Please recommend a headset with mic for Skype

[LeChuck]

As far as I know the microphone must be powered, so am I stuck with getting a USB headset?

I want a decent headset, neither junk nor high-end. Any recommendations?

[macmanmacman]

I can give you a excellent one and it is mac compatible sony's nice wireless headset for ps3 is 99.99 and works with windows and mac os x and it sounds awesome with Skype

[LeChuck]

I'll trade you this finest Corinthean leather jacket.

[macmanmacman]

Look on amazon i bet you could get it cheaper

[LeChuck]

You see, I was asking for a recommendation, because there are so many models of headsets from various brands. I just don't care for buying random things.

The box displaying "compatible with OS X" doesn't mean much: even headsets that don't have powered mics say "compatible with OS," although an unpowered mic doesn't work on a Mac.

I was simply hoping someone might recommend a particular model with which he's happy.

[mooblie]

I don't use a headset, but I do use the Logitech C270 HD webcam (+microphone) in a single, neat USB-connected package. Works very well for Skype, and not at all expensive (~£15 GBP).
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Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

[LeChuck]

Webcam? I don't want to have to put on pants when skyping!

[Smithcraft]

Thanks for that one LeChuck!

SC
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Grumpy old man of computing.

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Make sure it has pins!

[Bandit Bill]

[LeChuck]

I actually have a headset (Logitech H230) with seperate mic and phone jacks. It does not work on my Mac-mini. When I google the issue, I keep reading I need a USB headset, because the mic must be powered. So you're saying the mic does not have to be powered? Then why isn't the the headset (the mic) I have working?

[mooblie]

The 3.5mm mini-jack stereo analogue audio-in port on all Macs is "LINE-LEVEL" - i.e. it is expecting a very much stronger signal than the "MIC-LEVEL" signal that microphones put out.

Now, PCs always have MIC-LEVEL inputs, so this means that an analogue microphone that works well on a PC will not work on a Mac - which catches loads of people out.

You need to either:
(a) use a microphone pre-amplifier to increase the signal level (complicated and expensive) or
(b) use a USB microphone (i.e. one with a pre-amplifier and analogue-to-digital convertor built-in). <--Best Option!!
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Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

[Bandit Bill]

Mooblie is correct, I stand corrected.. The mic needs to be powered or you need a USB solution.

I thought you were simple plugging you headset into the headphone port alone.

You can use a Griifin iMic if you want to continue using your current headset.

[LeChuck]

Alright, so I'm, back to where I started out in my first post. I've been looking and looking and haven't found anyone claiming their headsets actually works with a Mac. I don't find tech specs like "amplified micropehone and A/D converter) listed anywhere. That's why I had hoped someone would name a specific brand and model that he knows to work.

[mooblie]

It's gotta be USB, realistically!
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Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

[LeChuck]

Appearently, not all USB headsets with microphone have an amplified mic - that assessment is based on comments by remorseful buyers. The tech specs that are usually published mention rather fashion features than tech specs!