How to Use Headset Mic on PC with One Jack

Sometimes we underestimate the process of using a headset on a computer by regarding it to be as simple as plugging it in the PC. Sometimes you will realize the need to know what type of plug you are going to use and what kind of socket are you dealing with. Sometimes you might need to learn how to use headset mic with one jack on PC.

However, sometimes headsets have two plugs and laptops have only one jack. Or, the vice versa situation may arise. Then, you will be in trouble not knowing how to plug a headset microphone to a device that comes with only one jack or port.

If you are new to this, all these questions can seem confusing. Even at an advanced stage of using headsets regularly, you might encounter this issue. To assist you at times such as this, we have come up with a detailed guide to help you work smoothly with the headset.

You do not have to work yourself up thinking about things like are you using new models or old models, does it apply to your model, how many plugs are there, are you missing a port, and what not.

Using Headset Mic on PC with Just One Jack

Over the last few years, the number of headphone users has shot up and certainly, wireless headphones have been conquering the demand since last 2 years. Using a single jack headset, just as you have been often told, on a PC, usually needs an external splitter.

What is a splitter? It is basically something which helps to distribute a single headset jack’s function into two- the input and the output.

Before anything else, it is important to understand these functions of the input and the output on a headset jack. This in turn also needs you to first comprehend how the underlying structure of a headset jack looks like.

The recent headsets or the top-tier headsets have three rings that exist between the golden contacts. Older headphones used to have only one of these rings. Two rings would refer to stereo, though it came without any sort of input capabilities. However, as of today, the three rings, divide the contacts into 4 different parts. This means, the headsets are not merely stereo but also come with input capabilities.

When looking at headphones equipped with two different jacks, you can notice both the input and the output jacks, both coming with two separate rings. One of these rings is the stereo output that allows you to listen to sounds. On the other hand, the input jack, allows you to connect through the microphone.

Modern or Recent PCs

The recent PCs usually come with two separate ports for the jacks, though not specifically designed for either of the output or the input. When looked at minutely around the ports of the headsets, you will notice that one of the ports come with a headset icon where the other can come with a headset icon beside a microphone.

What does this tell us? Well, this simply means, you are allowed to connect your headphones with a mono jack in the secondary port and allow it to function as an input besides an output. The laptops or MacBook usually come with a dual-use headset jack that can facilitate the use of a headset.

Older PCs

When it comes to older versions of PCs, you will have to play around and change some of the settings. You may also be unfortunate enough to have to buy a splitter as they may have specific ports.

How Do I Tweak the Settings?

Do you want to change the settings to allow the use of headset mic with just one jack? If your microphone is not functioning in spite of having a dual-use jack, then try the following-

1. Click on the Start menu
2. Choose the Control Panel
3. Move to the option of Sound
4. A pop-up window will open, and you will see an option called Recording. Click on it.
5. This will bring out list of appliances. Search for and choose the one that you are currently connected to and make it your default choice.
6. Are you unable to it? Then, try this- choose the Set up Microphone. Usually, Windows will be able to automatically detect whenever an input device that is connected to the PC
7. Once it has done so, click on Apply to implement the changes and test out the device

Are you not using Windows? MacOS user here? Do not worry! We have got you covered as well. Try the following:

1. Select the Volume icon. Alternatively, you can also look for Sound via the Finder
2. Then, the Sound Preferences tab will pop-up
3. Move on the tab that says Input in the pop-up window that has opened
4. This will bring out list of devices. Find and choose the one that you are using and make it your default choice.

The aforementioned steps must solve the issue. Has it not? Then you have only two more options left. Either you should get your headset port changed, or, it is time for you to purchase a splitter for this purpose.

When you choose to use headphones with only one jack on PC without making use of splitters, you will have to make some additional efforts. Splitters costs between 1 and 5 USD depending on what type of splitter you are willing to invest on.

Concluding Remarks

It is certainly useful to be prepared for situations where you have only one port for using a headset mic and almost no interest, time or money to invest in an external splitter. Furthermore, understanding the construction of headphones will help you with this and other headset related issues. It is usually always about tweaking a few settings in your PC, if buying an adapter is not an option and you want to handle the issue conveniently.

You can also read: Using Headset of Single Jack on PC without a Splitter.