Shortly after the PlayStation 4 launched, Sony released the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset. The accessory supports 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, providing an affordable solution for gamers who don’t want to invest in expensive home audio systems. It also comes with a hidden microphone so that you can chat with your friends online. So is the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset worth buying for use with the PS4? Before you decide, let’s explore what the gaming headset has to offer.
What’s Included and Headset Specs
In addition to the headset, the product also comes with a 3.9 foot audio cable, 30.5 cm Micro-B USB charging cable, quick start guide, safety and support guide, travel pouch in addition to a wireless adaptor.
In terms of specs, the PlayStation Gold headset has an internal rechargeable battery that can be used to up eight hours (at mid volume levels) per full charge. Its wireless connection has a range of approximately 39 feet. Check out the full specs for the product below:
- Power source: DC 3.7V
- Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery: Battery capacity 570 mAh
- Operating environment temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C /41 °F – 95 °F
- Wireless stereo headset dimensions (w/h/d): 178.3 x 191.5 x 48 mm (7.0 x 7.7 x 1.9 in)
- Wireless adaptor dimensions (w/h/d): 17.4 × 8.4 × 36.1 mm (0.7 × 0.3 × 1.4 in)
- Wireless stereo headset Weight: Approx. 295.4g (11.3 oz)
- Wireless stereo headset Wireless adaptor: Approx. 5.3g (0.25 oz)
- Communication system: 2.4 GHz RF
- Maximum communication range: Approx. 12 m (39 ft)
- Use time when fully charged: 8 hours at mid volume level
Installation
Installing the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset on the PlayStation 4 is really easy as long as the firmware version of your console is 1.60 or higher. If your PS4 is not up to date, you can download and install the latest system update with this link on the official PlayStation website.
With that out of the way, you first have to charge your headset with the included Micro-B USB charging cable, which may take as long as three and a half hours. When that is done (you can tell when the status indicator no longer flashes red), you can then turn on your PlayStation 4. Insert the wireless adaptor into one of the system’s USB ports and, finally, turn the headset on by setting it to either the “1” or “2” position with the slider on the left headphone.
Headset Companion App
To get the most out of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset, make sure you download the Headset Companion App on the Sony Entertainment Store of the PlayStation 4. This free application will let you customize the sound profiles (by replacing the Bass Boost mode when the headset is set to the “2” position using the slider) and come pre-loaded with modes for specific games.
As of right now, the following PS4 games have dedicated sound profiles that you can upload (using the same Micro-B USB charging cable) to the headset: Bloodborne, Destiny, Far Cry 4, inFamous Second Son, The Last of Us, The Order: 1886 and Watch Dogs. There are also generic profiles created for games from the shooter and fighting genres.
The Headset Companion App also comes with specific settings for movies (action and horror) in addition to music (bass boost, techno and hip hop). Last but not least, you can create your own custom settings by adjusting the bass, mid and treble volumes.
7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
The main selling point of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset is easily the 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. Thankfully, the sound design came as advertised, especially in games with dedicated profiles. Being able to hear enemies slowly creep up on you in titles such as Bloodborne and The Last of Us Remastered really changes the experience for the better as it adds to the immersion. This feature makes it hard to go back playing with audio that came out of the speakers of your television.
Hidden Microphone
Another great feature is the hidden microphone, which makes the PS4 headset easier to store. Not to mention that the mic also supports noise cancellation and comes with several sidetone features. For the uninformed, sidetone lets you hear your own voice being outputted on the same headset. You can use the dedicated button to set it to low, high and completely off. 
Comfort
The cushioned headband of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset is really comfortable as you won’t really feel it sitting on top of your head. On the other hand, the ear cups are uncomfortable and can be a little painful if you keep it on for hours. So it’s best to take a break once in a while if your ears start to get feel a little sore.
Button Placements
Another issue we have is the placement of buttons. Everything is located on the left headphone, which really makes it hard when you try to customize your settings without having to take your headset off and then putting it on again. This is especially tough if you try to compare one audio setting to another. With enough usage, however, you may eventually get use to the button placement without having to take off the headset and look at the layout. 
Support for Other Platforms
In addition to the PlayStation 4, the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset is also supported on the PlayStation 3 (the last-gen console also has its own Headset Companion App). Not to mention that you can use the accessory for PC (either with the wireless adaptor or audio cable) as well. Last but not least, it can connect to any device, including the PlayStation Vita, that supports the above-mentioned audio cable.
Final Verdict
In terms of features, the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset is great when it comes to outputting 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound and the hidden microphone. With that said, the ear cups can be uncomfortable if you put it on for a long time while the button placements may not be optimal.
For its price, however, it is hard not to give the PlayStation Gold headset a try, especially if you have never experienced a surround sound headset for gaming before. If you are interested, you can purchase the first-party PlayStation 4 headset with this page.
