[Decoman]

NOTE: Sry, my buzzing noise was not 100% fixed, there is still some humming left.

I though I would make a thread, showing a simple way to fix ground loop noise when using the microphone on an usb headset:

Admittedly, this solution might not be the best, but it is ok for me for the time being.

I simply made use of an old anti static bracelet I had lying around, and I connected it to the metal part of the usb plug, as seen below:



I want to add that I have ordered an usb isolator thingy, in the hopes that the buzzing will be gone permanently. Hopefully such an usb isolator won't mess up how the headphones work with the computer.

 

[ronnin426850]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decoman

I though I would make a thread, showing a simple way to fix ground loop noise when using the microphone on an usb headset:

Admittedly, this solution might not be the best, but it is ok for me for the time being.

I simply made use of an old anti static bracelet I had lying around, and I connected it to the metal part of the usb plug, as seen below:



I want to add that I have ordered an usb isolator thingy, in the hopes that the buzzing will be gone permanently. Hopefully such an usb isolator won't mess up how the headphones work with the computer.

USB is a digital, not an analog connector, so signal variations, if within the allowable for USB standard interference, will not affect the output in any way.
So my guess is the isolator will work fine

Good luck and thanks for the info!

 

[Decoman]

Oh shucks.

Well, apprently using an anti static wrist band did help a lot, but I still hear buzzing.

My hope is now on that usb isolator gadget I ordered, otherwise I will have to try look at how all the power cables are connected. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do that.

Worst case: unfixable

 

[Decoman]

Final note for the thread I started:

• The usb isolator I bought, does not stop buzzing from occurring, which is a great disappointment.

• Lowering the mic volume to zero, and, lowering the other mic volume in Windows in the audio settings, does not stop the buzzing from occurring.

• Using an anti static wristband, does not stop the buzzing from occurring.

Apparently all of these three things help a little, but ultimately, this is no good for any form of professional audio work like streaming gaming.

Looks like I will have to explore getting an external microphone.

 

[AAJoe]

Which USB isolator was it?

Also- and this is a bit of a dumb question - but have you tested the mic plugged into something that is NOT plugged into the wall? IE: A laptop on Battery, phone (if you have 3.5mm or something), etc? Just to confirm it isnt actually the hardware of the mic failing? That's very rare, but may be worth testing if you haven't.

 

[Decoman]

I bought this one on eBay for about $18 (no name brand afaik):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3000V-USB-Isolator-USB-to-USB-isolator-audio-signal-power-supply-isolation-/162120529635

Sry I am unable to test the mic on this usb headset on anything other than my desktop computer.

I guess I should point out, that when I played today, I only used this usb isolator, and I had also lowered the gain on the mic in Windows beforehand. The anti static armband wasn't used today. And so I made a recording of the gameplay and the buzzing is still there, although much lower than usual.

 

[Decoman]

Hm, so I made a recording this evening of some gameplay, and this time I could not hear any buzzing at all. This time I had the usb isolator on, together with the anti static wrist band, connected to the metal part of the usb headset plug. I guess I should do some more testing.

Edit: I recall inserting the usb isloator differently the second time, though I might be imagining things (as if there would be a difference how one plugged in the usb isolator thingy). First time I plugged in the usb isolator by itself, the second time, I had it first attached to the usb plug of the headset, and then plugged that into my computer (same usb port).

 

[Decoman]

Weird, now I don't have any buzzing. Maybe that usb isolator thingy works after all. More testing is required.