USB headset, VOIP, Skype, Chat

Hi,
I have a 17 inch G4 running Tiger.
I'm looking for recommendations for a USB headset for VOIP services like Skype.
I want to avoid buying a headset which only works on a PC.
I assume that if it works on a 15 inch G4 it will
work on my 17 inch G4.
Thanks,
-Dan
powerBookG4 Mac OS X (10.4.7) none

You can find several options on Skype's website:
http://us.accessories.skype.com/direct/skypeusa/welcome.jsp
Powerbook G4 (15-inch Aluminum) Mac OS X (10.4.7) 1.25 GB DDR SDRAM

Similar Messages

USB headset for SKype

is it better a USB type or a normal 2 jacks to talk over the net ?
Friends told me is better normal jack because USB can give problems
Can anyone suggest on this ?

It depends on the type of microphone in the headset and whether it is suitable for the audio-in port on your Mac.
The G5 situation is discussed here -
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=276372&tstart=0
Many people seem to use a USB pre-amp with a G5. No doubt you could use the headphones and the iSight microphone.
A general explanation of microphones and computer sound cards/audio-in ports is here -
http://www.shure.com/support/technotes/app-soundcard.html

USB Headset, skype, voip, chat...

Hi,
I have a 17 inch G4 running Tiger.
I'm looking for recommendations for a USB headset for VOIP services like Skype.
I want to avoid buying a headset which only works on a PC.
Thanks,
-Dan
powerBookG4 Mac OS X (10.4.7) none

I bought a Logitech USB headset with mic. I have to say I have always liked Logitech equipment. However, this latest purchase has let me down. Currently, I can only hear out of 1 speaker on the headset and the mic quit working alltogether. I'm going to head to CompUSA and see what other options are available.

USB Headsets & voice chat in Second Life

I am curious if anyone else has attempted to try out the voice chat in the Second Life (v1.16) preview. I know this is a beta version and it may be a matter of things simply not working yet.
First of all, here are my hardware settings:
• Power Macintosh G5 - 1.8 GHz, 160 GB HD (70 GB free), 2GB RAM
• Logitech 250 USB headset
I have had the headset connected to all of the USB ports on the front and back of the G5, both ports on the keyboard and through a powered USB 2.0 hub with no change in performance or results. The headset works in Skype and GarageBand with no problems.
Here's the issue...
When attempting to use voice chat in Second Life, I have only been able to successfully talk with other users on one occasion. Most other times, I either have no response from the mic, or no audio in the headphones.
This does not happen until I am running Second Life and attempt to enable voice chat, but the effect is system-wide once it happens.
I suspect it is a problem with the preview version of Second Life and or its voice system but I would appreciate any thoughts anybody might have.
Thanks!

Issue is more widespread than originally thought. Re-posting in proper venue with more specifics.

USB headset trouble with Skype

*I have a pair of "Skype certified" headsets (Typhoon) and a LogiLink USB splitter. When using it with Skype, I can hear fine, but the headset microphone does not work*. I've changed all the preference settings on my computer and with Skype and I've even downloaded SoundSource to make it easier (recommended in another forum). But nothing works.
I had this problem about two years ago when I first bought my computer and tried using a Bluetooth headset with Skype and that didn't work either.
Oddly, the headset mike works when testing it with the Apple system preferences (at least the blue bars seem to move) but not when dialing up the Skype sound test.
Any ideas? I'm rather frustrated at this point and would appreciate any advice.
Like I said, I've already tried all the basic things like: 1. toying with the Mac and Skype sound preferences; 2. updated with all the newest software (at least for 10.5.8); 3. downloaded Sound Source; 4. double-checked the USB connection, etc.

I'll give that a try. But I find that in these sorts of situations, I get tossed back and forth between the interested parties (i.e. Apple, Skype, headset manufacturer, etc.) with no one really taking responsibility nor having a sense of the whole picture (what's really behind the problem). But I will definitely give it a shot. Thanks.

Skype switches off USB Headset on Android Lollipop

I have Android Lollipop on my Samsung S5. I connect my USB headset through a OTG cable to the USB slot, and calls work fine using the phone. But Skype refuses to use the headset. When I make a call, I can hear the ringing through the headset, but as soon as it connects, it switches to the phone earpiece, and only lets me switch to the speaker. It seems to forget that the headset is there once the call connects.

Device: Samsung S5 unlocked / 32GB SM-G900HAndroid version: 5.0Skype version: 5.6.0.12393

Plantronics Audio 648 USB headset

I very recently bought the above headset and it has been working fine till now. The microphone is working but the headphones are not. I have read somewhere on the Skype site that the call control buttons on the cable leading to the headset will not work due to an alteration in the Skype software but the headphones should still work....but they are not and although the headset is listed in audiosettings/advanced options/speakers I cannot get the software to accept them as having priority to my Realtek speakers built into my laptop.
Any suggestions please? The headphones must be capable of working not least because the Skype shop is still selling them
Peter

Try installing your USB headset directly to a port on your computer preferably one that you have never used before with this headset. You also have the option of disabling your onboard speakers in Windows just to see if it will work. Though it's generally less of an issue with USB than 3.5mm headsets, try installing the latest (v2.71 04/2013) generic Realtek "High Definition Audio Codecs" drivers to see if it changes things. They are available at the link below:
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/
Installing the drivers is generally a two-stage procedure. On it's own it will uninstall your existing drivers, prompt you to reboot, then it will install the latest release after the reboot. You would probably want to reboot one more time afterward.
Doing these things (USB port change/driver update) should update your current configuration in Skype. So hopefully you will get different results.

Logitech H390 usb headset issue

I just bought Logitech H390 usb headset, works great. Until I put my computer to sleep when not in use. Then, they do not work. Still show up in the sound settings under system preferences. I have to restart the computer for them to work again. Unplugging them does not work either.

I was experiencing the same difficulties and getting no where, when I decided to stasrt my Skype program. Lo and behold, the headset started working with my iMac. It may have been a totally random event, but it also may be that the Skype program has some protocols/settings that interfere with normal recognition of the H390.
Its worth check out.

USB Headset keeps frying on my T410

Hey all, So I've tried 3 different Logitech USB headsets and all 3 have been fried by my T410 ThinkPad. When I plug them in, they'll work beautifully when I have them plugged in for the first time, but when I try again, I'll start hearing weird buzzing, popping, clicking noises in the headset then poof, they no longer work and are rendered useless. This has happened 3 times now and I think my IT folks are upset with me! Is this a known issue? The Logitech headset is pretty standard/basic headset/mic combo fare. Super annoying. I want to order my own headset and not bug IT anymore but I'm afraid whatever headset I order will meet the same fate. Help!

Have you tried deactivating the "VOIP" button in Control Panel - "Smart Audio"? I needed to make that and it works well on T410 with Intel Graphics and Logitech 960 USB headset. (But the analog headsets still all worki very poor)
Also uncheck all other "audio enhancement" buttons in "Smart Audio" or "Sound" icons.
Chris

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)

Ventrillo and USB headset issue

I recently purchased a USB headset to use with ventrillo (voice-chat software). While it is a definite upgrade over the built in mic, my friends are telling me that it is also producing a noticeable buzzing sound when I speak, which seems to increase and decrease randomly. I'm told sometimes its not too bad, and sometimes they can't hear me at all over the buzzing, which happens with no changes to the mic output. I think this buzzing problem may be caused by the external keyboard that I use, but am not sure.

You can very easily test your theory by disconnecting the external keyboard and using the built-in keyboard instead, and seeing whether the buzz goes away.

USB Headset - multiple issues

I recently purchased a Logitech 250 USB headset. The package indicates that the headset is compatible with Mac OSX. Everything worked great for the first day or two when I was only experimenting with Skype.
Since then I have had multiple problems. Sometimes I have audio but no mic. Sometimes I have mic but no audio. Sometimes I have neither, but very rarely do I have both.
The package came with no software or drivers (for Mac or PC). There appears to be nothing for the Logitech 250 headset available for download and documentation is very limited.
I have plugged the headset into every USB port on my G5, both ports on my Apple keyboard, all four ports on my powered USB 2.0 hub and both ports on my un-powered USB 2.0 hub.
On two occasions with the left port on the keyboard I got a warning that a USB divice was drawing too much power and the port was being shut down.
Am I doing something wrong?
Is this a common issue?
Do I have a defective unit?
Any help or ideas are appreciated.

Phil Huse-
It sounds like you have pretty much proved that it is the headset.
Apple keyboards use an underpowered USB1.1 port. It does not have enough power for something like the headset and will give that warning.
Have you tried shutting down the system and using only the keyboard, mouse and headset each on a USB port on the Mac itself?
Luck-
-DaddyPaycheck

USB Headset Question

I recently purchased a Logitech USB headseat so my wife and I can Skype while I'm away. My objective was to have a headset that she could plug in if she head the computer 'ringing' from it's built-in speakers.
What I'm discovering, is that when I plug the USB headset in, the mic works correctly, but the earphones seem to be muted until I click and unclick the mute box in the sound output preferences.
I'd rather not have her changing anything in the preferences... Is this a problem with my particular headset, or is it a USB problem (or a preferences problem)?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Bob

SJA,
Thanks for the reply... The USB 'problem' was interesting. I had adjusted/selected the output options, but for some reason, I'd still get the problem of the muted USB headset.
Then for some still unexplained reason (a couple hours later) it began to work...
Go figure.
Thanks,
Bob

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.

Logitech USB headset not detected

When I run lsusb | grep Headset, it shows that the usb headset is plugged in(grep audio did not work).
Sample output:
Bus 002 Device 005: ID 046d:0a0c Logitech, Inc. Clear Chat Comfort USB Headset
But here's the problem, when I execute aplay -l, it gives me no sound cards found, though I even have a intel intergrated audio sound card.
I have gnome installed, so it uses pulseaudio, so I can't use alsamixer, but is I go into sound settings, it only says dummy output.
Other things to note:
- Do not have gnome-extra installed
- Have extra gst media codects
Thanks in advance,
Ahad

Hi daveodonoghue,
May i know does your machine works with other USB device? Please try update BIOS. If problem remain, please contact local lenovo for further assistance.
Worldwide Support Center phone list for ThinkPad, ThinkCentre and ThinkStation systems
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail.page?DocID=HT036550
BIOS Update Utility for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), XP - ThinkPad T420, T420i
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS018785
Fred
T61 + X201i

USB headset, VOIP, Skype, Chat

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