Metallic sound in USB headset

I am doing some voice recording and was told I'd get better quality using a USB headset instead of the analog one I had been using before. However, all my voice audio using the USB headset has a metallic kind of sound quality to it whereas the analog headset audio sounds pretty decent. Are there some different settings for the USB headset that I should be using?
Thanks,
Whitney

Nevermind, I figured it out. I needed the .asoundrc file in my home directory with the headset set to the default device.

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What to do when suddenly no sound from usb headset

I haven't use my linux in the past 3 days and when today I logged in I noticed I don't hear anything. I checked some other apps, but no good.
It works when I unplug my usb headset - I mean the built-in speakers do.
In pavucontrol I saw the lines moving so there is sound, I just can't hear it. I tried changing the device for output and the application currently in use, but nothing.
The only suspicious thing is that I have a 3rd device called "LADSPA Plugin Multiband EQ on Internal Audio Analog Stereo". I guess it's related to the pulseaudio-equalizer I installed about a week ago, but after doing that I had sound, I watched some movies and I had no problem at all.
Having no better idea, I removed pulseaudio-equalizer, restarted my notebook, but I still have that device.
I wanted to check the volume levels in alsamixer, but I don't have that, because it usually scr*ws up the volume levels, I only have installed what's said in the pulse wiki, but it's unrelated now, I guess.
My linux is fully up do date and I don't see anything unusual in my rc.conf.
What should I do? Where to look for the solution?

This problem is bizarre.
Basically - I have an audio interface connected via USB, then one day i get the message 'usb device disabled drawing to much power....'
So i tried a few different cables, and 1 cable worked fine.
Now all of a sudden, the problem is back - the cable that was working fine is now not working fine.
I've tried 8 USB leads, reset the SMC, reset PRAM, etc etc......
All the 8 USB leads i have work fine with other stuff, but as soon as i plug this audio interface in, it doesnt see it. The interface is fine because i've tried it in another computer.
I've lost a lot of faith in apple products over the last year or 2. It seems like theres always some sort of bug/problem. This will be the end of the line for me now. I just can't trust the quality or reliability of their products anymore.

Unable to hear sound via usb headsets after 10.10.2 update. Any advice? Thanks!

We just updated our school iMac lab to 10.10.2 and now several machines will not play the volume through headsets while on System Preferences. We have plugged/unplugged and made sure that usb is selected within system preferences. Sometimes, when we go into an app or website that USES sound, it will then work! Unfortunately we have high-stakes testing happening over the next couple of weeks and we need to be able to test the sound prior to taking the test.
Any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Sharon

sorry, lost track of this thread for a bit.
you need to figure out which preference files in the main account are causing the problem. the one that i suspected is not it. I don't know which one it is, sorry.
maybe somebody else does.
one thing you can always try is the nuclear approach. move the whole folder /users/username/library/preferences to the desktop and log out/in. that folder will be recreated and all the files inside will be recreated with default values when system needs them. see if that fixes the issue. if it does you can start moving the files you need from the preferences folder on the desktop back to the one in the library. you'd need to log out/in for some of them. this is pretty time consuming so I would first see if someone else has another idea.
in the worst case scenario you can always migrate to a new user account.

USB Headset not working with alsa

I have a razer megalodon usb headset which works fine in ubuntu and windows but for the life of me I cannot get it to work in arch.
[exec@turbine ~]$ uname -a
Linux turbine 2.6.34-ARCH #1 SMP PREEMPT Mon Jul 5 22:12:11 CEST 2010 x86_64 Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz GenuineIntel GNU/Linux
1532:000e is the megalodon headset
[exec@turbine ~]$ lsusb
Bus 008 Device 004: ID 1532:000e Razer USA, Ltd
Bus 008 Device 003: ID 1532:000f Razer USA, Ltd
Bus 008 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 007 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 006 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 002: ID 045e:028e Microsoft Corp. Xbox360 Controller
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 004 Device 004: ID 046d:c227 Logitech, Inc.
Bus 004 Device 003: ID 046d:c226 Logitech, Inc.
Bus 004 Device 002: ID 046d:c223 Logitech, Inc. G15 Keyboard / USB Hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 1058:1001 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. External Hard Disk [Elements]
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 13fe:3100 Kingston Technology Company Inc. 2 GB USB stick
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
[exec@turbine ~]$ aplay -L
null
Discard all samples (playback) or generate zero samples (capture)
default:CARD=Intel
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
Default Audio Device
front:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
Front speakers
surround40:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
4.0 Surround output to Front and Rear speakers
surround41:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
4.1 Surround output to Front, Rear and Subwoofer speakers
surround50:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
5.0 Surround output to Front, Center and Rear speakers
surround51:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
5.1 Surround output to Front, Center, Rear and Subwoofer speakers
surround71:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Analog
7.1 Surround output to Front, Center, Side, Rear and Woofer speakers
iec958:CARD=Intel,DEV=0
HDA Intel, ALC888 Digital
IEC958 (S/PDIF) Digital Audio Output
Here's a relevant part of dmesg:
usb 8-1: USB disconnect, address 2
usb 8-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 4
cannot find the slot for index 0 (range 0-1), error: -16
cannot create card instance 0
snd-usb-audio: probe of 8-1:1.0 failed with error -5
[exec@turbine ~]$ asoundconf list
Names of available sound cards:
Intel
# /etc/modprobe.d/modprobe.conf (for v2.6 kernels)
alias snd-card-0 snd-usb-audio
alias snd-card-1 snd-hda-intel
# /etc/modprobe.d/sound.conf
#usb headset
alias snd-card-0 snd-usb-audio
alias sound-slot-0 snd-usb-audio
options snd-usb-audio index=0
Alsamixer does not show my megalodon usually but I have seen it under device list a couple of times but I have been unable to get it to play sound.
Any help fixing sound would be appreciated greatly.

Try running alsaconf, seems to help some people with a similar issue. http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75433

Sound Blaster USB left ear died

The left ear on my sound blaster USB headset just died today for no reason.
I was listening to the headset, just fine...
Took the headphones off for 3 seconds to talk to someone, put them back on, left ear was flickering on and off
5 seconds later it was totally dead...
Still is of course..
I dont have serial number or warranty papers, nor the reciept for the headset but I have all the original boxing and packaging plus the disk it came with and installation information... Even the little california lead poisoning paper.
I tried using support submit RMA request but that needs Serial #, tried using some other method and the site is broken.
HELP ME. The headset is only 3 or 4 maybe 5 at most monthes old, still in warranty.

Hi,
I am not sure which headset you have but the serial number is usually listed on the back of the box as well as on the support leaflet. Please write to support using this form, do let us know if you still encounter difficulty writing to them.
PS: If you still cannot find the serial number, just key in a random number and explain your situation to support in your email.

DYNEX USB Headset no sound

Hello everyone,
I plugged in my DYNEX USB headset for the first time using ARCH linux, and I have no sound.
Things I did to try and make it work:
-It was recognized in alsamixer's sound card selection. I selected the card.
-I unmuted the master sound in alsa by using the command: amixer sset Master unmute.
-I used pavucontrol to select the headset
Anyone have any ideas why i am not getting any sound?

Better bouble check if it is unmuted and volume not 0 - not just "alsa master" like you did with amixer; it's probably best if you select the card in alsamixer (F6 or something) and check the channels. You can save those settings with "alsactl store".
Do you have sound if you select the headset for an application stream manually?
( p.E. start video in mplayer, look for it in pavucontrol under playback / applications, set its sink to the headset )
If that works the easiest way to get it working permanently might be:
- activate module-combine at the the TOP of /etc/pulse/default.pa MANUALLY (it tends to map channels wrong if you have more than 2; also that should ensure that the combine sink is always at the top, which can avoid some trouble).
e.g.
load-module module-combine channels=6 channel_map=front-left,front-right,rear-left,rear-right,front-center,lfe
( surround example; customize for your channels )
- delete the default / per application settings in ~/.pulse/* (in my experience those get rather useless in any case after a new sound device is added)
- make sure your combined sink is at the top with "pacmd list-sinks"
example:
$ pacmd list-sinks | head
4 sink(s) available.
* index: 0
name: <combined>
driver: <module-combine-sink.c>
flags: DECIBEL_VOLUME LATENCY
state: RUNNING
suspend cause:
priority: 1000
volume: front-left: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB, front-right: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB, rear-left: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB, rear-right: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB, front-center: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB, lfe: 45864 / 70% / -9,30 dB
- make it the default sink:
pacmd set-default-sink "combined"
You might have to "killall pulseaudio" before / in between steps to make sure it reloads settings / doesn't change them back etc.
Good luck!

I am trying to use a Logitech USB headset to record with screencast o matic. In the sound file of system preferences the headset is recording audio. However it stops working when I use screen cast o matic. Any advice?

I am trying to use a Logitech USB headset to record with screencast o matic. In the sound file of system preferences the headset is recording audio. However it stops working when I use screen cast o matic. Any advice?

See these threads for some possible solutions:
Bluetooth and 10.7
Bluetooth speaker error

Audio output using Logitech Clearchat Pro USB headset sounds like chipmunks

I use a Logitech Clearchat USB headset for online meetings daily. On my previous machine (Black MacBook 2GHz) the headphones and mic worked fine. I just upgraded to a new 2.66 Unibody MacBook Pro and while the microphone works fine but the audio in the headphones sounds like chipmunks. If I switch the audio output to the speakers, the audio sounds fine.
Logitech claims that since the drivers the headphones use are built-in, it's not their issue. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this problem and how I might be able to get it resolved.
Thanks.

' orangehat I sincerely hope you (we?) get an answer on this one! I ordered exactly the same headset the same time I did my 17-inch MBP. Still waiting for everything to be delivered - so can't say as yet whether I have the problem too. Hoping not.
' Hoping there's an answer to your question anyways so I can get an idea of things before my kit lands (IF that EVER actually HAPPENS!!!)
~Menageryl
-Jack of All Trades, Master of Some!-

Fatality usb headset and sound set up

I recently bought the Xtreame gamer and I used a non usb headset. i heard the fatality ones were good so i bought the usb ones. i installed them and what not but the sound seems to be off. also now i cant hear that helicopter test thing when i click play for the cmss-3d... what are some tips to set up my sounds correctly? in game my ventrillo sounds change and ingame also. weird effects. i tried other headphones and they work fine. i use xp also.
Message Edited by polecats03 on 04-13-2009 12:31 AM

Yes you can.
Make it easier for other people to find solutions, by marking my answer with \'Accept as Solution\' if it solves your problem.
Click on the BLUE KUDOS button on the left to say "Thanks"
I am an ex-HP Employee.

Logitec H360 USB headset sound output

Macbook Pro, 10.8.3, 2.8 GHz, 2 core, 8 GB RAM, I am using Logitec H360 USB headset with Adobe Connect. Sound output is through built-in speakers and not the headset. The mic works ok. Correct setting in System Preference and Adobe Connect audio setup wizard. I have the same results with another Logitec headset. I can get headset output sound to work with a headset that has mini-plugs and a iMic adaptor.

Just one thought...
IF there is a setting in the game where you can select the soundcard/audio out then you might just be able to route voice thru that and game sounds thru the soundcard.
I have used my usb headset for voice/talk and set the soundcard for all other audio.

Robotic Static Sounds USB Headset

Issue: When using any USB headset or USB audio input device on any Macintosh with any operating system from 10.5.7 to 10.6.1, after about 10-20 minutes of use, all audio from the headset becomes garbled and has a robotic static sound quality.
Tested with: Dozens of different Macintosh Computers over the last 6 months with different USB headsets and microphone input devices.
Reproducable: Yes, via either Garageband, Ventrilo or a number of other software applications that do USB Audio Input
References:
http://www.ventrilo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37302
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17367983174&sid=1
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9983346&#9983346
http://ministryoftruthblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/fixing-usb-audio-static-on-mac-o sx.html
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?s=d9c3718b7185c8e1caee585c248c3bab&showtopic=75 528&st=40
Additional Information and attempted fixes:
• Tried it with a powered USB Hub
• Switched the Audio Midi Setup input to 48k
• Using Audio Midi Setup to create an aggregate device
• Tried it on different Macs, Different Headsets and Different physical locations
• Tried different USB ports
Message was edited by: Jaycyn

I have a 27-inch i7 iMac running 10.6.2 and I can confirm that replacing the kernel extension from 10.5.6 works just fine. I had been having this problem every since 10.6.2 (for some reason it worked up until then). I don't think this fix will work if you are booting with the 64-bit kernel (the default on ALL macs is to boot the 32-bit kernel so you would specifically have to be doing this). I haven't tested it in 64-bit though.
Here are the steps I followed:
1) Download the AppleUSBAudio.kext from 10.5.6 from the following URL.
http://evo-wiki.cern.ch/twiki/pub/FAQ/AudioProblemMacOSX1057/AppleUSBAudio.kext. zip
2) Unzip it.
3) Open up terminal
4) Make a backup of the existing driver by running the following in terminal
cp -Rp /System/Library/Extension/AppleUSBAudio.kext ~/Documents/AppleUSBAudio.kext-BACKUP
5) Exit any applications that are using a USB audio device and unplug all USB audio devices.
6) Unload the existing AppleUSBAudio driver from the kernel by running the below command in terminal.
sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBAudio.kext
If you get an error saying " not found for unload request" your fine. If you get an error claiming it can't be unloaded because its in use (don't have the text in front of me) then stop and go back to step 5.
7) Remove the existing driver by running the following in terminal.
sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBAudio.kext
8) Put the new driver in place by running the following in terminal.
sudo mv ~/Download/AppleUSBAudio.kext /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBAudio.kext
9) Load the new driver by running the following in terminal.
sudo kextload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBAudio.kext
10) Confirm the new driver is loaded by running the following in terminal.
kextstat | grep AppleUSBAudio
The output should look like the folliowing (the 2.5.8b13 is the important bit, some of the other numbers might be slightly different):
cfb@snarfblat:~/> kextstat | grep AppleUSBAudio
141 0 0x96c6f000 0x28000 0x27000 com.apple.driver.AppleUSBAudio (2.5.8b13) <95 94 30 14 8 7 5 4 3 1>
At this point you should be good to go. The only issue with this "fix" is that any time there is an update from Apple there is a chance that the driver will get replaced with a newer one. After each update you should run the command from step 10 again to confirm that you have version 2.5.8.b13. If it gets updated, repeat the above process.
NOTE: Jaycyn I have tried to post this to your WoW forum post of the same issue (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=22048900603&postId=2204747 77020&sid=1#18) as that is how I found this thread and the solutions but there is something messed up with my forum account preventing me from posting to the WoW forums.

MacBook Air: automatic selection of USB headsets for sound output

Is there a way to let the MacBook Air automatically detect an external USB headset,
and switch from internal speakers to the USB headset, and reverse to speakers when the
USB headset is disconnected ?
It's nice that you can manually select the output in System Preferences / Sound,
but it would be nice also to be able to make the computer use the USB headset
whenever it's plugged in.
Same for the microphone (sound input selection, for USB headsets with a microphone).

USB hub works fine on my 23 Cinema display with the Air, haven't tried the others but I use the USB on display to plug in my mobile broadband ( live out in the sticks and don't get cable or DSL ) and it lets me switch between my Air and MB Pro fine.

Internal Sound muted once USB headset is removed

I know that OSX remembers the audio settings for each output device, but I think this is different. I have my internal speakers unmuted, when I plug my USB headset in, it sets the internal speakers to mute?
When I unplug the headset the internal speakers are still muted? Why does it do this when I never changed the settings for the internal speakers?

You might also need to set up the device using Applications / Utilities / Audio Midi Setup
Bob

XFCE USB Headset issue

XFCE has very annoying behavior with USB headsets.
If I plug it in and select the headset via the xfce mixer sound just continues to play though my speakers. the only way I've gotten it to play out of the headset is installing pulseaudio and pavucontrol, in pavucontrol I can go to the playback tab and select the mic per application and then it works, but this is a PIA. I have properly setup pulse audio as far as I know, with pulseaudio-alsa, alsa-plugins, and an asound.conf file.
I'd like it to play sound out of my headset in every application automatically when I select my headset in the mixer, and out of the speakers when I select the speakers, like gnome and kde do. Is there anyway to do this?
Thanks
Last edited by bwat47 (2011-12-07 05:55:31)

Freaky, but you're right, it works. I was just in the middle of a garageband recording when my headset (Logitech, not sure on model) kept disappearing on me. I got a message saying it was disconnected when it was not, then it would come back only to have the same thing happen several seconds to minutes later. Finally it left and wouldn't come back. I rebooted thinking it was up too long (I've gone ninety days between reboots easily). No dice. So I found this.
Plugged it into a powered usb hub and it's back.
Very strange indeed. Have any advice on the SD card slot refusing to see the same card every few uses? lol I love my macbook pro but this weird stuff... it's just beyond me now!

USB Headset Prob

Hello, I installed a SB X-Fi XtremeGamer a few hours ago and I encountered some problems. The card and the software included work normally when normal speakers are connected, however, my USB headset (Speed-Link Medusa 5. USB) does not seem to cooperate with the new card. It seems that the headset uses its own "drivers" and actually bypases the sound card, if that is even possible. I tried changing the sound input and output settings from a "USB Audio" entry to the "SB X-Fi" one, but then it all went mute.
Does anyone have a solution please? Is there a chance I can get my headset to work with the new card?
Thanks in advance?

You answered your own question,
It seems that the headset uses its own "drivers" and actually bypases the sound card,?
You want to use that headset with your sound card you're going to need to find an adapter for the USB connection so you can plug it into the card, or get a headset that isn't USB.

Metallic sound in USB headset

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