Using Headset of Single Jack on PC without a Splitter

Given the wide range of top-class headsets available in the market, the problems many people face associated with the different sorts of headsets are also immense. One such issue is that associated with using single jack headsets on computers when you do not have access to a splitter. This is usually common among headphones of today, which mostly do not come with two jacks. Let us help you using headset of single jack on PC without a splitter.

To assist you at times such as this, we have come up with a detailed guide to help you work smoothly. 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 whatnot. 

Splitters do not cause loss of volume but can deteriorate the quality of the sound that it gives as output as the splitters are meant to split the current that flows through.

What do we mean by a headset jack?

The headset jack is nothing but the connector of the headphone. It looks like a pin that can allow you to connect the headset to the PC and other devices to allow you to hear audio. It will help in receiving and sending audio signals to the PC. The single jack headsets have only one such jack that will do both the reception and transmission of the voice or audio to and from the device.

Using single jack headphones on the PC

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

Modern or recent PCs

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

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

Former models of 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 a headset mic with just one jack? If your microphone 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. This will pop-up a window. You will see an option called Recording. Click on it.

5. This will bring out the 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 Setup 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. Or, you can 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 the 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? If this does not work, you might have to consider changing the headphone altogether or check the ports of the PC. When you choose to use headphones with only one jack on the PC without making use of splitters, you will have to make some additional efforts. 

You can also read: A Guide To Wireless Microphone System

Concluding Remarks

It is certainly useful to be prepared for situations where you must be aware of using a headset of a single jack on a pc 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 adaptor is not an option and you want to handle the issue conveniently.