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GamingMics Mic test
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Sony PULSE Explore

Works on Windows, Mac and PS5, with sidetone so you hear yourself.

EarbudsPlayStation's own earbuds: PlayStation Link for PS5, PS Portal, PC and Mac, with Bluetooth to a phone at the same time

Check this setup

Platform connections

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

Sony PULSE Explore: how it connects and what you can adjust

Over the cable

  1. Sony PULSE Explore microphone
  2. Its USB cable
  3. Mic input on your PC or console
  4. Game chat
Connections
PlayStation Link USB-A adapter (2.4 GHz) · PlayStation Link straight to PlayStation Portal · Bluetooth
Mute
Not listed by the maker
Hear yourself
Sidetone, set on the PS5 or in the PlayStation Link PC driver

Choose it if…

  • You want game sound and voice chat in earbuds, not over your ears.
  • You want to hear your own voice through headphones while you play.
  • You want a wearable microphone rather than a separate desk stand or arm.

Before choosing this model

  • There's no mute control on the earbuds: PlayStation points to the DualSense mute button, the PS5's menus or its Windows driver.
  • With both buds in over PlayStation Link, only the left bud's mic is used.
  • The included adapter is USB-A; the USB-C adapter (CFI-ZWA3) is sold separately.
  • PlayStation lists no Xbox or Switch route.
  • PlayStation says its Windows PlayStation Link driver is being updated and may lose features while that rolls out.
  • A USB plug doesn't mean it works on a console: check which platforms its maker lists on this page.
  • No stand or arm needed: the mics are in the earbuds.
  • Use the cable in the box; you only need an adapter if your computer lacks that port.

Others like it

All Sony models compared →

Controls and specifications

PS5 · PlayStation Portal · Windows PC · Mac · Mobile. Software: PS5 settings: EQ, sidetone, mic level, firmware · PlayStation Link PC driver on Windows 10 or 11: mute, sidetone, EQ, battery, firmware.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections PlayStation Link USB-A adapter (2.4 GHz) · PlayStation Link straight to PlayStation Portal · Bluetooth
Microphone mute Not listed by the maker
Monitoring Sidetone, set on the PS5 or in the PlayStation Link PC driver
Chat controls volume button on each bud (PlayStation Link audio) · PlayStation Link button: triple press opens the PS5's sound controls · mute: the DualSense mute button
Mounts Not listed by the maker
Dimensions Not listed by the maker
In the box and parts
Included parts PULSE Explore earbuds · PlayStation Link USB adapter (USB-A) · Charging case · Ear tips in several sizes · USB cable
Additional parts Depends on how you connect it and the headphones you use.
Manufacturer specifications for Sony PULSE Explore.
Compatibility the maker lists PS5, PlayStation Portal, Windows PC and Mac over PlayStation Link; phones and tablets over Bluetooth
Connections PlayStation Link USB-A adapter, or straight to PS Portal; Bluetooth to a phone, heard at the same time as PlayStation Link
Microphone Two hidden mics, one on each bud, with AI noise rejection; over PlayStation Link the left bud's mic is used
Drivers Planar magnetic
Weight About 6.1 g per bud; case about 71 g
Controls Volume button on each bud; PlayStation Link button (triple press for sound controls, hold 2 seconds to switch connection)
Software PS5 sound settings; PlayStation Link PC driver for Windows 10 or 11

Questions about the Sony PULSE Explore

Can I hear myself through the Sony PULSE Explore?

Its maker lists: Sidetone, set on the PS5 or in the PlayStation Link PC driver.

Does the Sony PULSE Explore work on PS5?

Yes, Sony documents it. Pick it in the console's microphone settings and check the level before joining a party.

Set it up for game chat.

  1. Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.

  2. Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.

  3. Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.

References