Win 7 mic issues - is it just me ?? Seriously ??

[WalkinTarget]

Its quite rare that I post in here as an OP, as its my JOB to fix this stuff, rather than need help, but I am just perplexed with this one. I bought a new headset in anticipation of needing a working mic for in-game chatter. I've played TF2 for 4+ years w/o it, but in CS:GO it is all but essential to teamplay. I have been using an old MS Sidewinder Gamevoice (Plantronics clone) but I get feedback and/or a hum when using that, so I bought the Plantronics Gamecom 377 to replace it.

I assumed this headset was superior, but I could not get the mic volume to achieve any volume at all, even with mic boost set to +20. Moving it closer does not raise the volume either ... I could swallow it and you wouldn't see it any better. So I switch back to the old MS headset and the volume increases and it seems fine, but with that damned incessant hum.


Google directed me to this oddball workaround that seems to affect Win7 64 Pro users in general:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/w...c-f514b0eefe29

Has anybody experienced this one ?? I liked the MS Sidewinder headset so much that I bought a spare years ago, and the spare (still with me ?? I have 3 headsets total now) does not give me any hum like my original MS Sidewinder headset, but it DOES cut out on the right speaker unless I fiddle with the plug and cables as it plugs into the front panel on my case.

Here's the score so far:

Headset #1 - MS Sidewinder - bad hum
Headset #2 - MS Sidewinder - right channel failing
Headset #3 - Gamecom 377 - mic volume extremely low

Suggestions ??? Sell or junk them all and buy a USB headset ?? I really thought I'd like the large cans on the Gamecom 377, but that thing gets HOT ... my ears feel like they are in a sauna after 15 minutes !! I would prefer less desk clutter so I am not interested in running 2 headsets for now.

[Dead...Again]

What sound card are you using? I had this issue with one of the soundblaster cards I had. Trying to remember how I got around it.

[WalkinTarget]

Onboard sound for this one - Realtek ALC889. I have ALWAYS rocked some form of Creative card, but I actually decided to forego it because the Xtreme Gamer card I have has issues with .. you guessed it .. the mic output on the card !!!

Obviously, adding any other sound card or even another headset MAY fix the problem, but I hate throwing $$ at it when the solution may be software related. I know Cain thinks I am BS'ing him when I mention my mic issues, but it really is something more than user error or incompetence involved here.

[K PhaNTOM]

Yeah Cain doesn't believe our Mic issues. I haven't had a good day with a mic since my G35 broke. I'm guessing the only reason the G35 worked so well is because it was connected via USB. I gave up on mics for now.

[goldenfooler]

It was working when during part of the CS timeframe.

[Duke{CLR}]

I have had issues getting regular mics to work with Windows 7 on 3 different desktops and one laptop. I tried many different sound cards and none of them would reliably allow me to plug in a standard headset and have it work properly. USB headsets work just fine so that's what i use now.

[WalkinTarget]

Duke, got anything cheap and USB to recommend ??

[drunken_chef]

have you tried putting a new jack on #2? sounds like that one has faulty wires.

and did you try this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNULfk2yCqc

[Apache Warrior]

I use the Logitech G930. It is not cheap, bit I got it on sale for $89.99. It is wireless and the surround sound really helps with sound direction. I still die. I just know from which direction I am going to get killed from.
What ever brand you get try for a surround sound model.
Apache

[WalkinTarget]

$10 at Buy.com today:

http://www.buy.com/prod/plantronics-...242320422.html

I don't like the fact that you need to plug the standard 3.5 jacks into the USB 'dongle', but it looks cheap enough to not fault it for that. Apache, I am so new to using a mic that I hate to sink that kind of $$ into it without knowing what I really like. I like my new Gamecom 377 other than the fact it melts my ears. I like my old skool Plantronics simply because it is comfy to wear for hours and hours.

If there was a headset that combined comfort, kept your ears from melting AND added directional sound, I might be interested, but you never know until you wear it for an hour or more ... I'd look kinda funny standing there at Best Buy with headphones on my head for hours ... then again, I look funny wherever I go.

[WalkinTarget]

Ohh, I REALLY like these !! Been looking for a deal on them for months but no luck:

http://www.amazon.com/Force-Amplifie...2897506&sr=1-3

Anyone ever use these or something similar ?? I'm not tossing in the towel on my Gamecoms, but I doubt they will accept an RMA for them as well without a receipt.

[Duke{CLR}]

WT, I use the 930s and I love the quality of the sound plus the wireless feature I'm not going back to a wire d set. The cheaper one you posted is similar to the set I got for Mini a year or so ago, the sound was OK and the mic was very clear. I have had several of the wrap around type and they are comfortable enough but they had a few adjustments it would all come down to how that p[articular model fits.

[Dead...Again]

WT, I have a Sennheiser USB dongle that you can connect your headset to if you want to try it out. PM me your address and I will ship it to you.

[WalkinTarget]

and did you try this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNULfk2yCqc

Hmmmm, this may be my fix !!! I tried following along, and I don not get a second mic tab labelled rear like he does, but I was able to follow everything else and it shows that my mic is outputting at a much higher level.

Separating the audio streams means I need to mute or lower my speakers all the way now, as gameplay plays on BOTH the headset and speakers, but if it fixes my issue its a small price to pay. Hoping on the server tonight to test it.

[drunken_chef]

good luck with it!