USB headset won't work unless iPod is plugged in

N

NCA

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I got a Logitech ClearChat USB Pro headset recently while on vacation. I tried it with my Vista laptop and it worked very well. It also performed well on a friend's XP machine.

When I came back home and plugged the headset into my Vista desktop, I came across a problem. Once every 4-10 seconds, the audio would suddenly distort. Think back to the days of the Walkman (yes, the portable cassette player) - when the Walkman batteries were about to run out, the tape would slow down and the audio would sound funny. Something similar is happening here - the audio slows down for a few milliseconds, there is some disturbance, then everything works fine for another 4-10 seconds, repeat.

I thought this was a conflict with another USB device, so I tried unplugging every other USB device. This didn't work. I thought my onboard audio might be causing some problems, so I disabled all audio hardware and uninstalled the audio driver. No joy. :facewall:

Then, out of sheer luck, I discovered the USB headset works like a charm whenever my iPod is plugged into the computer. I have no idea why this is happening, or for that matter, how to fix it. For the love of all things good, can someone solve this mystery for me?

Laptop: Thinkpad X61 running Vista Business
Desktop: Core i7 920, Gigabyte UD3R, ATI Radeon HD 4850, Vista Business x64.
 
That is very strange. Without any special drivers an iPod is only seen as a mass storage device and would (should) not effect any sort of audio device, which makes me assume that the problem is USB related. First, try using the headset in a usb hub (such as the usb port in a monitor, or on the back of a keyboard) perferably a powered usb hub, this will allow the headset to draw power from the other device and just send the data back to the computer, if there are little power surges on your 5V rail (USB) that can cause data loss or corruption. The ipod has a large battery and that battery may act as a "buffer" or capasitor to smooth out the power (if/when the 5v rail powering your headset jumps, the missing power can come from your ipod, as that battery is directly connected to your 5V rail as well.) Kind of similar to the way those battery boosters for cars work that plug into the cig. lighter.
If that makes any sense at all.
Otherwise, buy a cheap broken ipod off ebay (as long as the battery remains) and keep it plugged in 24/7 ;)
 
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A simple way to take a look at this is boot up in bios, and there should be a PC health option (or something related that show the tempatures)
Look for voltages and see if somethign is causign a slight drop or raise under 5V (even the slightest surge can set off a usb device)

If that is it, in bios enable fail safe defaults, there may be some sort of motherboard "feature" that kicks in every few seconds to check on something (or do something) if you disable this, that periodic voltage change should stop

If you struggle with bios, take a multimeter and check the voltage on your usb line manually and see if it fluctuates:)
 
Walkman....I have one of those....but yeah your issue. Is there a driver for the headset? If so try reinstalling.
 
If there is no solution as of yet, delete the drivers and try again.. Here a small how-to

Plug them both in so they both are recognized;
Right click on "My Computer" and choose "Manage"
- When done this, go to "Device Manager

At device manager, locate your iPod and Headset.
- Now that you have located them - right click either one and "Uninstall Driver"
-- Yes, I'm serious, delete the driver. Do the same for both devices.

Now, uplug BOTH of the devices so they are not messing around while boot-up.


Restart your computer and then after it has fully loaded to OS, plug your HEADPHONES in and yes, specifically headphones.
- Install the driver from supplied CD/DVD for your headphones and test the headset if it is working.

After your headset is fully working, you can consider plugging the iPod in afterwards but do not plug it in at any part of installing or testing your headset.
 
Omnica said:
Otherwise, buy a cheap broken ipod off ebay (as long as the battery remains) and keep it plugged in 24/7 ;)
Click to expand...

I tried plugging in my old iPod (5G) and that didn't help the headset. For some reason, my headset works only when the iPod Touch is plugged in.

:facewall: :facewall: :facewall:
 
NCAuthority said:
I tried plugging in my old iPod (5G) and that didn't help the headset. For some reason, my headset works only when the iPod Touch is plugged in.

:facewall: :facewall: :facewall:
Click to expand...

My computer recognizes my touch as a camera. Don't know if that might have anything to do with it. If not, I just shared a completely useless bit of information.
 
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