Question About Headphone Audio Between PC and Xbox HDMI Ports
Question About Headphone Audio Between PC and Xbox HDMI Ports
I possess an LG OLED screen as a monitor.
My PC is connected via one HDMI port, while my Xbox Series X uses another.
I want wireless gaming headphones that enable smooth sound switching between the PC and Xbox Series X, allowing me to transition instantly from playing on PC to Xbox without interruption.
What headphones should I choose and how should they be linked to support this functionality?
Probably found this link useful: https://www.xbox.com/en-AU/accessories/h...ss-headset, since it functions on PC.
Further research led to: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help...reless Headset works,a compatible USB-C cable.
Additional insights came from the Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/xbox/s/ZSgtGHYAUB
The problem lies in how audio from two devices reaches your headset. There must be a connection point where two sources can connect to one headset. That connection point likely already exists. Currently, both the PC and Xbox send video and audio to your monitor through HDMI cables, meaning both signals are present and each audio source turns on when you change the video input. The missing part is how the audio from your monitor’s speakers can be sent to just one headset. A typical solution would involve using a 3.5 mm Sound Output port on your monitor to connect a stereo cable to an external device like speakers, an amplifier, or a transmitter. If your monitor has this port, there’s at least one option.
Searching for wireless headsets—whether earphones or ones with a microphone—reveals many models that connect to a Bluetooth system built into your PC. This would simplify the process if your monitor already supports Bluetooth to send signals to such a wireless headset. It’s unlikely, but worth considering.
Another option is a headset designed for Bluetooth connectivity, allowing two connections to different systems and easy switching between them. If both your PC and Xbox have built-in Bluetooth, you could configure both to use Bluetooth communication with the headset instead of HDMI. This would let you switch between sources without needing separate cables.
A third possibility involves a slightly different headset that includes a transmitter unit. This unit connects to a stereo output jack on your monitor, eliminating the need for the monitor to have its own Bluetooth system. The transmitter then communicates with the wireless headset using either Bluetooth or another wireless method, routing the audio signal accordingly.
Powering two audio inputs through one wireless headset depends solely on both sources being able to send audio in a compatible format from a USB port. This functionality isn’t provided by any computer. When using a USB-connected headset—whether wired or via a dongle—the device comes with a driver that translates the audio into digital data for USB transmission, and then converts it back to analog signals for the earphones. For this process to work seamlessly, the system must use the same conversion method both ways. To enable this setup, Windows should be configured to output audio through the headset rather than using a different chip or graphics card. So far, this approach works with USB switches for connecting computers to headsets via USB. However, for devices like the Xbox, there appears to be no built-in capability to convert its analog audio into digital data for USB transmission. Even if it had a USB port, matching its coding system with the driver on the computer would be essential for successful conversion. My alternative idea involves using standard Bluetooth in both sources, but I suspect the Xbox model lacks this feature. The user currently relies on HDMI cables to send analog audio from each source to the monitor, which handles the signals without issues. When the selected audio source changes for display, it also sends the audio to the monitor’s speakers and its stereo output port. My first suggestion demands merging both sources within the monitor and adding a built-in Bluetooth feature, but this may not be feasible. Therefore, the most viable option seems to be a headset with its own wireless transmitter that receives analog audio from the monitor and sends it to the headset.
Using a suitable headset with Xbox followed by PC is the initial challenge. I recommended this approach. The user wishes to choose one over the other, not play at the same time. Headset should function properly. An alternative is an AVR.
From what I gathered, the Series X Xbox that OP mentioned might support a wireless earphone connection, but it doesn’t use standard Bluetooth—it operates on a different frequency. Therefore, you can purchase an adapter for that Xbox to enable standard Bluetooth functionality, and then connect any regular Bluetooth headset with it. Keep in mind there’s a small caveat: the adapters usually include a built-in microphone, so you won’t be able to use your own mic with them. You’ll need to use the adapter’s microphone if you require one.
OP, please note that pairing two devices into a single Bluetooth headset demands Bluetooth 5 and requires the headset to support Multipoint or Dual Pairing. This guide provides extensive details.
Setting up Bluetooth multipoint on your headphones allows simultaneous connection of two devices, enhancing your listening experience while remaining straightforward. You can find more information at www.soundguys.com and also on a specific headset manufacturer’s site: https://govo.life/blog/do-more-with-dual...h-headsets
If your computer supports Bluetooth 5 (either built-in or via adapter), and you obtain an adapter for the Xbox Series X, along with a headset that includes Multipoint functionality, you can pair it with both Bluetooth sources. You’ll be able to switch between them using a button on the headset.
On your computer, you’ll need to decide which device will handle the audio output. Under Windows, you can adjust Sound Settings to view available devices. The drop-down menu will list all possible sound outputs—likely showing a Realtek chipset, your graphics card, or another. You’ll need to instruct Windows on which output to use, and it may default to using the video card’s audio path via an HDMI cable.
If your system already supports Bluetooth, you might see an option to route sound through a Bluetooth adapter. Otherwise, adding an adapter can introduce a new Sound Output Device. You’ll then need to update Windows to use this device instead of the default one.
Some devices come with drivers that enable dual output, but Windows doesn’t natively support this for multiple sources. It’s wise to review the documentation carefully or contact the manufacturer’s support before purchasing.
Apologies if my response was too complex - I'll break it down further.
Imagine you receive the Astro A20 wireless Gen2 for Xbox, Xbox One, and PC. It comes with a USB dongle that you can plug into either the Xbox console or the PC, depending on which device you need.
You could also use a USB switch, connecting one source to the console and the other to the PC, with the dongle acting as the target instead of having to disconnect between them.
This setup might work with a USB-A connection, like this USB switch, which is better suited for this purpose.
I apologize again for the confusion in my previous explanation.
It’s a straightforward idea, but I’m unsure if the Xbox will automatically recognize and set up the dongle like it does with my USB sound card (SB Play!3).