Bluetooth headset input noise (pulsing click like sounds)

I've seen on other threads that people are experiencing this problem, but no topic actually addressed the issue so I'm starting a new topic.

My BT headset (Plantronics 925) isn't working on my mac pro. There is a constant pulsing noise being generated (I think by the mac) for input from the headset. If I reboot the mac my first use of the headset (using a VOIP application) starts OK, then soon enough I start hearing clicks that grow to a crescendo. This was under 10.5.4 and now 10.5.5 as well. For the last verification of the bug I spoke into the mic as the clicking had begun and noticed that what I said start repeating in the stream of noise being heard on the other phone.

I've also noticed that messing around with the input level adjuster at all starts the clicking noise up right away.

Based on other threads people are seeing this with other non-plantronics headsets. Additionally this headset worked fine when paired with my iphone.

Does anyone know what is causing this?

Mac Pro 2x2.8 Xeon 16GB 800MHz, Mac OS X (10.5.5), Plantronics 925 BT Headset

Posted on Sep 23, 2008 5:39 AM

Reply
11 replies

Sep 25, 2008 2:35 AM in response to chris.h

I've had hte exact same problem with both the apple headest and the plantronics 925. I can only surmise that it's related to the antisound in the headset interfering with the antisound built into OS X (that lets ichat users have video and audio chats without the use of a headset and w/o getting speaker feedback.) if that's indeed the case it would be as simple as having a bug fix to allow that feature of OS X to be toggled on and off, but so far no word from the powers that be. here are my other posts on the subject:

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8065303#8065303

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8065212#8065212

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8036406#8036406

Dec 9, 2008 9:12 AM in response to chris.h

I have exactly the same problem here with a Genius HS-03U USB headset (Elite Silicon USB audio chip), Mac OS X 10.5.5, MacPro 2008.

The audio input works fine for some time (usually 1 minute) then I either get a loud full peak pulsing noise or terrible hissing. I've tried all possible work arounds (e.g. 10.4.9 AppleUSBAudio.kext, different USB-ports, all kind of Audio-Midi setups, etc.) but nothing solved the issue.

I've tried the headset on a PC with Windows XP standing beside my MacPro and there it works without any problems.

I'm a little mad that a simple USB headset does work with my wifes 5 years cheap PC and doesn't with my up to date 2000 EUR MacPro!

I heard many other people have similar issues with either bluetooth or USB audio input devices since 10.4.10 and one of the lastest update solved the issue.

Is there a chance for a fix in the new future?

Dec 10, 2008 3:07 PM in response to chris.h

I am also experiencing exactly this problem. All of the posts that I've seen so far are specific to the Mac Pro. I've tested this on 2 different Apple computers, using 2 different Bluetooth headsets, and the problem does not appear to be headset specific.

- The problem never occurs on my son's iMac using 10.5.5
- The problem does not occur on my Mac Pro with 10.5.2
- As soon as I update from 10.5.2 to 10.5.5 on my Mac Pro the problem returns

I'm going to run a few more tests to see if I can isolate exactly which "software update" breaks my system, but to be honest about it I don't have much more time to throw at this.

My best guess at this point is that > 10.5.2 is not compatible with the bluetooth in some Mac Pros. Since 10.5.4 was shipping when I bought my Mac Pro, and since the system is still under warranty, I consider that this behavior constitutes a defective product.

Still need to check with Apple to see what recourse they reccomend.


- Charlie Jordan
Nashville, TN

Jan 14, 2009 6:31 AM in response to CharlieJ

Add me to the number of people who are experiencing problems with this!

I have a Plantronics 925 headset and am really disappointed to find it's not working right. If OS X has software noise-cancellation then why in the heck can't we just turn it off? Any developers know where this resides so some of us can poke around and see if we can disable it?

Message was edited by: Iain Simms

Feb 3, 2009 7:14 AM in response to chris.h

Same... Same....

I've been fighting with this system's input for TOO long. I have the newest MacBook Pro and have had nothing but HUGE problems with every sound input issue known.

I've used three different Bluetooth headsets: Mot HS850, Mot HS800 and the newest Jawbone. I get great output but the input has the distortion that that renders the equipment unusable. I've tried each of these headsets on my iPhone and a Motorola Razor where they work PERFECTLY. On the Mac, they just don't work.

Apple has not been responsive to anything related to sound. I'm really wishing I could give back all of my macs at home (2-loaded Quads, 1-iMac, and this problematic MBP). Ugghhh... I've been to the "Geniuses", but only got "I don't know, strange and sorry".

PLEASE help if you have any ideas.

Sorry to be so irritated in my tone. I'm just fed up with seems like 'No Support' and a black hole for technical engagement.

Feb 3, 2009 4:47 PM in response to JT in VA

Hi,

I have solved the issue by using a usb dongle from Callpod that was released last month. The product url is: http://www.callpod.com/products/drone

Have tested it so far with iChat, Skype, iSoftphone, eyeBeam with a Plantronics 510 and Motorola 500 headsets and it works perfectly.

While having to use a dongle when you have built-in bluetooth is a little painful, it's great to having the bluetooth headset working with my voip while travelling.

Murch.

Feb 6, 2009 12:06 PM in response to tipocondriaco

Hi,

Not sure why any usb dongle doesn't work... I tried two different ones and got the same results as you did with the Belkin. The Callpod Drone dongle has some built in circuitry and software built-in that seems to automatically configure the Drone as a completely separate additional bluetooth from the built-in bluetooth on your Mac. In fact it shows up in the System Preference Sound Pane as a "Callpod Drone USB'. This difference means that your headset syncs to the Drone rather than your Mac.

I have now been using my Drone for over five weeks and have not had a single problem. If you get Callpod's Dragon headset, it has a range of 100 feet from you Mac.

Not an "all-in-one" fix but simple and works with no fuss.

Murch.

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Bluetooth headset input noise (pulsing click like sounds)

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