Mac Studio and problem with Corsair HS80

Not sure if the OP had any resolution on this (I'm pretty sure I'm following their thread on the Corsair Help forum as well), but I'm having the exact same issue. I've tried the 'best reply' suggested answer using the USB 3.1 to USB-C/TB adapter (specifically the Apple one linked) and the behaviour is the same with both/either the receiver or the wired headset itself. I have checked my info vs. what y'all have added here seeing the same 500mA to 500mA for the receiver (headset itself reads as like 150mA out of the available 500mA with no other USB 3.1 items on the Mac when its just the headset itself plugged in, with the same blink in and out behaviour)

Attached youtube clip is from ~5min ago of attaching the wired Corsair HS80 headset to the Mac via the previously noted adapter in one of the Thunderbolt ports instead of the USB 3.1 ports https://youtu.be/eBdQCeuAxMk

If anyone is still interested in this issue or troubleshooting I can dig the million logs and screenshots I've sent to Corsair's help desk over the last 2 weeks if it would help.

I have a pair of SteelSeries Arctis 7 that have zero issues on this Mac Studio, but I hate the mic and fit quality vs. the Corsairs that have worked on both my PC and my Intel gen MacBook Pro I had from work previously.

To confirm and avoid any Bluetooth confusion this is specifically the HS80 Wireless headset, NOT the HS80 Max Bluetooth capable headset from Corsair.

Hello, I have the same problem with my macbook m2, it connects and disconnects all the time, I have tried several usbC-USBA adapters and nothing. So I thought that these headphones are only compatible via bluetooth. I have sent an email to Corsair support to ask what is happening and if my theory is correct. I will update you later when I get clear answers.

Cheers!

Thank you for the reply! I did some fiddling around and I managed to make mine work! Haven't had any disconnecting yet.

It seems that ICue was the problem in my case.

I did the following:

1. Uninstall ICue
2. Install ICue
3. Never Open ICue so it never downloads the HS80 drivers/files.

It looks like it's working fine for me with iMac M1 (Sonoma 14.2.1).

The Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless is connected to the same USB 2.4G SLIPSTREAM Wireless Receiver (Firmware v.5.9.130) as the HS80 RGB Wireless (Firmware v.5.7.44). Both working.

@trusty17 Thanks! The resolution I've had with Corsair directly so far has been they're RMA'ing my over a year old headset and sending me a new one I guess. I can report back if that's actually a thing that works when it gets here, but I doubt it is. To clarify, this is for the HS80 standard wireless version, not the HS80 Max Bluetooth/wireless version. (they sell 2 versions of the HS80 model; the Max can be swapped to use Bluetooth OR wireless)

Reset your Mac’s Bluetooth module

Keep in mind this will disconnect all of your Bluetooth accessories including your mouse/keyboard. Make sure you have a wired keyboard/mouse for Mac desktops.

In macOS Ventura and Monterey

If you’re still having trouble with Bluetooth issues, you can reset your Mac’s Bluetooth Module:

The option + shift + click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar (detailed below) doesn’t show a Bluetooth reset option in Monterey and later so you’ll need to run a Terminal command.

1. Open Terminal
2. Type in the command “sudo pkill bluetoothd”
3. Press return, then enter your password if asked
4. Reset your Mac

I concur 100% with BDAqua for 2 reasons.

1. The Thunderbolt/USB-C port provides more power.
2. The Receiver will be less prone to interference from adjacent USB cables.

I would hang the Corsair Receiver on a USB-C to USB adapter and plug it into one of the Mac Studio's Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

For some examples:

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z768LCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?

https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275

The corsair guys have given me an answer which is to buy their thunderbolt hub product to connect everything. But of course, it's 300$... Here is their answer:

Some adapters have this issue usually we can only recommend something like our TBT200 which is our thunderbolt dock as it has the least amount of issues when it comes to connecting everything. I apologize for any inconvenience. 

Best regards, Mynor V.

Well, I understand that it is their most compatible device for this but $300 seems a bit abusive to me, but knowing this I will connect them via Bluetooth until I find a cheaper adapter that works.

So I DID get my HS80 RMA'd for a different set and oddly enough this 90% works. Occasionally it'll slip into the receiver flashing in and out of existence, but so far restarting the Mac Studio seems to correct it. I've had it once work where restarting DIDN'T solve it...so at that point I finally tried installing Corsair's software, iCue, which loaded new firmware to the headset/receiver, closed iCue (mines set to not autoload on start up since I try not using it), restarted and it was fine after that.

It's so random when it decides to go or why it even happens. I'm hoping it's just some odd Apple software incompatibility an update will help it be stable in the future, but there's not really anything solid to say WHAT'S wrong. /shrug

Hi fencingkitty,

Is the HS80 firmware up to date? And the Sleapstream wireless usb receiver?

I had to install iCUE twice because the first time everything was a bit unstable.

Right after installing iCUE for the second time, I paired the Sleapstream wireless usb receiver.

Maybe that's why I don't have any problems.

Try pairing the Sleapstream wireless usb receiver again.

That's all I can think of at the moment...

By the way,

I had to install iCUE twice because the first time everything was a bit unstable (one on top of the other, without uninstalling the first installation).

Right after installing iCUE for the second time, I paired the Sleapstream wireless usb receiver with the HS80.

Everything worked correctly.

I have the Sleapstream wireless usb receiver connected to a USB HUB and not directly to the iMac.

But the HUB is connected to the iMac's USB C port with power.

Can report 3 months after, the headset I got from Corsair via their RMA/warranty is still working. Every now and then the sound still freezes and will lock up, but if I restart the Mac it kicks back in on reboot.

Nothing I did with the original worked though. Like, I'd almost get it, it might work for a half hour then it'd fail again. It didn't work for me until I exchanged it with Corsair.

I have the same problem and read through all messages.

I don't think it has anything to do with power or USB ports.

The problem happens only when iCue is installed. Uninstall iCue and bang!, it works.

The big downside is that you can't customize anything in the headset :(

It looks like there is also a FHD Camera Microphone on the same USB bus and it is the combination of those devices that is drawing too much power.

So again, you need to use an adapter and move one of those devices to a Thunderbolt/USB-C port.

I got same problem it happen after macbook update, so i think next updates only can fix it. For me its no point for waiting, rip hs80 gona buy another stuff.