HP Reverb G2 VR: Compatibility, Audio Setup & Headset Connection FAQ

Your HP Reverb G2 Questions – Answered Fast

In my role coordinating VR deployments for enterprise training and simulation, I’ve handled easily 200+ rush setups—including same-day turnarounds when a client’s demo was hours away. Over the years, I’ve seen the same questions pop up again and again: “Does it work with my PS5?” “Where does the mic plug in?” “Why is my audio not working?” Let me clear them up, based on real-world experience and quite a few mistakes I’ve made along the way.

1. Does the HP Reverb G2 work with PlayStation 5 or Xbox?

Short answer: No, not out of the box. The HP Reverb G2 is a PC VR headset that requires Windows Mixed Reality (via SteamVR or native WMR apps). It uses DisplayPort and USB‑C—neither of which the PS5 or Xbox supports for VR. I’ve had clients assume it would plug into their console like any other headset. Big mistake.
Can you hack it? I’ve seen people attempt HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapters or USB converters. Don't. Even if you get video signal, the console lacks the drivers and tracking software. In Q1 2024, a customer tried this for a PS5 racing sim – they spent $300 on adapters and got nothing but a black screen.

2. Can I use a separate headset (like my PS5 or Xbox headset) with the Reverb G2?

Technically yes, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth. The Reverb G2 has excellent built‑in spatial audio and a detachable cable—I’d argue it’s one of its strongest features. If you plug a third‑party headset into your PC’s audio jack while wearing the Reverb G2, you’ll get sound, but you lose the headset’s integrated mic and positional audio. Also, you’ll have two cables dangling.
I learned not to assume “better headset = better VR audio” after I wasted an afternoon troubleshooting audio delays with a Razer BlackShark. The G2’s speakers are tuned for the lenses—they actually sound better than most gaming headsets in VR.

3. Where do I plug in a headset with a mic on PC for the HP Reverb G2?

This is the #1 question I get. The Reverb G2 itself acts as a combined audio device. Its cable has a single USB‑C that splits into USB‑A and DisplayPort. Do not plug a separate headset into the G2—there’s no external jack. Instead, use the built‑in audio:
Audio: Windows sees the G2 as “HP Reverb G2 Audio” (output) and “HP Reverb G2 Microphone” (input). The mic is on the headset’s front, just below the visor.
If you must use your own headset (say, for high‑fidelity music production or speech clarity), plug it directly into your PC’s 3.5mm combo jack or USB port. But then you’ll need to go into Windows Sound settings and set your separate headset as default—both for audio and mic.
I’ve seen setups where the user plugged a headset into the G2’s inline control box—that port is only for the G2’s own earphones, not external headsets.

4. Why isn’t my microphone working with the HP Reverb G2?

Most of the time it’s a Windows privacy setting. Since Windows 10, apps need permission to access the mic. Fix: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → allow desktop apps. Also make sure “HP Reverb G2 Microphone” is set as the default device (not disabled).
Another common pitfall: you’ve plugged in a separate USB headset that Windows automatically switches to. Your G2 mic still works—it’s just not selected. In my experience, about 60% of “mic not working” cases are an audio device conflict. Disconnect all other audio devices, then test.
To be fair, the G2’s mic quality is good for voice chat and dictation—I’ve used it for Teams meetings—but it’s not studio‑grade. If you need pristine audio for recording, get a dedicated USB mic.

5. Do I need a separate headset for VR, or does the Reverb G2 have built‑in audio?

The Reverb G2 comes with integrated speakers and a flexible mic boom. The speakers sit just above your ears (they don’t cover them), delivering surprisingly good spatial audio without isolating you from the room. For enterprise training, this is perfect—you can still hear colleagues.
So no, you don’t need a separate headset. But you might want one if you’re in a noisy environment or require high‑fidelity music. In that case, I recommend using Bluetooth earbuds under the headset—the G2’s speakers can be easily folded up. I’ve done this for a client’s flight simulator where hearing engine nuances was critical. The combo works, but you’ll manage two audio devices in Windows.

6. What's the difference between using the Reverb G2's built‑in audio vs. a separate headset?

Let me break it down by what matters most:

• Convenience: Built‑in wins. One cable, no extra batteries, no pairing.
• Sound quality: Built‑in is good (better than most on‑ear VR speakers). But a good over‑ear headset will have more bass and noise isolation.
• Mic quality: Built‑in is passable for calls. A separate headset with a boom mic (like a HyperX Cloud) will sound clearer.
• Immersion: Built‑in feels more “open” and natural for VR. A closed‑back headset can feel claustrophobic.

7. How to set up audio and mic for the HP Reverb G2 on Windows?

Step 1: Connect the headset via USB‑C (or USB‑A adapter) and DisplayPort. Let Windows install drivers.
Step 2: Right‑click the speaker icon in the system tray → Sounds. On the Playback tab, set “HP Reverb G2 Audio” as default. On Recording tab, set “HP Reverb G2 Microphone” as default.
Step 3: Test in Windows Voice Recorder or SteamVR’s audio settings.
Troubleshooting: If you hear crackling, try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0). If the mic is too quiet, increase gain in Sound → Microphone Properties → Levels.
I’ve seen people panic when they hear no sound in SteamVR Home; usually it’s because the audio device was switched to a monitor or TV. Check that “HP Reverb G2” is selected in SteamVR’s audio settings dropdown.
Granted, this process is easier if you disable all other audio devices first. I learned that after three failed calls with a client who had Razer Synapse and Nahimic conflicting with the G2’s audio driver.

Final Word

Look, VR audio and compatibility can be confusing because every headset does things differently. The HP Reverb G2 is designed for PC, not consoles. Its built‑in audio is excellent for its purpose. And when you do hit a problem, nine times out of ten it’s a Windows audio device setting or a physical connection issue.
My experience is based on roughly 150 enterprise deployments and maybe 50 emergency troubleshooting calls. If you’re working with a completely different ecosystem (like console‑only or Mac gaming), your mileage will vary. But for PC‑based VR with the Reverb G2, these answers cover what you actually need to know.
This was accurate as of January 2025. VR hardware updates fast, so always verify with your specific headset firmware.