Mic use help

[Draccus]

I just got a Logitec mic and headset. I've never used one before so I'm not sure if these problems I'm having are inherent to the mic, the game, or user error.

The mic/headset combo is USB. I plug it in and immediately hear the game sounds through the headphones. However, no one can hear me speak until I go into the Audio tab of the options page and change the Voice device from my sound card to my headphones. No big deal.

The problem, however, comes after I'm done playing or done using the headphones. I don't use the headphones for anything other than playing DDO so when I'm done playing, I unplug them from the USB port.

The next time I log in, things are still fine. My Options panel no longer has the headphones as an option and I can hear sounds through my speakers. However, the instant I join a group, something strange happens. After I join, my name lights up green as if I'm speaking and every other player hears horrible feedback...note that my headset's not even plugged in!

To end the sound, I have to un-enable voice chat. If I do want to speak, I have to plug in my headphones, manually change the device from my soundcard to the headphones, and then enable voice chat.

Is this normal? I would think it would be far simpler: Plug in your mic to talk, unplug it if you don't want to talk. Is there no easy way to swap between mic and no mic?

[Turial]

I use a logitec headset mic combo and havent noticed what you discribe.

Now I know what might be causing it. Does your computer have a built in mic? If it does then what you are getting is feedback simply from joining the group because the game will activate the mic and cause feedback. Turning off voice would end it because the microphone wouldn't get the request for input. If your computer has a built in web camera you likely have a built in microphone.

[winnskier]

I have been using USB headsets for awhile now and have experienced the problem you describe. I've found that plugging the headset in the USB port, and allowing it to be discovered by your OS prior to launching the game, should ensure that it is the primary input/output device. This goes for programs other than DDO as well.

Turial also makes a good point, other sound devices could be the culprit. Make sure they are disabled in your sound panel if you aren't using them.

[Milolyen]

I have to agree with Winn. I found that if I don't have the head set plugged in before I load the game the headset will have issues. If I where you I would try to make sure they are plugged in before you connect to the server at the server select screen.

Milolyen

[Mockduck]

Also, make sure that you have push to talk enabled in the DDO audio settings. What is happening is you are getting a "feedback loop" where the mic output is also being used as a mic input, causing the noise you describe. I'm not sure what's causing it, but if you require push to talk then it should at least prevent it from happening as soon as you join a group.