Tagged As: Usb Microphone Headset
Question:
a friend and i have Labtec Axis 712 USB Headsets with boom microphones, we live in different parts of the country, have different types of internet connections, are both running XP Pro, and Messenger 4.6. we both have the same problem. in every application except Messenger... if the mic/headset is plugged in First and then the program is started...external speaker and mic are disabled and the USB mic/headset is used....ie games, roger wilco, media player et al.... for the usb mic/headset to work in Messenger...it is necessary to run... Audio Tuning Wizard....every time you want to use it...just plugging it in before you launch program does not work...Messenger...does not...launch automatically here... i have tried the Use Preferred Device only setting in Audio Properties... if i leave the mic/headset plugged in all the time... Messenger will continue to recognize it without the Audio Tuning Wizard...but... this disables the external speakers... btw...for people with an extra USB header on the motherboard...and an extra 5 1/4 drive bay...Antec makes a USB 5 1/4 drive bay 2 port connection for the front of the pc...just plug 30 cable into the motherboard...$15... nice solution for connecting USB mic/headset for online audio...available at Best Buy...etc sound quality is excellent with the usb mic/headset...of course...no echo... but running Audio Tuning Wizard every time is annoying...especially when it is necessary to stop a chat go back to Messenger setup... Any Ideas ?
Answer:
I think the reason this is happening, is because when you unplug the USB it removes the driver completely from memory. As such, Messenger knows this and defaults back to your other audio device. I really don't think there's anything you can do, as this is by design. I agree with your observations though, a USB mic (or headset in your case) does make audio conversations much better then just the regular mics that come with soundcards, etc.
Add to favorites