How to Use a USB Mic on Xbox One

When it comes to online multiplayer games, having a microphone can be crucial. It allows players to engage with friends and communicate information with teammates, giving them an advantage in the game. However, many gamers have difficulties getting their USB mic to work with the Xbox One due to the console’s USB ports not natively supporting audio input. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll show you an easy workaround that will allow you to use your USB mic on Xbox One and stay competitive online.

Can You Use A USB Mic On Xbox One?

Before we dive into the workaround, let’s address the question: Can you use a USB mic on Xbox One? The Xbox has USB 3.0 ports for connecting accessories such as game controllers and the Kinect Adaptor. Audio inputs, such as microphones, are not supported natively by the ports. If you plug a USB microphone into the console directly, it will get power but not be able to send audio. As a result, to pass through audio to the console, you must use an Xbox One controller. Here’s what you need.

What You’ll Need:

• USB Microphone: First, you need a USB microphone. Whichever microphone you choose, it must have a volume control knob so that you can control the output manually. Volume control allows you to control how you sound and how you sound to others. Xbox makes you do all this manually.

Your mic must also have a 3.5mm headphone output to connect an additional auxiliary cord.

• Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter or Turtle Beach Headset Adapter: You’re going to need the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter or, alternatively, the Turtle Beach Headset Adapter to connect to your Xbox controller. I recommend the Xbox One adapter over the Turtle Beach audio controller because it works well and sounds excellent with more microphones.

• Audio Splitter 3.5mm Male to Female: You’re going to need an Audio Splitter 3.5mm Male to Female with labels for headphones and a microphone. The splitter is required to connect to your headset adapter.

• 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable: Next, you’ll need an additional 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable to plug into the splitter cable’s mic end and the other end of the cable into your microphone’s 3.5mm headphone jack.

• Headphones with an audio cable: Last, you’ll need to use headphones with an audio cable. Using a gaming headset with a microphone is not suggested because it may confuse the audio output of the microphone and headset.

How To Connect Mic To Xbox One

Now that you have everything you need to use a USB mic with the Xbox One, let’s walk through the steps:

1. Plug your USB Microphone into the USB port of your Xbox One for power.
2. Connect the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter into the back of your Xbox One controller.
3. Plug in the male end of the Headset Adapter Audio Splitter into the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
4. Take the 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable and connect it to the microphone end of the Headset Adapter Audio Splitter. Connect the other end of the 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable to the 3.5mm headphone jack on your USB microphone.

5. Plug the audio cable from your headphones into the end of the Audio Splitter labeled “headphones.” Make sure the headphones are connected securely, and you should be able to hear game audio through them.
6. Adjust the volume control on your USB microphone to find the right balance between your voice and the game audio. This will ensure that you can hear your teammates and the game sounds while still being able to communicate clearly.
7. Test your microphone by starting a party chat with a friend or using the “Test Mic” feature in the Xbox One settings. Go to Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories > Xbox One Wireless Controller > Audio settings, and you should see a “Test Mic” option. Speak into the mic to see if the audio levels are satisfactory. If not, adjust the volume control on your USB microphone until the levels are just right.
8. Once you have the audio levels set, you’re ready to start gaming with your USB microphone connected to your Xbox One!

Top 3 USB Mic for Xbox One

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into any issues while setting up your USB mic on Xbox One, here are a few common problems and solutions:

1. Microphone not detected: Ensure that all connections are secure and that you have connected the 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable to the correct port on your USB microphone.
2. No game audio in headphones: Double-check that your headphones are plugged into the correct port on the Audio Splitter. Make sure the headphones’ volume control is turned up, and check the Xbox One’s audio settings to ensure the volume is not muted or too low.
3. Voice not coming through clearly: Adjust the volume control on your USB microphone to find the right balance between your voice and game audio. It may also be helpful to position the microphone closer to your mouth to improve audio quality.
4. Echo or feedback: If you’re experiencing echo or feedback in your audio, try lowering the volume on your USB microphone and adjusting the position of the mic to minimize any background noise.
5. Game audio cutting in and out: Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that there are no loose connections. If the issue persists, you may need to replace one or more of the cables or adapters.

Conclusion

Although the Xbox One doesn’t natively support USB microphones, using the workaround detailed in this article will enable you to communicate with friends and teammates effectively. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring you have the right equipment, you can enjoy a more immersive and competitive gaming experience with your USB mic on Xbox One. Just remember to adjust the audio levels and position of the mic to achieve the best audio quality possible. Happy gaming!