Massive static in pc headset, dac?

mysticjbyrd

Golden Member
Oct 6, 2015
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I was thinking of buying a dac to potentially solve this issue, and I was wondering if this would solve the problem. Also, I was wondering if people had any good recommendations.

I would prefer something on the cheap side, as high audio fidelity isn't a high priority for me. I just cant stand the static in the headset, and microphone anymore.

I also have a 5.1 surround speakers.
 
Last edited:

JeffMD

Platinum Member
Feb 15, 2002
2,026
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static from movement would be from the headjack, and static from internal noise would be from badly shielded audio electronics, so yea in both of these cases an external sound card would work. You should be able to find 5.1 ones for just a little money.
 

giantpandaman2

Senior member
Oct 17, 2005
580
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Are you using the front jacks for your mic and headset? If so, try disconnecting them and using the rear jacks. (When I say disconnect I mean removing the connections from the motherboard.)

I find that front/computer case jacks tend to cause issues. If that doesn't work an external DAC would definitely fix the problem.
 

mysticjbyrd

Golden Member
Oct 6, 2015
1,363
3
0
Are you using the front jacks for your mic and headset? If so, try disconnecting them and using the rear jacks. (When I say disconnect I mean removing the connections from the motherboard.)

I find that front/computer case jacks tend to cause issues. If that doesn't work an external DAC would definitely fix the problem.
If I connect the USB + Audio to the same side, front or back, there is a lot of static!

I had been using an extension to use the front jacks, and the back USB port, and that helps a little. Then, I bought a USB to 120v adapter, and that helps some more, but it's still there.
 

giantpandaman2

Senior member
Oct 17, 2005
580
11
81
If I connect the USB + Audio to the same side, front or back, there is a lot of static!

I had been using an extension to use the front jacks, and the back USB port, and that helps a little. Then, I bought a USB to 120v adapter, and that helps some more, but it's still there.

That's...odd. Poor shielding on the motherboard? A case problem or grounding issue? That definitely isn't normal. USB shouldn't affect the analog audio jacks at all. Did you build the computer yourself or is it a prebuilt?

At this point the most surefire thing you can do is just get an external USB DAC. They're cheap and sound pretty good. No reason to worry about getting a "top of the line" one unless you have high ohm earphones and are an audiophile.