Robotic Static Sounds USB Headset

Having been using the griffin imic for several days now, several hours at the time, i'm beginning to side with Apple on this one. The griffin imic is working flawlessly while the logitech gear seem to have bad firmware. I have emailed logitech about this (that they should rewrite their stuff and get it working), linking to the imic for reference. Hope you all find new headsets which work, I can recommend the griffin imic.

So just to summarize some of the issues here, user Variuse above got a detailed reply from Apple tech support stating that the problem originated in version 10.5.7 due to a change in how the USB audio drivers handle the audio stream. At that point, every maker of audio software needed to change how their stuff works to handle the new drivers. According to Apple, this is a software issue NOT a device issue. Programs like Skype, Mumble, and Ventrilo need to update their software to handle the new audio drivers.

In contrast to this, the issue apparently affects Apple programs like GarageBand and iChat. You would think that if it were a software fix caused by something Apple did to the audio drivers, that other Apple software would have known about it and been updated to handle the change. Yet apparently they haven't. Score 1 against Apple.

On the other hand, we have users reporting that certain devices work fine. Specifically, the Griffin iMic, the Creative Soundblaster WoW headset (the wired USB version), and an unnamed Sennheiser headset. So if this is a software issue, how come certain devices are affected, but others aren't? It could easily be due to something I don't understand, but until I hear otherwise... Score 2 against Apple.

Had a problem with vent last couple of years but didnt think much of it. Been using skype last few days for first time and noticed that the problem was happening almost exactly every 45 min (I think i read someone else had this timescale). Not this is as convenient as just ending a call and redialling but muting skype at 44 min and speaking again at 47 min seemed to avoid the interference. Not suggesting this as any kind of working solution just an observation which may or may not have some relevance.

I've noticed that in my case unplugging and replugging the USB headset solves the issue. I managed to do that during the call, takes about 5s. Interestingly, the other party seems to hear me fine, while I hear them garbled. It has occured at different times to me, as early as 20 min into the call. Sennheiser Headset, Skype.

That's my current fix, as well. Just unplug and replug the USB. It's fast and relatively easy on my iMac. Unfortunately, one time that caused Skype to freeze. I couldn't even force quit, and eventually had to restart my computer. It was very annoying and inconvenient, considering it was a conference call, and I was in charge.

I'm using a Plantronics 770, and it's happened to me on both Skype and Mumble.

Thank you r.sheth for the update, I was sure wondering about that. I think I may have discovered another possible fix:

My Sennheiser OfficeRunner DECT Headset has a USB port and an external power supply. I had both plugged in. Later I discovered that I can unplug the Walwart and it still works, powered through USB. It seems to be better that way, though I had it that after a day or two the USB port of my MB Air stops working (Blue light on Headset no longer comes on). Rebooting the MBA would bring the USB port back.

No problem. I have become increasingly upset about this. I decided that since Apple apparently isn't going to fix this, I needed to find an alternative solution.

I went out and purchased the Turtle Beach X11 gaming headset. It's on sale at Best Buy this week for $45. It connects to the Mic In port on my iMac. It works sice the headset it powered. Now I don't have to mess with USB audio. Problem solved.

I highly suggest this route if you get to the point of not wanting to deal with this anymore.

Hope this helps.

I almost bought the Turtle Beach X11 headset until I read the reviews. Apparently there is a constant hissing noise that's audible when the volume is low or nothing else is playing. I use my headphones for VoIP, music, and movies in addition to gaming, and I wear them pretty much all day, so that's not acceptable to me. I'm glad this headset works for others, though.

I am shocked this is STILL ongoing. When using Ventrilo it causes major problems I have to edit terminal everytime my computer restarts. The customer service in not resolving or addressing this problem by Apple is terrible.

I would like to not have to type in sudo commands every time my computer has a software update or is turned off...Please resolve, it has been well over a year now.

I have to recommend the griffin imic once again. Works without a glitch for several hours straight with garageband, Skype, teamspeak etc. Have tried it for several hours straight and been using it daily for months now, not a single issue. This on a Mac Pro which has had lots of problems with logitech usb mics since 10.5.7. Simply wonderful.

I am experiencing the exact same bloody issues, even after the upgrade to Lion, come on Apple why cant you bloody sort this? The money we pay for these machines and USB headsets wont even work right.

Come On!

Just want to report that I'm having this issues as well with my USB head set, using 10.6.8 and creative USB head set. Sound just dies after using it for like 30min. Problem solves it self by pulling out the head set, killing the applications (problem exists in any that uses the headset). Change USB port, and restart applications.

REALLY annoying and it doesnt seem to get any notice 😟

I'm having the same problem. I have a Logitech USB headset and a MacBook Pro (model number 5,5) running Mac OS X 10.6.8. Sometimes audio through the headset works great for an hour, sometimes just for a minute before degrading into static and then choppy audio a second or two later. It's pretty annoying.

Wow, I was excited about Buying my first mac today (IMAC 27) and then someone told me about this problem and looked into this and seeing that it's been two years and no fix turned me off and I am NOT going to buy a MAC now unless this problem gets fixed.... Will be keeping an eye on it for when a fix comes out by apple.

This is still an issue even in LION - Please can Apple respond and resolve this god forsaken annoying issue. I have a £2500 iMac here that has bloody sound issues and you cant be arsed to resolve it? COME ON!