How to Use a Headset Mic

With the popularity of Web conferencing applications like Skype and opportunities for students of all ages to take courses online, headset microphones have become almost a standard device for many computer users. There are two basic types of headset microphones, defined by the cable that connects it to the computer: either a USB cable or a cable with dual 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) mini-pin stereo connectors. Each type connects to a computer in a different way, but both allow the user to capture his or her audio and listen to the computer's audio output simultaneously without audio feedback noise. Headset microphones are also available in different styles: either with dual headphones that wrap around the user's head or a single earplug that hooks over the user's ear. In both cases, the microphone portion usually extends toward the user's mouth and can be pivoted to be worn on either the left or right side of the face.

• 1

  Locate either the USB port or the headphone and microphone jacks on the computer, depending on which type of headset microphone you have. The headphone and microphone jacks are sometimes colored green and pink, respectively, and/or labeled with small headphone and microphone icons.

• 2

  Plug in the USB cable or insert the corresponding headphone and microphone plugs into their respective jacks. Usually, the headphone and microphone plugs are also color-coded green and pink to match the input jacks or labeled with headphone and microphone icons.

• 3

  Consult the instruction manual to determine if special driver software needs to be installed for a USB headset microphone. This software may be included on an accompanying CD or DVD, or available online for download. If the driver is included on a disc, insert the disc into the computer's disc drive and double-click on the appropriate installer application, based on whether the computer is running Windows or Mac OS X. If the driver needs to be downloaded, open an Internet browser application and go to the website listed in the instruction manual. Many Windows computers will automatically detect the connection of a USB device, such as a headset microphone, and install the driver software automatically.

• 4

  Open the Control Panel in Windows or System Preferences in Mac OS X to adjust the microphone input levels and headphone output levels to your preferred settings. In Windows 7 and Vista, click on the "Hardware and Sound" icon followed by the "Sound" icon to open up the "Sound Properties" window. Then click on the "Playback" tab and select the appropriate device to adjust the headphone levels. Next, click on the "Recording" tab and select the appropriate audio input device to adjust the microphone levels. In Windows XP, click on the "Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices" icon then the "Sounds and Audio Devices" icon to open up the "Sound Properties" window, then adjust the headphone and microphone levels by selecting the "Audio" tab and using the pull-down menus for each respective device. In Mac OS X, click on the "Sound" icon then the "Output" and "Input" tabs and adjust the slider bars to the desired levels.

• 5

  Test the headset microphone settings by running the software application that requires the use of the headset microphone. If you're participating in an online conference or educational course, ask the other participants for feedback if your microphone is too loud or too quiet, then repeat Step 4 to adjust the microphone levels accordingly.