Microphone / Headphone shared socket on Laptops

Maidhci · 28-03-2014 04:30PM #1

Do most laptops nowadays have 1 shared external microphone / headphone socket as opposed to 2 separate sockets on previous models? I purchased a laptop online and only noticed this peculiarity when I physically examined the laptop. I have been using a combined microphone / headphone, which has 2 jacks, for skype etc. etc. but this facility does not appear to be available on this model. Presumably it can be used for either one or the other in conjunction with the integrated audio or mic? Not as satisfactory as older models as regards privacy etc. when using a laptop in a hotel lobby or airport.

bonzodog2 · 28-03-2014 06:03PM

You'll find a USB soundcard online for about 3 euro with 2 jacks

Maidhci · 28-03-2014 10:31PM

bonzodog2 wrote: »

You'll find a USB soundcard online for about 3 euro with 2 jacks

Thanks for that bonzodog2 - didn't know such a device existed! Can you recommend one? Presumably, they are also available in Computer Accessories stores, like Maplin? Thanks again.

Tokyo · 28-03-2014 10:55PM

Are you sure that the 3.5mm socket is a combined audio/mic socket? Quite a few laptops simply have a headphone socket and a built-in mic somewhere on the body.

If it's a combined socket, then you can pick up a cheap adapter on ebay to split the audio and mic out into two sockets, such as below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-Headphone-Microphone-Stereo-Audio-Splitter-Adapter-Cable-For-iPhone-USA-/271305717850?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3f2b14b85a

bonzodog2 · 28-03-2014 11:01PM

Maidhci wrote: »

Thanks for that bonzodog2 - didn't know such a device existed! Can you recommend one? Presumably, they are also available in Computer Accessories stores, like Maplin? Thanks again.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/USB-2-0-3D-SOUND-CARD-ADAPTER-5-1-CH-AUDIO-LAPTOP-PC-3D-/180645880480?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_SoundCards&hash=item2a0f5562a0

next day delivery, but prob not with an order this time of night. Couldn't say about Maplin, prob not at that price

Maidhci · 28-03-2014 11:02PM

mike_ie wrote: »

Are you sure that the 3.5mm socket is a combined audio/mic socket? Quite a few laptops simply have a headphone socket and a built-in mic somewhere on the body.

If it's a combined socket, then you can pick up a cheap adapter on ebay to split the audio and mic out into two sockets, such as below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-Headphone-Microphone-Stereo-Audio-Splitter-Adapter-Cable-For-iPhone-USA-/271305717850?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3f2b14b85a

No, it is a shared microphone / head phone socket. Can be used as either, I presume but not combined as it is only a single socket. That was my issue - on my previous laptop there were two sockets to facilitate a 2 jack mic+headset unit.

Tokyo · 28-03-2014 11:04PM

What laptop is it, if you don't mind me asking? I'm curious now....

Maidhci · 28-03-2014 11:05PM

mike_ie wrote: »

What laptop is it, if you don't mind me asking? I'm curious now....

Toshiba Tecra R950

Microphone / Headphone shared socket on Laptops

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