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)

Recommended Lightning Adapter

If you're using HARDWIRE with an iPhone that has a Lightning port (such as iPhone 14 or earlier), you'll need a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter that supports USB digital audio.

Not all Lightning adapters support USB audio. Many are designed only for charging and will not work with HARDWIRE.

We currently recommend:

Mcdodo USB-C to Lightning Audio Adapter

When choosing another adapter, make sure it:

• Supports USB digital audio (OTG)
• Supports external USB audio devices
• Is compatible with Lightning iPhones
• Is not a charging-only adapter

After connecting:

1. Connect the Lightning adapter to your iPhone.
2. Connect HARDWIRE using the USB-C cable.
3. Audio should automatically route to HARDWIRE.
4. Enable Bluetooth if you plan to use the Soundscape app, as Bluetooth is only used for app communication while audio continues through the USB-C connection.

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