[Gaming Audio] Astro MixAmp presets + Best Audio Gear Guide + Headphone Reviews

[AMG]

I read Microsoft @#$% excuse to remove SPDIF, they try to reduce cost don't want to pay Sony Philips hehehe.

Thatīs OK, no need to worry you can use a HDMI audio extractor and there it is audio source.

Unfortunately your budget is short for an all-in-one DAC/Amp + Mic device. I used to suggest the Sound Blaster X G6 here but, I had have so many issues with this device, as many others users (check SB reddit) no a single new firmware seems to fix this device, very disappointing. So I can't recommend any SB product, hurts to say I have been customer since 1996.

Besides they are the type of company who prefers sell a new unit, instead of adding support on the current one.

So you can go for a DAC/Amp combo. Some great options are Fiio K5 Pro, and the more afforable FiiO E10K both can feed HD660S.

Mayflower is about to release the Arc Mini (same DAC/amp, no mic input) and looks like a steel MixAmp.

Other options are: Micca Origin G2, Schiit Fulla 3 mic doesn't work with PS4, I don't know if it does with XB1 but highly doubt it, same @#$% with Schiit Hell is incompatible with consoles.

My recommendation in your case is: get a $99 headphone amp, like JDS Atom Amp or Liquid Spark. It will allow you to power up your MixAmp so your HD660S will work better, then down the road or when the next gen consoles are in the market you can add a DAC like JDS Atom DAC.

The main issue is MIC interfaces are more platform specific.

Recently tried out of curiosity Shure MVi + JDS Atom to amplify headphone output coming from the MVi, Blue Ember and DT990 Pro (250Ohms) I do miss imaging, detail and soundstage DAC compare to Arc, but is way better in the mic department.  I use the MVi for conferences, voice recordings, zoom etc, pretty good portable mic interface works with PS/Windows/Mac/iOSAndroid.

[gaminglad]

Thanks Alan, Appreciate the advice.

Few more questions if that's okay -

Do you think it is worth going the extra mile and buy an used HD800? Alterntively i could also get an HD700 but that seems to have polarising reviews.

Because I am in the UK, getting Mayflower devices isn't that easy or i would have just gone for that. Do you think GSX1000 could do the job for a little while?

[AMG]

Sure, no problem.

Sennheiser line, when you are on the HD6** series you are in Hi-Res audio studio quality territory. The HD7** series are not a level up, is more like a different tune. HD6** are focus on midrange vocals, HD7** delivers nice treble or high notes, HD800 are a combination of the latter without being a substitute, offers closer HD6 midrange performance and similar high treble of HD7, yet no the same. HD800 S, S is for better soundstage. So is hard to make a recommendation if I don't know what type of sounds your ears find pleasant.

HD600, HD650, HD6XX are recommended due in gaming offers excellent imaging and footstep highlight, HD660S has the same pedigree but with better soundstage "S". HD600 are in the market for more than 20 years, with little to no modifications, so it is a safe recommendation and everyones favorite.

IMO if you want to try something different than HD's, then I will say go for Beyerdynamic DT880 or DT990, HE-4XX planars, AKG K701 or K702.

Anything above, like HD800, AKG K712, DT1990 Pro is overdoing it, the difference between DT990 pro($150) vs DT1990 Pro($600) won't be a 450 usd difference. Also such a high prestige headphones requires above $600 audio equipment and audio source like 32 bit, 96,000 at minimum to make your money worth.

GSX1000 doesn't work on consoles, shame it is pretty amazing DAC. One workaround is to connect the GSX1000 to a PC, and input your console game audio to your PC.

[gaminglad]

Thanks again.

I think i will just stick to my hd660s order and look for a decent dac/amp to pair it up with. I should have made it clear in my initial post - I intend to use this only on PC and next gen consoles(we dont know the specs yet) as I have sold my X1X in anticipation of the new consoles.

Lastly, any suggestions re mic? Is ModMic the way to go?

[AMG]

ModMic or Audio-Technica ATGM2 record voice better than most mics that came with gaming headsets. Both good solution if you want to turn any high res headphone to a headset and to communicate with your teammates.

But if you want to stream or doing voice-over then you will do better with a USB mic like the Samson Q2u is the best bang per buck entry level mic.

Keep in mind that this mic might don't work on XB1 and a mic arm stand will be needed but tacky.

[Jonelle03]

I restored the modmic business I had , on account of a similar issue you're having. I did the arrangement you proposed previously. The Xbox perceived that something was connected however the mic wouldn't work. With the goal that's shot dead.

I did anyway found an achievement for the Mayflower ARC Mk1 to get talk sound to work. No reverberation, no ground input. Simply perfect sound. Just defeat was I couldn't adjustchat volume and it was integrated with game sound. I figure I may have discovered an answer however. I will test today and give some input tomorrow.

What I did.....

- included an Astro Mixamp Pro TR

- included an Astro store

* Mixamp associated with reassure by means of USB just ( No optical )

Optical still from support to ARC and earphone to ARC.

Mic associated with Mixamp headset port.

Visit sound yield set to speakers so I can hear talk coming out from the ARC and not on the Mixamp.

What I'm going to attempt today around evening time is including an optical splitter ( 1 of every 2 out ).

Reassure optical being part to the ARC and Mixamp. This ought to in principle empower me to control talk volume from the Mixamp. It might have reverberation on my end doing

this yet on the off chance that I move the Mixamp game/visit sound dial a 100% towards to talk it might dispense with the conceivable reverberation brought about by the optical splitter.

On the off chance that this works ,, at that point it'll be amazing on the grounds that nothing is associated with the controller. Intersection my fingers.

[friendlinzh]

Really liking your Arcturus setting for music and movies.

[FuryPanda]

Yes, and is highly recommended.

However, MixAmp EQ profiles are tune so the A40 headset sounds decent.

In order to make your MixAmp work the best, you need to load it EQ profiles specially tuned for the headphone/headset you are going to use.

And that's why this thread; at the first page is a link to Emperor Potara discord, he has develop MixAmp EQ profiles for many headphones.

Emperor Potara discord:  https://discord.gg/nWhKGfG

The only requirement/advice is: to get a Headphone or Headset with low impedance 56 Ohms or lower. This spec should be listed on your headphone/headset manufacturer site.

Some Headsets that goes well with the MixAmp and had EQ preset from Emperor Potara:
HyperX Alpha/Cloud
Sennheiser GSP 600,Game One, HD600*, HD660S*
Audio Technica ATH-AD700X /ATH-ADG1X
Philips SHP9500

* Requires and external amp.

If you use the A40 without MixAmp and compare it with any headset from above, you will release how big an improvement it is... MixAmp DAC/amp is doing all the job, A40 are very bad... even the new model, a cheap Superlux $44 is way better than A40.

Hi Alan,

I'm deeply impressed by your profound knowledge on the audio gears, especially on consoles!

I've been on Gen 3 Astro A40 + MIxAmp Pro TR for my PS4 and recently decided to upgrade the headset to Sennheiser GSP 500 (Just ordered and still in shipping  . I picked the open back GSP500 instead of GSP 600 as I prefer a bigger sound stage and still being able to hear what's happening around me even with my headset on).

Would appreciate few advices from you:

1. Is the Potara Preset for GSP 600 also good for GSP 500? What I reckon is the preset for GSP 600 has toned down the bass and mids a bit with respect to the performance of GSP 600. But for open back GSP 500 the bass and mids should be less harsh, i guess? Would you suggest other presets to go with GSP 500?

2. If I wish to further upgrade the MixAmp, would you suggest just adding another DAC/Amp along side with MixAmp? Or just replace it with say Soundblaster G6 or any other options?

I don't play a lot of competitive gaming but 3rd person shooting game like Division2 and Ghost Recon. I expect greater sound field and details from the upgrade. Better imaging yes but not like trying to achieve spider sense on footsteps. I guess I'm looking for a better cinematic experience. Meanwhile. I play with my clans a lot so chat mix convenience and mic clarity are important factors to consider.

3. I heard Soundblaster X3 has better chat mix and mic quality than the G6. Would switching from the MixAmp to X3 getting major improvement on my GSP 500? Or it's no difference from sticking with the MixAmp since GSP 500 is a low impedance headset that doesn't require high output to drive it?


Great thanks in advance!


Cheers,
FuryPanda   

 

[Brave99Heart]

Hi Mr Mcgregor,
I hope you are doing well. Thanks to your thoughtful and wise answers, I bought HD 660s with mayflower arc mk2 and could not be happier. I want your insight in this matter as well if you don't mind. As the title suggests, I want your thoughts about an audiophile end game dac amp combo specifically for FPS gaming and ocationally for vocal music. I already own Sennheiser HD 660s paired with mayflower arc mk2 and I am determined in buying HD 800s as I have heard from numerous sources that it is an end game headphones for gaming. For the dac amp combo, I have a few suggestions based on some reading. I would like your opinions on these as well.
1) Monolith by monoprice aaaTHX 788
2) RME ADI 2 pro
3) 1 and 2 combo
4) massdrop 789 aaa paired with rme
Also, I want this combo to be useful for live streaming as well with mic inputs or having the abilities to plug mic mixers in it. Your contribution is highly appreciated. Thank you.

[AMG]

Thank you for your trust gentlemen. I hope you are doing well too.

As one of my dearest teachers told me said, knowledge is useless if you don't share it or question it.

Sorry for the late reply I will try to catch up to your questions. 

FuryPanda

1. No, the frequency response is completely different, you need a specific EQ for GSP 500 Emperor Potara can make it but he needs the Frequency Response chart. Try the Sennheiser One EQ is more similar, both are open backs.

2. Thanks for clarify what you want as an upgrade. Well IMO if you want next level Stereo Mix which most AAA games are tune for, most definitely you need to upgrade to a DAC/Amp, like Mayflower Arc MK2, Fiio K5 Pro or a Schiit Magni + Modi and a $200 or above audiophile headphones. That will be a huge leap but expensive, yet worthy. i.e. Fiio K5 Pro + AKG K702 will give you an extraordinary immersive and wide open stage sound experience.

On Surround...
Soundblaster G6, has a pretty good DAC and the Surround mixes are better than MixAmp plus this device can drive hungry audiophile headphones BUT as owner of the SBXG6 I can tell you is a very buggy device, you can dig on the reddit site to see how problematic its firmware has been, the X7 is very versatile but its audio performance is mediocre for the price, so I stop recommend this device or any other from Soundblaster which at the end is support is dreadful. Notice I had been soundblaster user since the PCI128.

X3 seems to be more for someone who has a PC analog 7.1 sound system, and you are more like a headphone user.

The very best Surround I had, is the Sennheiser GSX1000 that is unbelievable and it seems the GSP600/500 are tune for it. Unfortunately is not compatible with consoles. You can make it work through a PC Audio Input / Output + Mixer arrangement.

Brave99Heart
As I think I explained before, the HD800s are not better than HD660S, this is not like phones. Every single audiophile Sennheiser has different tonality for different needs, HD800S are more open than HD660S and more detail in the high end, is something that you have to try.

Of course if you want to get the best of these cans you need a more suitable DAC/Amp, anything on the $200 - $400 usd, will do the job. THX 788/789 are great and a worthy investment if you want to hear something more besides videogames, where the sound source can be balanced and higher definition. A good high-end amp will never hurt. A high-end DAC is different story, for videogames (24/48000Hz) a $500+ DAC is overdoing it, money wasted.

Audio for live streaming is a complete different BIG topic and Microphones are as interesting and rich as a headphones, another attractive niche with a very steep slop to fall in to the rabbit hole easly, hehehe.

But in short, for live streaming any of these devices will work, they are only improving your headphone sound at the end of the chain. If you are using mixers, just plug the analog headphone output from the mixer to the input of your DAC/Amp and that's all.

What makes it complex is how you set your microphone (or microphones) and other audio sources on the broadcast gear to stream it to your viewers, what type of microphone is the best for streaming, which devices you need, when you need a mic interface or a mixer.

i.e.

My current audio streaming setup is:

TC Helicon GoXLR mixer + Neat King Bee + Mayflower Arc MK2 + Astro MixAmp -yeah, cable are a mess-

My minimalist setup is:

Phenyx Pro Mixer + Blue Ember + Mayflower Arc MK2 + Android Tablet (sound box)

I do switch to dynamic microphones specially when is raining or I had too much background noise. My top recommendation is the sE Electronics V7, shure SM7B is a timeless classic (just like the HD600) but you need a powerful preamp, a strong boom arm to be able to make your voice sound and feel as you were a guest on Joe Rogan Experience ;-), who turned this mic in to a trend and the majority of the popular streamers are using it.

[FuryPanda]

Thank you for your trust gentlemen. I hope you are doing well too.

As one of my dearest teachers told me said, knowledge is useless if you don't share it or question it.

Sorry for the late reply I will try to catch up to your questions. 

FuryPanda

1. No, the frequency response is completely different, you need a specific EQ for GSP 500 Emperor Potara can make it but he needs the Frequency Response chart. Try the Sennheiser One EQ is more similar, both are open backs.

2. Thanks for clarify what you want as an upgrade. Well IMO if you want next level Stereo Mix which most AAA games are tune for, most definitely you need to upgrade to a DAC/Amp, like Mayflower Arc MK2, Fiio K5 Pro or a Schiit Magni + Modi and a $200 or above audiophile headphones. That will be a huge leap but expensive, yet worthy. i.e. Fiio K5 Pro + AKG K702 will give you an extraordinary immersive and wide open stage sound experience.

On Surround...
Soundblaster G6, has a pretty good DAC and the Surround mixes are better than MixAmp plus this device can drive hungry audiophile headphones BUT as owner of the SBXG6 I can tell you is a very buggy device, you can dig on the reddit site to see how problematic its firmware has been, the X7 is very versatile but its audio performance is mediocre for the price, so I stop recommend this device or any other from Soundblaster which at the end is support is dreadful. Notice I had been soundblaster user since the PCI128.

X3 seems to be more for someone who has a PC analog 7.1 sound system, and you are more like a headphone user.

The very best Surround I had, is the Sennheiser GSX1000 that is unbelievable and it seems the GSP600/500 are tune for it. Unfortunately is not compatible with consoles. You can make it work through a PC Audio Input / Output + Mixer arrangement.

Brave99Heart
As I think I explained before, the HD800s are not better than HD660S, this is not like phones. Every single audiophile Sennheiser has different tonality for different needs, HD800S are more open than HD660S and more detail in the high end, is something that you have to try.

Of course if you want to get the best of these cans you need a more suitable DAC/Amp, anything on the $200 - $400 usd, will do the job. THX 788/789 are great and a worthy investment if you want to hear something more besides videogames, where the sound source can be balanced and higher definition. A good high-end amp will never hurt. A high-end DAC is different story, for videogames (24/48000Hz) a $500+ DAC is overdoing it, money wasted.

Audio for live streaming is a complete different BIG topic and Microphones are as interesting and rich as a headphones, another attractive niche with a very steep slop to fall in to the rabbit hole easly, hehehe.

But in short, for live streaming any of these devices will work, they are only improving your headphone sound at the end of the chain. If you are using mixers, just plug the analog headphone output from the mixer to the input of your DAC/Amp and that's all.

What makes it complex is how you set your microphone (or microphones) and other audio sources on the broadcast gear to stream it to your viewers, what type of microphone is the best for streaming, which devices you need, when you need a mic interface or a mixer.

i.e.

My current audio streaming setup is:

TC Helicon GoXLR mixer + Neat King Bee + Mayflower Arc MK2 + Astro MixAmp -yeah, cable are a mess-

My minimalist setup is:

Phenyx Pro Mixer + Blue Ember + Mayflower Arc MK2 + Android Tablet (sound box)

I do switch to dynamic microphones specially when is raining or I had too much background noise. My top recommendation is the sE Electronics V7, shure SM7B is a timeless classic (just like the HD600) but you need a powerful preamp, a strong boom arm to be able to make your voice sound and feel as you were a guest on Joe Rogan Experience ;-), who turned this mic in to a trend and the majority of the popular streamers are using it.

Thanks Alan!

Further to your recommendations:

1. I think I'll stick with GSP 500 for a while as I just got it for few months
2. Yes I read from reddit that SBXG6 is quite buggy. I will not consider this. Thanks for reconfirming my understanding!
3. I read from your previous posts that although GSP 500 is a low impedance headphone but there's still noticeable difference driven with an amp. Mayflower arc MkII is a bit out of my budget. So i'm thinking if I should add an amp alongside with my Astro Mixamp Gen3 (for the convenience of adjusting chat mix) with budget below USD200. My key concern is whether it's worth to add the FiloK5 Pro? or the JDS Atom as I saw it's been mentioned quite frequently among gaming audiophiles?
4. If so, should I setup like this?




Thanks in advance! Much appreciated!


Cheers,
Fury Panda

[AMG]

FuryPanda

1. Wise decision, your GSP 500 is great gaming headset, it should go well with the Astro MixAmp.

3. I read from your previous posts that although GSP 500 is a low impedance headphone but there's still noticeable difference driven with an amp. Mayflower arc MkII is a bit out of my budget. So i'm thinking if I should add an amp alongside with my Astro Mixamp Gen3 (for the convenience of adjusting chat mix) with budget below USD200. My key concern is whether it's worth to add the FiloK5 Pro? or the JDS Atom as I saw it's been mentioned quite frequently among gaming audiophiles?

Yes, GSP 500  is low impedance but don't get confuse, the Amp only amplifies the signal, the one that creates the sound is the DAC, GSP 500 doesn't need an amp, and a external amp doesn't makes a big difference (it might improve dynamic range aka "how much your hear"), a better DAC is what makes the difference (improves dynamic range more substantially and imaging, soundstage aka "how well the sound positioning and representation and how wide you can hear" ). Is like having a pianist, the DAC is the pianist seated on the piano. The Amp is the speakers that make it audible. Is not the same having playing the piano to the best local pianist, vs having Bach or Beethoven seated on that piano. A DAC has more impact specially on dynamic range, imaging and soundstage.

Astro MixAmp is tune for the A40 to sound decent (put it by itself and it will notice how dull are), and all the customs EQ are develop to archieve this with other Headphones.

Mica Origin O2 is a great DAC with decent Amp that will make your GSP500 sound better than MixAmp and something closer to the like K5 Pro. But if you can get the K5 Pro I will say make the stretch it will be worth it. Keep in mind the K5 Pro is a DAC and Amp.

Now, there is different route. You can go for the JDS Atom Amp (is only a Amp) and use it on your MixAmp, then when you have extra $ get the DAC, like JDS Atom DAC or schiit Modi or any other DAC. But I must insist, adding a Amp to a low impedance headset doesn't make a big difference, what does is the DAC.

[FuryPanda]

Hi Alan,

Many thanks for your quick reply! Your Pianist metephor is just brilliant!

Just want to confirm my understanding:

1. If I am going to get the Fiio K5 Pro, do I/should I use it together with the Mixamp Pro in order to get chat mix working? I notice there's no chat mix function on the Fiio K5 Pro. Does it pair well with the GSP 500?

2. If I am going to use the Fiio K5 Pro together with the MixAmp Pro, should the connection be like:
  i. Audio Output: PS4 --(Optical)--> Fiio K5 Pro --> MixAmp Pro --(splitter cable)--> GSP500
 ii. Chat: PS4 --(USB Cable)--> Mixamp Pro --(Splitter Cable)-->GSP500
iii. Mixamp set to neutral EQ

3. Would connecting Fiio K5 Pro to MixAmp Pro worsening the audio quality? As I remember you mentioned that although setting the EQ to neutral the MixAmp Pro will still "color" the sound in some way...

Again, much appreciate your advices.


Cheers,
Benny   

FuryPanda

1. Wise decision, your GSP 500 is great gaming headset, it should go well with the Astro MixAmp.

3. I read from your previous posts that although GSP 500 is a low impedance headphone but there's still noticeable difference driven with an amp. Mayflower arc MkII is a bit out of my budget. So i'm thinking if I should add an amp alongside with my Astro Mixamp Gen3 (for the convenience of adjusting chat mix) with budget below USD200. My key concern is whether it's worth to add the FiloK5 Pro? or the JDS Atom as I saw it's been mentioned quite frequently among gaming audiophiles?

Yes, GSP 500  is low impedance but don't get confuse, the Amp only amplifies the signal, the one that creates the sound is the DAC, GSP 500 doesn't need an amp, and a external amp doesn't makes a big difference (it might improve dynamic range aka "how much your hear"), a better DAC is what makes the difference (improves dynamic range more substantially and imaging, soundstage aka "how well the sound positioning and representation and how wide you can hear" ). Is like having a pianist, the DAC is the pianist seated on the piano. The Amp is the speakers that make it audible. Is not the same having playing the piano to the best local pianist, vs having Bach or Beethoven seated on that piano. A DAC has more impact specially on dynamic range, imaging and soundstage.

Astro MixAmp is tune for the A40 to sound decent (put it by itself and it will notice how dull are), and all the customs EQ are develop to archieve this with other Headphones.

Mica Origin O2 is a great DAC with decent Amp that will make your GSP500 sound better than MixAmp and something closer to the like K5 Pro. But if you can get the K5 Pro I will say make the stretch it will be worth it. Keep in mind the K5 Pro is a DAC and Amp.

Now, there is different route. You can go for the JDS Atom Amp (is only a Amp) and use it on your MixAmp, then when you have extra $ get the DAC, like JDS Atom DAC or schiit Modi or any other DAC. But I must insist, adding a Amp to a low impedance headset doesn't make a big difference, what does is the DAC.

[AMG]

If you get the Fiio K5 Pro, then it should be your main DAC (via SPDIF) for best audio gaming performance. This implies that you will need something for your mic.

If you setup everything like this:

[MixAmp Headphone Output] -> Y Audio Splitter.
[Y Audio Splitter - Headphone Output] -> Ground loop noise isolator.
Ground loop noise isolator -> Y RCA to 3.5m adapter
Y RCA to 3.5m adapter -> Fiio K5 RCA Line in Input.
Fiio K5 Headphone Out -> (6.35 to 3.5mm adapter) Green 3.5mm jack of the GSP500

[Y Audio Splitter - Mic Output] -> the Pink Male 3.5mm jack of the GSP500.
At the PS4. (same Astro MixAmp setup as usual)
PS4 SPDIF Out -> MixAmp Opt input.
Sound Settings.
Default: Optical SPDIF, 5.1 / Dolby bitstream

Audio Devices:
Astro MixAmp Input/Output
Audio: Chat Audio

Results:
You will get the Astro MixAmp headphone sound, surround, EQ with Chat Mix with an amplified signal so hungry high impedance headphones can be driven. GSP500 or any other low impedance headphone will not take advantage of this.

Cons:
Double Amplification, diminish sound quality. You are not using the best DAC that comes on the K5 Pro, its taking the lower audio signal interpreted by MixAmp DAC and Amplified. I do not recommend that setup.

You want the best pianist and author of the score on the seat, playing its music by memory, not reading a music sheet of its score altered by an other interpreter. Yeah is a handy analogy 

This setup will introduce: detail loss, dynamic range loss and potentially introducing garbled decoding.

As you can tell by now, if you get the Fiio K5 Pro you should use it as your only DAC or give it raw direct audio input.

I know how handy is MixAmp Chat Mix knob, I loved it; it might the oddest feature the MixAmp has a built-in mixer, it takes the In-game Audio (via SPDIF) and the Chat Audio (via USB) convert to analog signal, mix it, then output to the headphones. Great to socialize with your friends and shut them the-F-up when playing serious.

I have many DMs on: how we can replicate MixAmp Chat mix with other devices?, it can be done. 

Specially for PS4, but we need an audio mixer, which it is an external device that allow us to take two or more audio signals and create one mixed, that outputs to our headphones and also can be changed on the fly.

I will expand on other post. If you are thinking on streaming or hearing music or your phone while playing, this might interest you.


Recommended Setup
PS4 SPDIF out connected directly on the Fiio K5 Pro SPDIF Input.

Next setup your PS4 like this:
Set Audio Settings to Default Optical / PCM Linear.
Audio: All Audio

In order to use your headset microphone, you will need either a USB soundcard -it can be your mixamp- and on the Audio Devices config, set Audio In to USB soundcard Mic.

Headset pink Mic Jack -> USB soundcard Mic input
If you use the MixAmp, connect your headset pink Mic Jack -> Y Audio Splitter Mic In. Let the Headphone splitter alone, optional ground loop isolator in between.

The Audio Chat Mix knob will not work  , but is worth it by the audio quality upgrade you get.

[AMG]

There is another experimental thing that you can try in order to get Game/Chat control on PS4. I haven't because don't need, again is not pushing anything... Mayflower Arc Mk2 has this brilliant feature that allows you to mix an analog audio signal with a digital one, oddest like an unicorn!.

I noticed that if you set your PS4 Sound options to Default : HDMI.
On the Devices window (by holding PS) there is a Game - Voice Chat software slider available (once you are in a Party)

One thing you can try is:

Get an HDMI audio extractor, that will take the audio from your HDMI connector through a separate SPDIF out.


Connect that SPDIF to SPDIF In of the Fiio K5 Pro.

Connect the Y Audio splitter to your DS4 controller

Connect headset pink mic jack to the Y Audio splitter Mic In.

This way you are tricking your PS4, you can "mix"  or control the game or chat audio by using PS4 slider.

With this method you can't use a external usb soundcard or mixamp because when you plug it, the PS4 Game/Chat slider will be disabled.

- I haven't try it, if some kind XIMmate has the tools and can do it for us, will be great.