Help me troubleshoot USB headset problems.

I have a USB headset with which I can listen fine. However, when I try to record, or use Skype the volume is very low, and apparently my voice is barely audible to others.
lsusb
Bus 007 Device 002: ID 0d8c:000c C-Media Electronics, Inc. Audio Adapter
aplay -l
card 2: default [C-Media USB Headphone Set ], device 0: USB Audio [USB Audio]
Subdevices: 1/1
Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
Any help would be appreciated. I've been struggling with this on all my machines for quite a while.
EDIT: I see that the mic is MM in that screenshot but I'm sure it wasn't last time I tested. Anyway, I'll make sure.
Last edited by Chokkan (2009-09-26 02:48:02)

The problem is that alsa (assuming that's what you use) doesn't do any card switching automatically - it decides on boot which card will be default, and sticks with that choice, even if the card is not available later on.
If you're using KDE or gnome, you can select the card used in their respective control centers (whatever they're called) - but that only affects programs that are using sound systems from these DEs. Also you can select which card to use in some programs themselves (like skype).
But, if you want to let alsa know which card to use, I think the config file for that is ~/.asoundrc
There's a python script which makes the management a bit easier (since the syntax is not very friendly) - asoundconf. Here's a thread where someone had a similar problem, and also there's a link where you can get the script: http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=39230
EDIT: by the way, I have a similar setup as you, and I didn't do any modprobe.conf modifications - the correct modules were loaded automatically.
Last edited by bender02 (2008-10-23 17:58:38)

Similar Messages

Help getting a USB headset setup

I'm trying to get my USB headset setup so that I can maybe get it working on Vent through Wine.
First problem is getting Arch to install it, it's hooked up and through a couple of reboots I still can't get it working.

Here's what I get
[z0phi3l@z0phi3l ~]$ lsusb
Bus 002 Device 003: ID 1058:0701 Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 004 Device 002: ID 046d:0a01 Logitech, Inc. USB Headset
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 046d:c517 Logitech, Inc. LX710 Cordless Desktop Laser
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
It's there but not useable

Help! Continuing USB-related problems

Over the past many months, my MacBook Pro has intermittently refused to get past the grey screen and into startup screens. It has been in and out of the Apple Genius Bar and was sent once to wherever they send Macs at the GBar to get "repaired". The problem is still occuring but is intermittent. What I've figured out thus far is that it has something to do with perhaps power and the USB component but perhaps someone here might point out otherwise or at least point me to some possible ways to resolve this.
When the computer hangs at the grey screen, I unplug 1 at a time whatever is plugged into the Mac's USB ports. This permits the Mac to get past the grey screen. Yes, the USB hub I have plugged into 1 of the USB ports is "powered" and I've tried 3 different USB hubs so it's not the hub. Also, the phenomena occurs no matter what is plugged into each of the USB ports and it doesn't seem to be connected to any 1 particular USB port as I've tried mixing up which port I plug what USB plug into.
A note - I am not running my MBP on battery power but it is almost always powered by AC and yes, the AC is on a surge protected strip.
It is true that I have a "full house" (i.e., every USB port is full up). Here's how it's set up right now:
1. USB1 = USB hub with all 7 ports plugged into something
2. USB2 = iPhone
3. USB3 = Wireless mouse
At this point, I'm really getting frustrated since I have had it at the GB for this problem so many times and as I said, the GB has already once sent the thing out for service. At that time, they said it was the hard drive and they replaced the hard drive. Though that didn't sound quite right to me, I thought - what do I know... I'm not Apple... but obviously, that did not solve the problem.
Advice? Suggestions? Ideas???
PS Yes, I did reinstall the entire OS already at least once including completely wiping the drive and starting anew. That did not, apparently, resolve this so we can skip that.
Message was edited by: Actually Human

Thanks.
A physicist - a nuclear physicist, actually - told me that the logic of "...it's a tiny amount compared to..." re whether or not to leave a thingie on all the time in ready/sleep/idle/whatever you want to call it mode is equivalent to "...it's just one drop of detergent in the river..." and that the problem was that the one drop multiplied by x number of people thinking the same way mounts up and thus comes problems such as the heating up of the environment. Whatever but from what I'm learning, every tiny little bit of effort we can all make towards battling this will help and I already have replaced all of my lightbulbs, et al. Don't take this from me; ask people who day in day out have to work on this problem - scientists, et al. And see what they say about whether it's "ok" to leave your machines (look around your house at how MANY machines/appliances in that one house are in that low level on mode and multiply THAT times millions of people...)
Anyway, I personally am familiar with the training that those GB folks have to go through. Facts trump opinions but I do thank you for putting together the question I need to get the answer to. That was actually helpful and now I can take that and go pay a visit to an EE and get an answer re that.
That level of detailed knowledge is important to those of us who do work in technology AT that very detailed level. In the same manner that one can go look up the specs on one's automobile re precise tire pressure, spark plug (yeah - I know, I'm dating myself with that one) wire distance, etc. etc., I'm quite sure that somewhere the maximum capacity each USB port can offer - or even a range - has been determined.
As I said before, these USB hub manufacturers are marketing their hubs very often as "stackable" and "extensible". This likely means that they themselves have done some of that testing and may have those specs.
Someone may come along here eventually with that info. We'll see.
Question for YOU: who is the "we" you refer to in the "What we can tell you..."? Are you a Genius Bar person and the "we" you refer to is "we Genius Bar" people?is that..."?
I'll find out eventually or someone will come along and post the info here.
PS Genius Bar tech advised I shut down altogether and re boot once every 24 hours. He said that is one of the things he himself does with this system. And this particular G now has his own business running around all over the Bay area servicing the systems of pro and non-pro users.
Message was edited by: Actually Human

Please help!! - usb power problems

Hi guys,
i posted this on the USB board but no one has been able to help me so far. I am having the following, very frustrating problem:
Hope someone can help me out. I bought a belkin 7 port usb2 hub and it has been working perfectly until 2 weeks ago. I now keep on getting low power warnings when i plug it into my computers usb 2 ports. So far i have done the following:
1) replaced usb hub for a new one.
2) checked the hub works with windows machine usb 2 ports - it does.
3) reset the power supply to the usb port (unplugged mac for 10 mins, held down power button while it is unplugged, then plugged it back in) - searched for this on apple help pages.
4) checked all USB ports work - they do.
5) checked these forums and can;t find anything.
6) Have reinstalled OS X
System profiler recognises the hub and displays the following information about it;
Hub:
Version: 0.00
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Product ID: 0x0237
Vendor ID: 0x050d
When i start up the computer the green lights on the hub all flash and then disappear.
I have recently bought a new ipod shuffle and it has caused all types of start up and standby problems with the computer (computer wont start up if it is attached and wont standby if it is attached). Could this have caused the problem? I have now disconnected the shuffle from the hub and still it doesn't work
In my mind (which is not that technical) if I can reboot the USB ports it should work again. Is that correct? How would I do it?
Sorry for such a long and rambling post, I can't think of a logical explanation for it to no longer work.
Many thanks in advance for any help or advice
20 inch intel imac Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Hi, I use the same hub,,a suggestion..turn every
OFF..unplug ALL cables to mac..and hub.
Reconnect just power/keyboard/mouse & hub -
Restart..
if everything is ok - add 1 usb at a time -
restarting each time
I did this & everything was fine N dandy -- if you
have a faulty item it will show up when you restart -
Also have you reset everything & done Permissions
etc..L
Thanks, just tried that but the computer wont even let me plug the hub in on its own without flashing up the low power notice. Something is telling the computer that it can't power the hub, just after start up. not sure what though...

My Imac is ejecting every disk inserted in it, I cannot access the disks, can any body help me troubleshoot the problem. I am using snow leopard.

My Imac is ejecting every disk inserted in it, I cannot access the disks, can any body help me troubleshoot the problem. I am using snow leopard.

Try resetting the SMC Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support
and PRAM How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
If those don't help you can try a cleaning disc or a quick shot of compressed air. Chances are that your drive has failed, join the club it's not all that uncommon. You can either have it replaced or purchase an inexpensive external drive. Don't buy the cute little Apple USB Superdrive, it won't work on macs with internal drives working or not.

Z87-GD65 USB headset and BIOS 1.7 problems

OK...as i've stated on these forums before there is a problem with attaching USB headsets with this motherboard. There is already many posts about the problem so it "is a problem". F.R.E.Q 5 headphone will not work with the mobo, other people on these forums have also complained about razor headsets not working, as I agree with that it is a well known razor has compatibility issues I still think this is a mobo issue that MSI need to address. Logitech G35 work fines...but every other usb headset i've tried doesnt...this is on both 1.3 bios and 1.6. I've also tried other workarounds to no avail.
Any MSI guys readin this...these are the headphone i'm talking about
http://www.cyborggaming.com/prod/freq5.htm
NOW..the BIOS issue...the new 1.7 that has been released...DONT FLASH IT....it just bricked my mate mobos...lucky the GD65 has dual bios. I tried it to see if it happened to get his freq 5 working...but the PC wouldn't post.
Any comments or development on this situations on this issue will be greatly appreciated.

Quote from: Nichrome on 08-December-13, 03:57:18
Personally I don't think it's a problem with a BIOS.
Have you tried updating all the drivers? Especially Audio..
Like I said, i've tried every workaround from bios to drivers. Been on these forums, other forums, other sources and no solution seems to work. There is nothing wrong with the headphones as they work on every other PC i've tried and those have had different mobos. Those headphones even work on my Z87 MPower MAX no problem..it is just this Z87 GD65 board. Could be just a bad apple out of the bunch...but I doubt we'll get a RMA for it just cause one sort of headphones wont work on it. Now my mate got a pair of $170 headphones sitting there he cant use.
And as the to 1.7 bios...just by going off the few posts on here i'd be pulling it asap, obviously not alot of testing has been done on it. Just lucky the board has the dual bios option.

My Imac is ejecting every disk inserted in it, I cannot access the disks, can any body help me troubleshoot the problem.

My Imac is ejecting every disk inserted in it, I cannot access the disks, can any body help me troubleshoot the problem

The frist thing to try is a drive-n disk. They are cheap (US$5-15) and easy to use. Many unresponsive drives, even ones declared "dead" by an Apple tech, have returned to service after a cleaning.
Check with home entertainment specialty shops, electronic superstores and office supply outlets that sell computer accessories.

Strange audio produced when Dynex USB Headset is combined with Realtek ALC888

t seems that just when I connected my Xbox 360 pc controller, my Dynex USB Headset began acting up.
Whenever I use the microphone function, the audio comes out as though I was talking through a Nintendo Entertainment System (8 bit-ish sound), no matter what I play the sound through. (So it sounds the same, whether I play it through my Creative desktop speakers or through my headset.)
I've tried almost every kind of troubleshooting technique I could think of.
Removing the drivers then installing older ones worked for awhile, then began acting up again.
I tried rebooting (of course), that didn't fix it.
Updating sound drivers; nada.
I recall disabling the sound chip through my BIOS, booting, rebooting, enabling it, then booting, although that only fixed it temporarily. I've tried the headset in another computer with the same OS, and it worked fine, so I don't think it's the microphone.
I've tried shutting down as many electronics as I could (cellphone, air purifier, xbox controller, unnecessary monitors, wireless mice, even lights), although nothing could fix the odd sounds.
Later, when I was completely cleaning off the Realtek drivers once again, I decided to just listen to sound trough my headset's earpiece. Everything had 8-bit sounds. Even music files, which originally played normally through my desktop speakers. However, I think my headset it still functioning ok from a hardware perspective, since I plugged it into my other XP machine, and it still worked fine.
Computer specs:
* MSI P6NGM-FD motherboard
* Windows XP SP3
* Realtek drivers, updated to R256
* Dynex USB Mon Headset
Also, here's a small soundclip of me saying hello, then blowing on the microphone.
Link
If anyone can help, that would be great.

Quote from: Wonkanoby on 10-January-11, 08:29:01
might be irrelevant but most msi usb problems relate to this
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=57472.0
The issue in there doesn't seem to apply to me, but thank you for the heads up anyways.

USB Audio problem

Good day, folks:
Specifics:
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum (2003)
- About a month beyond extended Apple Care warrant
- Mac OS X 10.4.7
- 1.25 GB RAM
- Logitech 250 USB headset
- MacAlly IceCam
(Please forgive if this is repetitive; I did not see this specific problem referenced in earlier posts.)
I no longer can hear anything through my Logitech USB headset using either USB port on my PowerBook. About a month ago, I could no longer use the headset through the right USB port after trying to edit a file in Bias Peak 4 LE, but I didn't complain because I still had use of the left USB port.
Now, after using a Macally IceCam last night in the left USB port, I find I can no longer hear anything out of the headset when it is connected to the left USB port.
Yes, the headset does appear as connected in Skype's audio preferences. (That is what the headset is used for most.)
Yes, the headset does appear as connected in Apple's Audio Midi Set Up.
Yes, the headset does appear as connected in Apple's System Preferences.
Yes, other non-audio devices (i.e. Apple wired keyboard, Kensington, USB mouse, HP LaserJet 1012 printer) appear and operate normally in either USB port.
And I just ran the Disk Utility to both verify and repair permissions, then restarted.
Still, no Logitech capability.
Any help with getting one USB working with this device -- I depend on Skype rather heavily -- would be great; getting both ports to work would be supreme.
Thank you in advance for any and all assistance.
Seso
PowerBook G4 Aluminum Mac OS X (10.4.7)

OK, so in following up I found a partial answer here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2873545&#2873545
This answer, however, doesn't explain why the Logitech USB headphone would have worked fine right out of the box for a couple of months, yet now does NOT work.
And it doesn't explain whether or not the problem (assuming it is lack of power on the laptop USB ports) can be fixed via any setting.
So my followups are:
1. Assuming the problem is lack of power in the USB ports, why would the outage have occurred only after using the Macally IceCam?
2. Should I discontinue using the Macally IceCam in the USB port? (I cannot seem to find a FW camera for the life of me, that's why I settled for that.)
3. Since my laptop is Bluetooth enabled, will any decent Bluetooth earpiece work with Skype for Mac, and can anyone make a good recommendation?
Again, thanks in advance
Seso
PowerBook G4 15" Aluminum Mac OS X (10.4.7)

USB Headset Works in One Port, Not the Other

When I got my headset (Logitech) it worked perfectly just after plugging it in and using it. It worked while plugged in to either of my USB ports on my laptop. Recently however, it has not worked at all while plugged in to the port on the left, while it still does work when plugged in to the port on the right.
If I open iTunes while plugged in to the non-working left port and make sure to change my system prefs so that the input and output use the Logtech USB Headset, then I hear no sound of any kind. If I then simply plug the USB headset into the other side of the computer without changing any settings, it works fine. This is new behavior as it used to work in both ports.
Another thing to note is that the volume control buttons on the headset still work even when plugged into the USB port that doesn't play sound. Also, I successfully plug in my printer, mouse and other devices to both ports and they all work fine.
I've tried repairing permissions, repairing preferences, and restarting, but nothing has helped so far.
Any ideas on why this would happen with any device?

Which operating system are you running? I have similar problems in a configuration with and iMac and a Macbook, but haven't tried to switch the system around. see this thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2112054&tstart=0
My problem arose when upgrading the iMac to run OS 10.5.8.
I'll try this tomorrow and see if my problem is similar to yours by swopping the system around

Logitech USB headset non-functional

I recently bought a pair of USB headphones to use with Skype. They work fine on older Mac OS computers I have, but not on the laptop which I upgraded to 10.4.8.
Anyone else dealing with this? I've tried permissions, trashing prefs; all that stuff, to no avail.
If you have any ideas, they'd be welcome.
Thanks!
Ron

Hi
I have the Logitech Headset Premium Stereo 350 USB. Since the 10.4.6 upgrade (I think) it has not been working as it should, but it does still work. You need to go into System Preference > Sound > Output, have the headset selected as the output device, and then click the mute button on and off. Have the headset on while you do this and play with the volume control at the same time so you will hear when the sound does start to come from the headset. I have no idea why Logitech have not sorted this problem out yet, but the headset does work fine if you are prepared to fiddle around every time you use it.
While we are here I want to recommend SoundSource for quickly changing audio inputs and outputs. It doesn't help much with the current problem, however.
Edit: BTW on my headset, the flashing blue light is the mute indicator for the microphone. Pressing the centre button toggles it on and off.
Matthew Whiting

Ventrilo, Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 and System Preferences

Hi all,
I have some troubles using ventrilo on my G5 (same problems also on a new iMac).
Ventrilo is working, I'm using it with World of Warcraft, and using it with a Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 (but the problem happen also with Logitech 250).
After some times I'm using Ventrilo, this is very random, people in Ventrilo stop hearing me. I noted that opening the System Preferences, checking the Sound panel, the Logitech is selected as sound in, but the visual signal on the panel is blank (if I speak on the microphone no signal is visualized).
What I need to do is to disconnect the Logitech from the USB and reconnect it. I need also to exit from Ventrilo and relaunch it.
Then all is working good again, naturally till this happen again (may be 5 minutes after as 30 minutes).
I've also tried to remove Ventrilo and its preferences and reinstalling it. This assuming that the cause of all this is Ventrilo and not MacOSX. But this happen also on a new iMac...
Thanks for any help!

Hi Croma12,
The problem is not Ventrilo - it's Logitech's headsets and the driver software.
I have had both the USB 350 and USB 250 - each have the same problem, that is, not being recognized when freshly connected. It's a trip to the Sound Preferences pane each time to reset. Often we need to toggle the Mute checkbox to make the headset work.
Even worse, 90% of the time when I connect the headset, it freezes my MacBook completely, necessitating a forced restart. Not Cool.
I've combed through the Logitech support library and discussion forums - as a company, their Mac support is very poor, and their forum moderators know very little about Mac hardware.
To make the switching of sound sources a little easier, Google for "soundsource" - it's a menu-bar widget that will sometimes enable the Logitech headset without needing a trip to the Sound Preferences.
M.

Error: USB Headset not recognized

HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC WV703AV
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium - 64bytes
Error: No error... just not working
Hello, I just bought an USB headset SOMIC and after plugging it to the PC I realize it wasn't working. At the beginning I got mad thinking that it was about the headset, however after testing it in several computers with different Operative Systems(windows 7 x64, windows XP x32 & x64) I realize that actually they worked perfectly... so whats is coming on with my PC? - I thought.
I tried by doing the following:
    1st - Changing it of USB Port - I tried the 4 of them.
    2nd - Updating the sound Drivers.
    3rd - Installing the Headset's drivers.
    4th - Downloading & Reinstalling the sound drivers.
    5th - Disabling the computers drivers in order to only use the headset's drivers.
I am getting so angry that I am planning to reinstall my OS, however before doing it I would like to know if you could help me in this matter . It is clear that it is ABOUT THE USB CONDITION OF THE HEADSET as I have others with normal connectors and they work perfectly. Moreover, I JUST REALIZE that AUDIO BEATS monitor the sound settings and it has NO USB CONNECTOR COMPATIBILITY (only HDMI or NORMAL MALE CONNECTORS).
So I tried disabling/uninstalling HP BEATS however it doesn't appear anywhere. Now I dont know what can I do to sort out this issue I am having please help me before I burned my PC . Pleasee I really need your help.
I look forward to hearing from you, thanks in advance.
Santiago.

I too have this problem. Bump.

PulseAudio, USB headset - Mic sometimes working...?

I need someone to help me debug a problem I have with the microphone on my USB headset sometimes not working; The level indicator in pavucontrol does not show up - if I switch between Digital Duplex and Off a couple of times, its hit or miss if it shows up or not. When the level indicator shows up, the mic works perfectly, when its doesn't show up, it doesn't work at all.
Anyone had this issue before?

Ok, seems like it's not as easy as that.
Today when I booted my computer, I am unable to make the microphone work what so ever. It could still be as easy as a concurrency problem in Pulse when configuring. But it seems unlikely that I am the only person with this problem?

IMac miniDisplay Port and USB headset

I have recently purchased the Belkin AV360 in order to use my PS3 on my iMac 27".
It works just fine, both video and sound, but I would like to have the sound output to my USB headset if possible.
When I plug in the USB headset, it continues to output sound from the operating system rather than the video that is being displayed from the miniDisplay Port. I assume that by using an analog headset might fix this but I would prefer not to spend more money on another headset if i am not forced to.
So, does anyone know if it is possible to get a USB headset to play audio when in Target Mode?
as well
If I use an analog headset, would it play audio when in Target Mode?
Thanks in advance for any help/info!

Hi Patrick,
Now test with just the Hub connected, then test by adding one USB device at a time, most likely one of the USB Drives is having problems.

Help me troubleshoot USB headset problems.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for