The PS5’s DualSense controller’s in-built mic is definitely going to be useful for players who don’t have a headset handy, but it could be a nightmare for anyone who forgets it’s on. The on-by-default microphone has already caused headaches for those previewing the console before its November 12 release, with the microphone broadcasting private conversations or frustrated comments not meant for team members to hear.
The issue was first brought to light by PlayStation LifeStyle’s Chandler Wood, who accidentally broadcast a private conversation with his wife while participating in a multiplayer preview session. Wood also mentioned that a few of the voices he could hear in the session didn’t sound like they intended for them to be heard by others in-game.
There is a big, big, big problem with the DualSense built in mic.
Every single PlayStation 5 controller now has a hot mic that is on by default.
This means that unless you manually mute it, you are broadcasting your living room for everyone in a multiplayer lobby to hear.— Chandler Wood (@FinchStrife) November 11, 2020
Just made this faux pas in an early multiplayer session for something, sitting here talking to @dyani and not realizing I was just broadcasting our whole conversation to the lobby…
— Chandler Wood (@FinchStrife) November 11, 2020
While the mic will definitely have interesting applications for single-player games, as well as making it easier for people who want to use voice chat in multiplayer, having it on by default seems like a recipe for disaster. Luckily muting it is easy–there’s a small button near the mic, below the PlayStation button, that will mute the mic and show an orange indicator light.
This solution only works if players know they have to mute it, however. Hopefully developers will be able to address the issue and mute the mic by default–at least where it’s being used for team chat.
Want to get your hands on the PS5 for launch day? It won’t be easy, but you can check out our launch day buying guide if you’re feeling lucky.
