PS5: Inverted Left/Right Audio Channels in Headphones Exclusive to Apex Legends

Bug Report Title:

PS5: Inverted Left/Right Audio Channels in Headphones (Binaural/Spatial Audio Processing Bug) - Exclusive to Apex Legends

Platform: PlayStation 5

Region: Middle East

Account: Multiple accounts tested (issue persists)

Description:

Audio Left/Right channels are inverted (swapped) exclusively inside Apex Legends on PS5 when using stereo headphones with both ears.

Key Symptoms:

- Sounds (footsteps, gunfire, etc.) play from the opposite direction (right sound in left ear, left in right).

- Normal in ALL other apps/games: YouTube, Netflix, other PS5 titles – stereo audio works perfectly.

- Tested with multiple headsets (wired/wireless via controller jack or USB) – same issue.

- Headset worn normally: Audio inverted in Apex.

- Headset flipped upside down: Audio correct in Apex.

- Single ear only (left or right): Audio direction correct in Apex.

- Both ears: Inverted.

This points to a bug in Apex's binaural/HRTF/spatial audio processing for headphones (likely conflicting with PS5 Tempest 3D Audio). Standard stereo works fine; issue only triggers in game's 3D spatialization.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Launch Apex Legends on PS5.

2. Equip any stereo headphones (via DualSense 3.5mm jack or USB dongle).

3. Enter match/lobby.

4. Test directional audio (e.g., footsteps from right should be in right ear) – inverted.

5. Remove one earbud – correct. Reinsert both – inverted.

Troubleshooting Tried (All Failed):

- Rebuild PS5 Database.

- Delete & Reinstall Apex Legends.

- Full PS5 Factory Reset.

- Multiple accounts/PSN profiles.

- PS5 Audio Settings: Disabled 3D Audio for Headphones, tried Linear PCM/Dolby/DTS formats.

- In-game Audio: All volumes reset, no custom EQ.

Workaround (Temporary):

Disable PS5 "Enable 3D Audio for Headphones" (loses vertical audio cues) or wear headset flipped.

Severity: High – Impacts competitive gameplay (directional audio critical in Apex).