On two computers, both running Zorin (one with PulseAudio and one PipeWire), the microphone from an attached headset works but is very noisy.
Both headset and PC is using TRRS (assuming CTIA here..)
Thing is - headset is noise-free when attached to android phone. I'm suspecting that the bias voltage required to power the dynamic mic isn't being feed from the pc.
I could be wrong here, or this could indeed be the reason many people are having troubles with headsets on Zorin.
Sidenote:
I tried adding
options snd-hda-intel model=auto
to
/etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf
but no luck. Still noisy mic.
best regards,
Direct USB plugin headsets, will get noise heard through the headset, this is because USB audio is not filtered. Since I personally do separate headphones and a mic for the rare to never times I use it the mic, I was hoping running my USB audio through a DAC, would remove any interference noises from the system, it does not.
I am not an audio producer, so I won't have the knowledge that a producer has. But from your description, it sounds like you need of some sort of professional gear hooked up to USB to boost its power from the wall or something.
A lot like how condenser mics required specialized 48v phantom power, in order to utilize them, as they won't work at all from straight plugin. Again, I am not a producer, so my knowledge is limited in the production realm, although I am an audiophile of sorts.
Additionally, to get more control from your system audio, make sure that Pulse Audio Volume Control is installed, and also installed the Pulse Audio Effects Extra's. Its basically an EQ extension to add to the volume control solution.
Good luck!
Hi and thanks!
I tested booting computers in windows and same noise there. So I don't think there's anything Alsa or Zorin could be blamed for here - simply missing bias voltage for mic in these PC's (Lenovo laptops).
Technical sidenote: The bias voltage is added to to make the FET in the headset work as intended, providing much less noise. A resistor in series protects any mics dynamic mics used. Inside the PC, the bias voltage is removed using a regular coupling capacitor before the ADC.
So, "sorry for the noise", but keep this post for reference if you like.
Thanks for an awsome OS.