Skype with a USB headset!
There are many ways to use Skype: headset, headphones and internal mic, bluetooth headset and Skype phone. The headphones and internal mic is great because it makes Skype available to everyone. It is not the best configuration however. The problem is that even though Skype has separate settings for Ringing and Audio Output, there is no way to set headphones and internal speakers as separate audio outputs. Using any of the other options solves this problem because it is recognized as a separate audio input/output. The USB headset is what works best for me. I don't why, but the sound quality of bluetooth is terrible compared to how bluetooth works with my iPhone.
posted by Frederic Tremblay at
9/20/2008
21 Comments:
I've used
http://www.vonphone.com/SkyMACMate.php
to connect Skype phone and it worked ok with Intel iMac duo Core running Tiger.
Never had any lockup problems as some have had.
As always your tips and good Belgian frites are appreciated.
Could you share which headset you use? I use a plantronics and it can be finicky sometimes.
@Shari Simpson
I have a Logitech ClearChat Pro. Quality doesn't matter as much for USB headsets because it is not wireless.
You can also try this application http://www.rogueamoeba.com/freebies/download/SoundSource.dmg
It gives you total control over the sound sources in your system
@Herbert
SoundSource is really what should be part of OS X. I just cannot work on a computer that doesn't have SoundSource.
I've been wanting to download Skype for Mac, but have read that the latest version 2.7, has issues. Was thinking of finding 2.6 version download, instead. Y'all sound Skype-smart, any suggestions or counsel as to how I might proceed, in the matter? I am looking to connect, in particular, w/a friend running Skype on a PC.
I just started using SkypeIn (calling to landlines and cell phones) from my Intel Mac and it works great with Skype 2.7. After reading this post, I'm definitely going to a) download the SoundForge app and buy a USB Skype phone. I don't mind being tethered, because working with VoIP is iffy enough. I don't need to bring in wireless interference and poor quality too.
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Sorry... SoundSource. Also, IPEVO makes a really stylish USB phone that works on Macs. They are selling them on Amazon.com for $40.
Unfortunately, Mac OS X doesn’t seem to distinguish between headphones and the internal speakers – not sure if SoundSource lets you do that, but it’s a cool product anyway.
To respond to mary g’s comment – Skype 2.7 for Mac should work just fine :)
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As far as Skype phone adapter is concerned, the software it requires called SKYPEMATE doesn't work with Intel Macs and Leopard. I have spent several hours changing configurations but it keeps crashing. It also crashed on Tiger (Intel) but only few times a day. On Leopard, it crashes within a min of starting. Also keep in mind the software is a PPC binary. And I don't think Yealink has any plans of putting out a universal binary. So please think twice before you purchase a Skype phone adapter.
so as a computer and skype neophyte i believe i have a fairly basic question that requires some direction...
i'm running on a macbook (leopard) and wonder if i can use it without a headset -- that is, rely on the speakers and internal mike of my computer, or if i need to purchase a 'skype approved' headset?
any info greatly appreciated!
@ mary anne - yes, MacBooks work just fine with Skype using the built-in microphone and speakers :)
ty :)
i tried to use built in speakers with my ibook G4 and it won't work.
Make sure the volume’s turned up and that you’ve picked Built-in Output Internal Speakers from the dropdown list :)
actually i just tried it and it works great! thanks for the feeback!
I teach online and I'm using skype on my imac with 10.6
I want to know if Is there a difference using logitech clearchat pro usb (that is not a Kype certified) with a headphone that is skype certified?
I need a headphone with mic that works very good with skype since i teach online. Usually they say is better to buy skyppe certified so that there is nobreaking on voice... true?
SoundSource does the same thing as holding the "option/alt" button and simultaneously clicking the volume/sound icon in the menu bar.. FYI.
Brilliant fix ! Thanks a lot. Shame on Skype. this is perfect Solutions....!!!!, Really very impressed reading by your article!! Thanks visit more info Skype Help and Call +1-800-231-4635 USA (Toll Free).
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