PlayStation®3 General Discussion

[deserteaglezx]

Bluetooth Headset Setup Guide for

PLAYSTATION 3

All the information included is current to Firmware 2.50.

Contents:

1. Compatibility

• Bluetooth Headsets
• USB Headsets
• Not Compatible with Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

2. Setup

• Charging and Pairing a Bluetooth Headset
• Connect a USB (wired) Headset
• Mic Test and Volume Setting
• More Ways to Configure Input/Output
• In Game XMB 
• Helpful Links

3. Troubleshooting

• General Troubleshooting
• Problems When Changing Games/Maps/Servers
• Noise or Feedback
• Pairing Problems
• Voice Chat Drops
• Controller Interference
• Playstation 3 Links and Customer Support

4. Game Specific Information

5. Brand and Model Listing

1. Compatibility

The PS3 supports only one headset at a time. Multiple players on the same console will have to share.

Bluetooth:

• The PS3 uses Bluetooth version 2.0, and is compatible with all earlier versions.
• All makes and brands of Bluetooth headset should work with the PS3.

USB:

USB (wired) Headsets can also be used with the PS3.

• Any of the PS2 compatible USB headsets should work with PS3 games.
• USB headsets are required for PS2 software used on the PS3.

Not Compatible with Bluetooth Stereo Headphones:

• The Bluetooth audio signal for PS3 only carries voice chat. The game sounds and music are played through your TV or stereo receiver only.
• If you want to listen to the gameplay with headphones then they will have to be compatible with your TV or stereo receiver.

2. Setup

A Bluetooth headset has to be registered, or "paired", with your PS3 before it can be used.

• Make sure your Bluetooth headset is fully charged before you begin.
• Check your headset instructions for entering "pairing mode". Activate your headsets' "pairing mode" so it can be recognized by the PS3.
• On the Cross Media Bar (or XMB) of the PS3 go to the "Settings" tab, then down into "Accessory Settings", then down into "Manage Bluetooth Devices".
• With your headset in pairing mode, follow the onscreen instructions and let the PS3 scan for your headset. When your headset is found, follow the prompts and enter a pass key (if necessary- the default is usually 0000 for all brands). The pairing should now be complete.

If you're using a USB (wired) headset, just plug it into one of the ports on the front of the PS3 (the system should auto-detect the USB headset).

Mic Test and Volume Setting

After pairing a Bluetooth headset, or after plugging in a USB (wired) headset, return to the XMB. Go to "Accessory Settings" and choose "Audio Device Settings". You can test your headset here.

• Your headset should appear as the audio input/output device. If not, just use the D-pad to highlight the Input line, then scroll until you see yours. Any microphone you have used with your PS3 will be listed, but only the current one will be available to select.
• Set the "Microphone Level" to 4. You can change the level any time if needed.
• Speak into the headset, and the level bar at the top of the screen should move at the sound of your voice.

You can also view a list of Bluetooth accessories you have registered in the "Manage Bluetooth Devices" tab under "Settings".

If your mic doesn't appear there then try pairing it again.

There are more ways to configure the audio input and output that can be useful:

• Set the input to (your mic) and leave the output on (default)- one person can chat with the other players, and the replys will play over your TV speakers rather than into your mic. Great when sharing one console because everyone can hear the team talk.
• Set the input and output to (default)- you will hear the game sound and voice chat through your TV speakers but won't be able to talk back. Great if you don't have a headset, or if you want the room to hear the team chat.
• Set the output to (default) to use stereo headphones with your TV or receiver. Then set the input to (your mic) and you can chat while wearing stereo headphones. Keeping the mic close to your face could be a problem since both ears are already taken! You could try a USB desktop mic and see if that works. I will add info on that as it comes in.

In Game XMB:

• All of the functions in Audio Device Settings are available when using the XMB via the PS button during a game. You can set the input/output, mic level, and device. You can test your mic, and pair a new BT headset while in game. 

For more help you can try these links:

• Video Walkthrough (thanks jonny k)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tSItLGLsX8 
• Playstation 3 Users Guide- http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/index.html
  
• Step by step picture giude (Thanks kman79)

3. Troubleshooting

General:

If you are having trouble with a headset after it is paired with the PS3, there are a few things to check first:

• Make sure your headset battery is charged and working. Be aware that some brands/models will need to be paired again after each recharge. It's not a problem, it's just the way those models work.
• Make sure your controller is charged. Lots of strange things happen when the controllers don't have enough power, like dropouts and headset interference.
• The headset should be set as the input/output device from the XMB.
• For Bluetooth users, make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices in use near your PS3. Also try to eliminate any other radio frequency interference if possible.
• For USB users, make sure the connection is secure and there are no wire breaks.
• Update your console to the current available firmware.

Problems When Changing Games/Maps/Servers:

• When you start another round, a new game, or change maps, the headset suddenly no longer works. You'll know because the voices start playing through your TV speakers. This is usually just a connection loss, like a phone call hanging up. Tap the "call button" on your BT headset and it should re-connect.

Noise or Feedback:

• A screeching noise when you talk you are experiencing feedback. Turning your TV down should help.
• Lowering the headset volume can also help. Go to Accessory Settings/ Audio Device Settings (where you test your headset) and you can set the mic volume there. Level 3 is a good start. If people have trouble hearing you then you should raise to Level 4 or Level 5.
• If you hear an echo when you talk try turning the earpiece volume down on the headset. Many BT headsets have their own volume control.

Pairing Problems:

• If the PS3 cannot locate your headset, make sure that your headset is in pairing mode before you start scanning. The headset instructions will tell you how to set yours to pairing mode.
• If your headset is missing from the device menu after you re-start your PS3, you will have to pair again. Many headsets will only "remember" one device at a time, so you may have to register again after using your headset with a phone.
• If your headset appears on the Audio Device menu but is "grayed out" or not selectable, it is not connected. Make sure the headset is charged, and that it is on in standby. I should connect automatically when the Audio Device menu is selected. Tap the call button on the headset if it does not connect, or click on the Connect Bluetooth tab on screen.
• Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Voice Chat Drops:

• Most in-game voice chat drops are simply network lag. Usually they go away after a short time, so be patient. In extreme cases you may have to leave a game and return to reset the chat function.
• If you use wireless internet, a low signal strength can make voice chat malfunction. Make sure your wireless signal is as strong as possible to your access point.
• Sometimes a headset will quit after changing discs to another game. Go to accessories and select your headset again.
• Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Headset-Controller Interference:

• If your controller loses contact every time you turn on your headset, they might be interfering with each other. If the game allows it, changing the controller port assignment might help. To change the controller port assignment, hold down the PS button while in game. The settings screen that comes up will give you the option to change the controller port. This will have to be set each time you restart your PS3.
• Be careful if you walk out of range with an active Bluetooth headset. When you return you will probably experience a controller lockup as the PS3 tries to acquire the headset signal again. Put your headset in standby or just leave it near your PS3 if you need to move more than 30 feet away.
• And, as always, make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Note: I did not make this Credit goes to CrashLanding from the US forums

- No more repeated threads horray :cheers:  , and most of this guide helps with the official PS bluetooth Headset aswell

Message Edited by deserteaglezx on 30-12-2008 01:37 PM

[Cannonshane]

Thanks mate, I got my headset a few weeks back and have only used it once, So that helped me learn some of the features.

[agunzi]

Doesnt help my situation at all

Ah well,ill keep fiddleing with things and hope it sorts itself out

[mostoaus]

I bought a BlueAnt headset for $70 and it works well, I paired it and I thought it wasn't working but I had to go into sound settings to change the setting to bluetooth microphone input and it works fine , good battery life and sound quality

[Lythinari]

Agunzi, you still having trouble with your official headset?

[agunzi]

I actually havent been on R2 since..........but ill check it tonight,ill be on it then if i can drag myself off Savage Moon

[DeltaDave13]

Any of you guys no what the best headset on the market is?? I have a motorola and its sh#t. Is the PS3 one any good?

[CharcoalDragon]

i bought a $5 logitec, usb headset from eb games. it's not the best but it works for me.

[jedi_mindtrick]

i had a motorola headset, the H500 i think it was, not to good at all way too much feedback from tv

also have jabbra headset that was not to bad if i got static and tv feedback what i'd do was mute the

tv wait a few secs then unmute it ( don't think unmute is n actual word lol but you know what i mean)

The headset i use now which i think is by far the best is the official PS headset.

i can actually hear ppl clearly when they speak,it feels comfortable.

you can adjust the ear hook to fit how you want,the mute button is a godsend.

If the headset starts to go flat while while your playing just put it in it's cradle & you can still use it while it recharges.

Although i don't know how well it works (while recharging).

Message Edited by jedi_mindtrick on 17-03-2009 05:00 PM

[DeltaDave13]

---

jedi_mindtrick wrote:

i had a motorola headset, the H500 i think it was, not to good at all way too much feedback from tv

also have jabbra headset that was not to bad if i got static and tv feedback what i'd do was mute the

tv wait a few secs then unmute it ( don't think unmute is n actual word lol but you know what i mean)

The headset i use now which i think is by far the best is the official PS headset.

i can actually hear ppl clearly when they speak,it feels comfortable.

you can adjust the ear hook to fit how you want,the mute button is a godsend.

If the headset starts to go flat while while your playing just put it in it's cradle & you can still use it while it recharges.

Although i don't know how well it works (while recharging).

Message Edited by jedi_mindtrick on 17-03-2009 05:00 PM

---

Thanks for the help mate, the H500 is the headset I have as well, it really sux. After your advice I might try the PS one.

Cheers