USB-C Audio Connectivity
The Golden Rule
If you don’t hear sound, your device is likely outputting somewhere else.
Always select HARDWIRE as your audio output (and input for calls).
Compatibility (important)
HARDWIRE is a USB-C digital audio system designed to work with a wide range of modern devices.
Compatible devices include:
- Android phones and tablets
- USB-C iPads
- iPhone 15 and newer
- Windows PCs
- Mac computers
- PlayStation consoles
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- USB-C gaming handhelds
- USB-C laptops
Important notes:
- HARDWIRE requires a USB-C digital audio connection.
- iPhone 14 and older models require a compatible Lightning-to-USB adapter that supports USB audio.
- HARDWIRE does not support traditional 3.5mm analog audio connections.
- Xbox is not currently supported.
- Performance may vary depending on device settings, software configuration, and adapter compatibility.
📹 Watch: Is HARDWIRE Compatible With My Device?
A. Phones and Tablets
iPhone / iPad (USB-C models)
- Plug in → Select “Headphones” when prompted
iPhone / iPad (Lightning models)
Not all adapters support USB audio (many are charge-only).
Most reliable adapter type:
- Lightning-to-USB “Camera Adapter” style that supports USB peripherals/audio
- If unstable, use a camera adapter with power pass-through
If it doesn’t work:
- Try a different adapter (Lightning-to-USB must support USB audio/peripherals)
Android (USB-C)
- Plug in → if prompted, allow the USB audio device
- If no sound: check settings for USB audio / USB routing (varies by device)
- USB Audio Routing may be enabled and need to be disabled through Developer settings.
📹 Troubleshooting: No Sound From HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Coming From Speakers Instead of HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Cutting In and Out
B. Computers
macOS
- System Settings → Sound → Output: HARDWIRE
- For calls: Input: HARDWIRE
- Also select HARDWIRE inside Zoom/Discord/Teams
Windows
- Settings → System → Sound
- Output: HARDWIRE
- For calls/chat: Input: HARDWIRE
- If only one app is wrong: check that app’s audio device selector
📹 Troubleshooting: No Sound From HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Coming From Speakers Instead of HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Cutting In and Out
C. Gaming Consoles and Distance Setups
PlayStation / Switch / PC / Handhelds
Most setups work if the device supports standard USB audio and you select HARDWIRE as the output device.
Xbox (important)
HARDWIRE does not work with Xbox.
Xbox uses different audio paths and HARDWIRE is not an AUX/3.5mm solution.
📹 Troubleshooting: No Sound From HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Coming From Speakers Instead of HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Cutting In and Out
USB-C extension cables (gaming at a distance)
If you game far from your console/PC, you may want an extension cable.
- Not all USB-C extenders work for stable digital audio + power
- Start with a short, high-quality extension
- If you hear dropouts/pops/disconnects: remove the extender and test direct
SAN will offer a purpose-built extension cable soon for reliable long-distance play.
📹 Troubleshooting: No Sound From HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Coming From Speakers Instead of HARDWIRE
📹 Troubleshooting: Audio Cutting In and Out