immersion and feeling to drive those.

Your complaining about LFE boost not working on a headset that isn't capable of producing true LFE output?

The LFE boost is designed for use with a sub-woofer (and no 5.1 headset is going to give you the same range of frequency), its working perfectly well as a boost via my 5.1 system and tactile set-up (which is driven via the LFE channel on my receiver alongside the sub.

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

Your complaining about LFE boost not working on a headset that isn't capable of producing true LFE output?

The LFE boost is designed for use with a sub-woofer (and no 5.1 headset is going to give you the same range of frequency), its working perfectly well as a boost via my 5.1 system and tactile set-up (which is driven via the LFE channel on my receiver alongside the sub.

But, can you use voice chat at the same time? This is my dilemma. I can only use voice chat if I go through the USB dongle. I can't find a way around this. If I use the fiber optic output for my Buttkicker, then plug headphones directly into the TV with 3.5mm, the volume is MUCH better. But, I no longer have voice chat ability. This issue is just dragging on, and is seriously reducing the amount I play PCars 2. I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Scaff]

But, can you use voice chat at the same time? This is my dilemma. I can only use voice chat if I go through the USB dongle. I can't find a way around this. If I use the fiber optic output for my Buttkicker, then plug headphones directly into the TV with 3.5mm, the volume is MUCH better. But, I no longer have voice chat ability. This issue is just dragging on, and is seriously reducing the amount I play PCars 2. I'm open to suggestions.

I don't use fibre out for my tactile, so I don't have that issue.

My Reckhorn is driven via my AV reciever (which is fed via HDMI), by splitting the subwoofer output. I then use my headset for chat (which is driven via optical).

 

[OdeFinn]

Your complaining about LFE boost not working on a headset that isn't capable of producing true LFE output?

The LFE boost is designed for use with a sub-woofer (and no 5.1 headset is going to give you the same range of frequency), its working perfectly well as a boost via my 5.1 system and tactile set-up (which is driven via the LFE channel on my receiver alongside the sub.

Blaablaa..

.1 and working fine on every other applications, sources etc.

 

[Scaff]

Blaablaa..

.1 and working fine on every other applications, sources etc.

No other applications on the PS4 have an LFE boost setting, but it good to see the attitude still in place.

I've given you an accurate explanation as to why it will not work with a set of 5.1 headphones (as the don't have subwoofers in them), but feel free to talk nonsense on a subject you don't understand again

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

I don't use fibre out for my tactile, so I don't have that issue.

My Reckhorn is driven via my AV reciever (which is fed via HDMI), by splitting the subwoofer output. I then use my headset for chat (which is driven via optical).

Can't say I really understand how you're getting this to work. How is the headset getting it's signal, USB? Because once I use fiber out, it cancels the USB out.

 

[Scaff]

Can't say I really understand how you're getting this to work. How is the headset getting it's signal, USB? Because once I use fiber out, it cancels the USB out.

The PS4 can output audio by both digital and HDMI simultaneously. So I use HDMI to run audio out of my AV receiver and this feeds my tactile unit, I then use digital to run output to my headset (Turtle Beach Stealth 520s), which also then allows chat via the mic.

 

[OdeFinn]

No other applications on the PS4 have an LFE boost setting, but it good to see the attitude still in place.

I've given you an accurate explanation as to why it will not work with a set of 5.1 headphones (as the don't have subwoofers in them), but feel free to talk nonsense on a subject you don't understand again

Sorry if you take that in bad manner, and sorry I forget to add DD on 5.1 mentioning.

Sorry but my headset has dedicated low frequency speaker on both earpieces, it has 4 speakers per earpiece and it is full Dolby Digital.

LFE is presented in all DD and above Dolby standards, so you don't need special "switch" for it on "other applications or sources" just watching Blu-ray movie is just enough to know how well my headset is providing LFE channel (I have switches/adjusting possibilities per channel volume and it's easy to check when muting sub channel, where my control box directs LFE), SMS "boost" isn't limiting signal coding to LFE (or I assume at that's the problem) because it breaks sounds when activated.

Spoiler: JadaJada by Wikipedia

In the 1990s surround sound home theater systems became available to enhance the experience of viewing DVD and Blu-ray films. Prior to the advent of home theater systems, when VCRs were used, the enhanced sound option was stereo high-fidelity sound or Dolby Pro Logic for Dolby Surround-encoded tapes. With home theater systems, a multichannel audio system was used to deliver different sounds to six or more different speakers. The widely used 5.1-channel audio system consists of five full range main (Left, Center, Right, Left rear Surround, and Right rear Surround) plus a Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. Many typical home theater systems, especially home theater in a boxsystems, are incapable of accurately reproducing LFE in the 20 Hertz range.

The LFE channel delivers bass-only information to supplement the overall bass content. The LFE channel content is not the same as the content of a subwoofer-out jack. The LFE channel is used to carry additional bass information in the Dolby Digital program, while the subwoofer output is bass information from up to all six channels that has been selected to be reproduced by the subwoofer via a bass management system.

The bass management in surround sound replay systems is that bass content in the incoming signal, irrespective of channel, should be directed only to loudspeakers capable of handling it. The bass management system may direct bass to one or more subwoofers (if present) from any channel, not simply the content of the LFE channel. As such, it is incorrect to call the LFE the subwoofer channel.

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

The PS4 can output audio by both digital and HDMI simultaneously. So I use HDMI to run audio out of my AV receiver and this feeds my tactile unit, I then use digital to run output to my headset (Turtle Beach Stealth 520s), which also then allows chat via the mic.

Thank you. I think this also narrows down the low volume issue. I myself can confirm that there's only an issue when using the USB output. Hopefully this sheds some light for the Devs. I'd love to see this low volume issue eventually resolved.

 

[ThaFlash_LA]

I have low audio, but it’s about the same level as movies. On my receiver I play most games at about 45 to 50. I have to play this game at 60 for the same level of output, and this matches the audio level I need to play for 5.1 of 7.1 movies.

LFE output definitely makes a difference. At stock 25, my sub basically takes the day off. At 65, well I get a little bit of home shaking at the top end of the powerband on the AMG GT. So it’s still pretty low. I’m using a 12” powered velodyne, so it should hit way harder than it is in this game. I’ve just done some sound testing though, I haven’t ran a full race at high level, so I’m not sure if my LFE levels are doing to shake my entire building when driving over curbs.

Audio channel output is pretty damn good.

When I play I usually have a separate controller on and run chat through that controller but I haven’t tried that on PCars yet.

 

[Gr8_Lakes]

I have low audio, but it’s about the same level as movies. On my receiver I play most games at about 45 to 50. I have to play this game at 60 for the same level of output, and this matches the audio level I need to play for 5.1 of 7.1 movies.

LFE output definitely makes a difference. At stock 25, my sub basically takes the day off. At 65, well I get a little bit of home shaking at the top end of the powerband on the AMG GT. So it’s still pretty low. I’m using a 12” powered velodyne, so it should hit way harder than it is in this game. I’ve just done some sound testing though, I haven’t ran a full race at high level, so I’m not sure if my LFE levels are doing to shake my entire building when driving over curbs.

Audio channel output is pretty damn good.

When I play I usually have a separate controller on and run chat through that controller but I haven’t tried that on PCars yet.

I've wondered if I could somehow use a controller, while still using the fiber optic out, to still be able to use voice chat. I'm not as educated with this tech stuff as I could be. I struggled for a long time to buy a Buttkicker, just because I didn't want to figure out how to make it work. It's not that I'm incapable, I just don't enjoy it. For example, I got a new TV for Christmas. It's still in the box because I haven't gone through the headache of figuring out how to make the BOSE surround sound work with it (I'm getting there... Mom is getting impatient). But I remember pulling my hair out with my last TV. I had to buy a receiver, blue ray player, and then I remember making some custom RCA cables. I'm sure most of it's the same, with a possible exception of a digital connection now. But it's just not my favorite thing to spend time on. (I'm an electrician... Do barbers want to come home and cut hair?).

 

[diesel97]

Something is amiss, the replay volume shouldn't be 2x louder than race volumes