Microphone static... soundcard the cure?

Soldier786 · 26 Jan 2011 at 15:11

Hi, (not sure if its the right section)

I just received my Roccat Kaves today, as i was in need of a headset with a good mic.
The problem here is that everytime i speak in vent, ts or anything like that there is static in the background and i was hoping to cure this with my new headset (coming from a table mic) but the static is still there. :confused:

I've tried every setting possible to get rid of it, so is a sound card the only way?
If it is i wouldn't want to spend over £30 on 1 (i know its not a lot) but could anyone spec me one?

Thanks!

Global_Inferno · 26 Jan 2011 at 15:41

Only thing I can think of other than the sound card is, have you checked that the mic is pushed *right* into the side of the Kaves? It can sometimes crackle if it's a bit loose.

Otherwise, was you old mic a 3.5mm connection? (ie. not USB) Is it the same sort of noise? What sound card do you have?

Soldier786 · 26 Jan 2011 at 16:38

Hi, thanks for the reply.
Yes the mic is pushed in to its limit in the Kaves, and my old table mic was a 3.5mm connection, the table mic was much worse.. but the static is still there.
I don't have a soundcard, its just the onboard on the mobo (Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7)

Global_Inferno · 26 Jan 2011 at 16:48

Hmm, well I imagine your first diagnosis is correct to be honest. Do you have a friend that could lend you a sound card for a day or two? Might as well try to test your theory before buying one!

Soldier786 · 26 Jan 2011 at 22:27

Hmm tbh most of the people i know are console gamers "sigh" lol.

Looks like i will need to get a soundcard, so im bumping the thread for a soundcard which is at least decent for around £35

.

Thanks!

alex24 · 26 Jan 2011 at 22:36

Try the Xonar DG on special this week. It's plenty cheap so that it's not a massive problem if it doesn't cure it. I expect you'll want to keep it anyway as it should be a decent boost in quality from onboard sound.

However, looking at the Kaves, I'd bet that the static is coming through the USB connection. Does the headset work without the USB plugged in? If so, give it a try.

Global_Inferno · 26 Jan 2011 at 23:30

I'm not so certain, as far as I'm aware the USB is only used to power the LEDs and the vibration unit in the headset. All the audio connections are 3.5mm.

alex24 · 27 Jan 2011 at 00:17

If it's linked electronically, which it almost certainly is, it could be the cause. I've experienced this phenomenon on 3 different USB headsets before, even those with 3.5mm jacks too. I don't think it can be ruled out.

Global_Inferno · 27 Jan 2011 at 08:30

alexhull24 said:
If it's linked electronically, which it almost certainly is, it could be the cause. I've experienced this phenomenon on 3 different USB headsets before, even those with 3.5mm jacks too. I don't think it can be ruled out.

Agreed, but as the old desktop mic exhibited the same issue, and it was only connected via the 3.5mm, the issue must be present on the 3.5mm connector (or as well as).