Console, Discord has become the preferred platform for online voice chat, so even PlayStation 4 gamers are interested in using it. This article will discuss some methods to use Discord on the previous generation PlayStation. While Sony has released the app for the new PS5, players on the older console have been left out, causing inconvenience for them. Although many online games such as Apex Legends and Fortnite include their own in-game voice chat, it lacks the comprehensive features that Discord provides.
Additionally, single-player games like Uncharted don’t have any voice chat options at all. It’s important to mention that PlayStation created its own alternative to Discord called Party Chat, which allows PS4 gamers to chat with each other while playing. However, this solution is not as effective.
The best way to use Discord on PS4 is Using an Astro MixAmp
To have the optimal experience with Discord’s VoIP features on PlayStation, it is recommended to use an Astro MixAmp in conjunction with a PC. Currently, the MixAmp is available for purchase at a price of $188, excluding the microphone.
Once you have acquired the MixAmp and connected your headphones, the next step is to connect it to the PS4 using a USB cable and an optical cable. If you own a PS4 Slim, you may need to use an HDMI audio extractor instead. Afterward, you will need to proceed with the setup process, which involves the following necessary steps:
- Set the MixAmp to PS mode by flipping the little switch in the rear. Then, on your PS4, open up Settings.
- Go to Devices → Audio Devices. Under Input Devices, click on the headphones you have connected to the MixAmp.
- Next, head over to the list of Output Devices and select TV or AV Amplifier. This will ensure your MixAmp handles all the audio features of the console.
- Go back to the previous screen. Next, head to Sound and Screen → Audio Output settings. Under Primary Output, choose Digital Out (Optical) and set Audio Format to Bitstream (Dolby).
After completing the initial setup, launch Discord on your PC and obtain a 3.5mm audio cable. Connect one end of the cable to the AUX port located at the rear of the MixAmp, and insert the other end into your PC. Connect your microphone to the PC as well and configure the audio output port in Discord settings to be the MixAmp.
By following these steps, you will be able to use Discord smoothly on the PS4 while maintaining excellent audio quality, allowing you to hear even the faintest of footsteps clearly. With this setup, you can effortlessly switch between Discord and Party Chat as needed.
Does Discord work on PS4 without MixAmp?
It’s important to mention that there is no official method to utilize the voice chat platform on the previous generation Sony console. Gamers will need to rely on alternative techniques to enable the VoIP features. One of these approaches involves utilizing MixAmps, which offer a robust solution but come at a significant cost, often amounting to hundreds of dollars.
The console itself is priced at $330 and is available with a complimentary copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. On the other hand, the Astro MixAmp is priced at $250 when bundled with the headphones. It seems unreasonable to invest in hardware that is nearly as expensive as the console itself solely to gain access to a single feature.
Therefore, in the following section, we will explore other cost-effective alternatives that can accomplish the desired outcome.
Method 1: Download the Discord beta on your PlayStation
Sony introduced the Discord app in beta mode a few months prior to its official release on the PlayStation 5. In theory, it should be possible to install the app on the console and have it functioning. However, it’s important to acknowledge that obtaining the Discord beta app might be challenging, and this method may not be effective for everyone.
- Install the Discord beta app on your PS4.
- Next, link Discord to your account by going to Settings→Users and Accounts→Linked Services. Choose the Link via a QR code.
- On your smartphone, open up Discord. Swipe left to view the servers, then click on your profile icon on the bottom right, and from the new window that appears, click on “Scan QR code.” Scan the code displayed on the console, authorize the login, and you should be able to use the app on your PS4.
Method 2: Use a USB soundcard for an audio chat
Before getting started with this process, ensure you have the following items:
A USB soundcard (any cheap $5 card would do the job for a basic audio call)
A 3.5mm male-to-female Y-splitter cable
Two 3.5mm AUX cables
This workaround will essentially fuse the audio output and input from your PC and PS4 to enable seamless audio chatting in any game.
Step 1) Log in to Discord on your PC and join the preferred audio channel.
Step 2) Connect the USB soundcard to any USB Type-A outputs of your PC. Then connect the microphone’s cable to the audio input port of the soundcard (leave it empty if you are using webcam/in-built audio). Plug in one of your 3.5mm AUX cables into the audio output cable and its other end to one of the inputs of the Y-splitter.
Step 3) Take the other 3.5mm AUX controller and connect one of its ends to the Y-splitter and the other to your PS4 controller. This should do the trick and you will be able to use Discord audio chat while gaming on the PS4.
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In conclusion, while there isn’t an official way to use Discord’s voice chat platform on last-gen PlayStation consoles, there are alternative methods and workarounds available. Whether it’s utilizing MixAmps or exploring cost-effective options, gamers can still enjoy the benefits of Discord’s VoIP features on their consoles.
Additionally, Sony’s beta release of the Discord app for the PlayStation 5 provides hope for future official support on older consoles. However, it’s important to note that these methods may not work for everyone and obtaining certain components or apps could be challenging.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s worth keeping an eye out for updates and developments that may enhance the gaming and communication experience on PlayStation consoles.