F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Microphone and headphones both produce strong static noises

Microphone and headphones both produce strong static noises

Microphone and headphones both produce strong static noises

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yalo29
Senior Member
641
11-23-2022, 04:18 PM
#1
I recently acquired the components for a brand new computer I had been saving for a while. About four months ago, my microphone and headset started acting up—sometimes the headphones made loud static, other times the mic produced big static bursts. I’ve been trying to figure out the cause for a while now. My mic is an AT2020+ USB model, and the headphones are Audio-Technica ATH-M30x. Since my old headphones were also from Audio-Technica, I assumed it was a faulty device. However, the static seems linked to a bigger issue: whenever it happens, my keyboard lights flicker out, and occasionally my screen freezes or USB connections drop completely. Sometimes the keyboard LEDs turn off randomly without any static, and only the headphones and mic are affected.

It appears the problem might be related to power delivery. The static occurs whenever I’m gaming or streaming, but it’s persistent. The only solution that works is unplugging the audio jack/USB and reconnecting—even then, I sometimes lose audio from certain apps until I reattach it. I’ve tried rearranging USB devices, cleaning the jack with a microfiber cloth, adjusting sound settings, updating drivers (none available), and even installing new USB hubs.

Friends who know more suggested checking power quality, assuming USB ports might not be getting enough voltage. I’m not sure if boosting power could help, especially since my PC already handles it fine. I’ve also heard mixed advice about using a hub, but I’m still unsure.

Here’s a quick summary of what I have and what’s connected:
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K
- RAM: 32 GB (31.8 GB free)
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4090
- Motherboard: ROG STRIX Z690-E Gaming
- Power supply: EVGA Supernova 1000 P5
- Devices always connected: Steelseries Keyboard Death, Mouse AT, Headset AT, Mic XP-Pen, Drawing Tablet, 4TB external drive, USB port extender (2 used for tablet/external), and Xbox controller (USB stick issues)

Any tips or alternatives would be greatly appreciated!
Y
yalo29
11-23-2022, 04:18 PM #1

I recently acquired the components for a brand new computer I had been saving for a while. About four months ago, my microphone and headset started acting up—sometimes the headphones made loud static, other times the mic produced big static bursts. I’ve been trying to figure out the cause for a while now. My mic is an AT2020+ USB model, and the headphones are Audio-Technica ATH-M30x. Since my old headphones were also from Audio-Technica, I assumed it was a faulty device. However, the static seems linked to a bigger issue: whenever it happens, my keyboard lights flicker out, and occasionally my screen freezes or USB connections drop completely. Sometimes the keyboard LEDs turn off randomly without any static, and only the headphones and mic are affected.

It appears the problem might be related to power delivery. The static occurs whenever I’m gaming or streaming, but it’s persistent. The only solution that works is unplugging the audio jack/USB and reconnecting—even then, I sometimes lose audio from certain apps until I reattach it. I’ve tried rearranging USB devices, cleaning the jack with a microfiber cloth, adjusting sound settings, updating drivers (none available), and even installing new USB hubs.

Friends who know more suggested checking power quality, assuming USB ports might not be getting enough voltage. I’m not sure if boosting power could help, especially since my PC already handles it fine. I’ve also heard mixed advice about using a hub, but I’m still unsure.

Here’s a quick summary of what I have and what’s connected:
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K
- RAM: 32 GB (31.8 GB free)
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4090
- Motherboard: ROG STRIX Z690-E Gaming
- Power supply: EVGA Supernova 1000 P5
- Devices always connected: Steelseries Keyboard Death, Mouse AT, Headset AT, Mic XP-Pen, Drawing Tablet, 4TB external drive, USB port extender (2 used for tablet/external), and Xbox controller (USB stick issues)

Any tips or alternatives would be greatly appreciated!

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Eve_Jr
Junior Member
23
11-24-2022, 06:21 PM
#2
Consider moving the headphones to another machine to check the results. 1. Secure every screw on the motherboard... Make sure it’s properly grounded. 2. Use a power supply tester to confirm all rails deliver correct voltage. Just go to your local Best Buy or a friend’s place and try them out. It seems like the connection isn’t solid... I’d probably go with a headset instead. I usually use a Hyperx Cloud 2—it’s rock solid, delivers great sound, and offers good value.
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Eve_Jr
11-24-2022, 06:21 PM #2

Consider moving the headphones to another machine to check the results. 1. Secure every screw on the motherboard... Make sure it’s properly grounded. 2. Use a power supply tester to confirm all rails deliver correct voltage. Just go to your local Best Buy or a friend’s place and try them out. It seems like the connection isn’t solid... I’d probably go with a headset instead. I usually use a Hyperx Cloud 2—it’s rock solid, delivers great sound, and offers good value.

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GimpyTimmy99
Member
51
12-13-2022, 07:11 AM
#3
Sure, I’ll attempt to purchase a power supply tester to check the voltage. I’ll also try using the headphone tip first. I’m not sure if the issue is with the motherboard, since I was very careful when building my PC and don’t want any loose screws. I’ll wait a few days with a different headset to see if the problem resolves. Thanks for the advice!
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GimpyTimmy99
12-13-2022, 07:11 AM #3

Sure, I’ll attempt to purchase a power supply tester to check the voltage. I’ll also try using the headphone tip first. I’m not sure if the issue is with the motherboard, since I was very careful when building my PC and don’t want any loose screws. I’ll wait a few days with a different headset to see if the problem resolves. Thanks for the advice!