Why Is My Headset Microphone Picking Up PC Audio Instead of My Voice?
Asked by
MellowPine42
I'm using a headset with a 3.5 mm jack splitter because my computer has separate audio and microphone ports. The headset connects to the splitter, with the two plugs going into the green headphone port and pink microphone port. When I test the microphone, it plays sounds from my PC, such as music, but it doesn't register my voice. What could be causing this?
Answers
First, make sure the splitter is the correct type: it should convert a single four-pole headset plug into separate headphone and microphone plugs. Also verify that the microphone plug is in the pink jack and the headphone plug is in the green jack. If those are correct, check your sound settings and disable Stereo Mix or any “Listen to this device” microphone monitoring option, since either can route PC audio back through the mic input. If possible, try another splitter or test the headset on another device, because a faulty or incompatible splitter can cause exactly this behavior.
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QuietMaple19: If the headset works normally on another device, the splitter is the most likely problem. Some splitters have incompatible wiring even though the plugs look right, so try one specifically labeled for a four-pole headset with separate mic and headphone connectors.