Ever since I first started playing, the headset that came with my xbox360 premium has been giving me trouble. People I play with online hear a very annoying echo. After following Microsoft’s troubleshooting suggestions for how to fix it, I finally contacted Xbox support. Today I got a response from a tech support rep with a few more ideas on how to fix the echo. I suspect that my headset is simply bad and I’ll have to replace it.

Just in case you’re experiencing the same issues, here are tech support’s suggestions for fixing my headset/microphone:

Thank you for writing Xbox Customer Support!

I deeply apologize for the inconvenience and as I understand, other players cannot hear you, or other players hear an echo when you talk. This either the connection port is dirty, the console is not configured correctly or the headset is faulty

Please note that we designed the Xbox 360 Headset for use with licensed Xbox 360 devices only. We did not intend for people to use the headset with any other device. The Xbox 360 console does not transmit game sounds or music through the Xbox 360 Headset.

For wired headset:

Please try the following to resolve the issue.
1. Examine and then clean the Xbox hardware. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Examine the headset, the cord, and the connector for visible defects.
b. Make sure that there is no dirt or debris on the Xbox 360 Headset connector. To clean the connector, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
c. Verify that the Xbox 360 Controller operates correctly. Verify that you can use the controller to turn the console on and off.
d. Firmly insert the Xbox 360 Headset connector in the expansion port under the directional pad (D-pad) and the right stick on the controller.
e. If this does not resolve the issue, go to step 2.

2. Test the headset. To do this, record and then listen to a new voice message. To record and then listen to a new voice message, follow these steps:
a. Press the Xbox Guide button on the Xbox 360 Controller.
b. Select Messages, and then press the A button.
c. Select Create New, and then press the A button.
d. Select Message, and then press the A button.
e. Select a gamertag, and then press the A button.
f. Select Add Voice, and then press the A button.
g. Put on the Xbox 360 Headset.
h. Select Record Message, and then press the A button to start recording a message.
i. Speak clearly into the microphone and record your voice for 5 to 15 seconds.
j. Press the A button to stop recording.
k. Select Play Message, and then press the A button.
l. Listen to your recording. If you can hear the recorded message, your headset is operating correctly. If the headset still does not function correctly when you use the headset on Xbox Live, you may have to configure Family Settings. Go to step 3. If you cannot hear the recorded message, your microphone may be muted, or the earpiece volume may set too low. Verify that the controls are adjusted correctly. If this does not resolve the issue, see the “More Information” section.
3. Configure Family Settings. Please note that if you set up a profile for a child on the console, Family Settings lets the owner of the parent profile control who can communicate with the child profile on Xbox Live. In Family Settings, you can enable communication in the child’s profile. The default setting for gamers who are under 17 is Friends Only.
To configure Family Settings, follow these steps:
a. In the Xbox Dashboard, select System, and then press the A button.
b. Select Family Settings, and then press the A button.
c. Select Xbox Live Controls, and then press the A button.
d. Select the child’s profile, and then enter the password of the parent’s profile that is associated with the child’s profile.
e. Select Privacy and Friends, and then press the A button.
f. Select Communications, and then press the A button.
g. Select one of the following options:
• Everyone: This setting lets you communicate with anyone on Xbox Live.
• Friends Only: This setting lets you communicate with people who are on your friends list only.
• Blocked: This setting blocks all communication with the headset. Please note that with this setting, you can still receive new friend requests.
h. After you select the option that you want, press the B button until you return to the System section.
i. If this does not resolve the issue, see the following troubleshooting steps to further try to resolve the issue.

If other players cannot hear you, please try these:
1. Make sure that the volume level is set correctly or that the volume is not muted in the Personal Settings area. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Press the Xbox Guide button on the Xbox 360 Controller.
b. Select Personal Settings.
c. Select Voice.
d. Make sure that the Mute option is not selected. To turn off the Mute option, select Mute, and then press the A button.
e. Increase the volume. To do this, select the volume bar, and then press the D-Pad or the left stick.
2. Verify that the Mic switch is not set to Mute. Please note that the Mic switch is located on the Xbox 360 Headset connector.
3. See the game manual to determine whether you must press a button to communicate with other players during gameplay.
4. If this does not resolve the issue, replace the Xbox 360 Headset.

For Wireless Headset:

Please try this troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

The microphone may detect ambient noises. This includes voice transmission that comes from the earpiece. If this is the case, other players’ voices will echo back to them from your headset.

If you or other players experience audio echo or noise during gameplay, follow these steps:
• Turn the volume down for your TV or stereo.
• Turn the volume down for the wireless headset by using the volume controls on the wireless headset.

For further assistance, please don’t hesitate to write back or call Xbox Phone Support at 1-800-4MYXBOX or 1-800-469-9269 (United States and Canada); or 425-635-7180 (International/direct dial to the US) at your earliest convenience. We are open everyday 9am-1am EST/6am-10pm PST.

Tonight I’ll try these suggestions and let you all know how it goes!

Categories: xbox360