Headset Microphone Picks Up Computer Audio Output as Input

[trentc2017]

Audio playing through my headset is being picked up as microphone input. Specific details about the environment:

• Windows 11 OS using HP OMEN Blast headset. Headset has a single jack line out which connects to an adapter to USB. The headset is connected to the desktop PC via USB. The issue persists on all USB ports.
• To test the issue I can play sound (music or video) and use the sound recorder app on my computer to record inputs to the mic. The audio that is picked up is significantly quieter than the original audio output through the speakers in the headset, but still very audible and discernible. The audio levels picked up are proportional to the output volume - tested by starting the sound recorder with computer output volume set to 0 and incrementing to 100 using the arrow key.
• Mic is switched OFF on the cable coming out of the headset. I have confirmed this works because it will not pick up my voice when OFF, but will pick up my voice when ON.
• The issue is only present when audio is being output through the headset as well. If the output device is set to my surround sound speakers (and the mic switch remains off), the audio is not picked up.

My solution attempts:

• From Settings>System>Sound>More Sound Settings
  • Disable stereo mix in Recording.
  • Disable all other audio devices except the headset in question for Playback and Recording.
  • Disable all enhancements in Playback
  • Uncheck "listen to this device" in Recording
  • I do not have any option for echo cancellation, which was listed as a recommended fix for others with similar issues in some cases.
    • When using other applications such as Discord which does have its own sound settings and echo cancellation is either turned on or off, the issue persists.
• Update all drivers
• Revert all drivers to older versions
• In the Realtek Audio Console I have selected "Separate all input jacks at independent input devices."

Please help.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @trentc2017,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

Splendid analysis and remarkable patience were shown. It is immensely appreciated.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating audio issue, and I understand how disruptive this can be. Let’s try to resolve it together. Here are a few clarifying questions followed by troubleshooting steps:

• When you check the microphone input levels in the Sound Settings, do you see any specific spike in activity when playing audio through your headset?
• Have you tried using the headset on another device to see if the issue persists?
• Are you using any third-party audio management software aside from the Realtek Audio Console?

Let's try these steps. 

Test with Another Adapter

If possible, try using a different USB adapter for the headset to rule out hardware issues with the adapter itself.

Check and Configure Realtek Audio Console Settings

• Ensure the "Microphone Boost" setting is set to 0.
• In the Realtek Audio Console, confirm that the microphone and headset are not being merged. Select "Separate all input jacks as independent input devices" and apply the change again.

Enable Noise Suppression (Windows)

• Go to Settings > System > Sound > More Sound Settings.
• Under the Recording tab, select your microphone, click Properties, and go to the Enhancements tab.
• Enable any available noise suppression or echo cancellation features.

Test in a Clean Boot Environment

• Perform a clean boot to eliminate the possibility of interference from third-party applications.
• Restart your PC with only essential services running and test the microphone input.

Check for Firmware or Driver Updates

• Visit the HP OMEN website to check for specific firmware updates for your headset.
• Update or reinstall Realtek drivers from the HP or motherboard manufacturer’s support page rather than generic Windows updates.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[trentc2017]

Hi Elohi,

Let me answer your questions step by step:

• When you check the microphone input levels in the Sound Settings, do you see any specific spike in activity when playing audio through your headset?
  • Yes. The microphone input levels show at 10-20% of the levels showing on the playback device.
• Have you tried using the headset on another device to see if the issue persists?
  • Yes. I have access to another computer running Windows 10 Pro and have the same issues.
• Are you using any third-party audio management software aside from the Realtek Audio Console?
  • I have the OMEN gaming hub installed, which either came with or was a recommended application for use with the headset. This app is only on one of the computers though. Other than this I have no other audio management software.

• If possible, try using a different USB adapter for the headset to rule out hardware issues with the adapter itself.

  • I do not have another USB adapter.

• Ensure the "Microphone Boost" setting is set to 0.

  • I do not have an option for "Microphone Boost" in the Realtek Audio Console. I only have "Headphones" listed under "Playback Devices" which only has sound output settings, no mic settings.
• In the Realtek Audio Console, confirm that the microphone and headset are not being merged. Select "Separate all input jacks as independent input devices" and apply the change again.
  • I have already made this change.
• Under the Recording tab, select your microphone, click Properties, and go to the Enhancements tab.
• There is no Enhancements tab
• Perform a clean boot to eliminate the possibility of interference from third-party applications. Restart your PC with only essential services running and test the microphone input.
  •  This had no effect
• Visit the HP OMEN website to check for specific firmware updates for your headset.
  • There are no available drivers: https://support.hp.com/emea_middle_east-en/drivers/omen-headsets/model/38099911?sku=1A858AA&serialnu...
• Update or reinstall Realtek drivers from the HP or motherboard manufacturer’s support page rather than generic Windows updates.
• I downloaded and installed the drivers listed on the page for my computer's motherboard here: https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B560M-C/index.us.asp#Download. This had no effect.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @trentc2017 ,

We apologize for the inconvenience. The issue seems to persist even after attempting the troubleshooting steps mentioned above.

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue over the phone. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[trentc2017]

To provide an update: I called the support number and was transferred to OMEN support. I was advised this was an issue with the headset and could not be resolved.