Combo audio jack. How to connect wired headphones to a computer or laptop

Almost all modern laptops are equipped with a built-in camera with a microphone that allows you to freely communicate via Skype or record speech. But what if the recording device does not work or is missing? There are two options: try turning on the laptop microphone or connecting external equipment.

Turning on the microphone

Before figuring out how to connect a microphone to a laptop, you need to see if you need optional equipment. If your laptop has a camera with a microphone, then this set will be enough to perform daily tasks. If the built-in recorder does not work, try turning it on.

Click on the speaker icon in the notification area right click and open the list of recording devices.
Locate the camera's built-in microphone. Select it and click "Default" to always use it. Then go to properties.
On the General tab, make sure the device is working.
Go to the "Levels" tab and set maximum values. Save the configuration by clicking "OK".

If the built-in microphone does not work and does not appear in the list of recording equipment, then you should check the drivers of your sound card and webcam. If the software is not installed, it must be installed. If you are simply not satisfied with how the existing recording device works, then you can connect higher-level external equipment.

Connecting an external microphone

When answering the question of how to connect external microphone to a laptop, it does not matter what type of device (dynamic or condenser) you purchased. If the equipment has a wire that ends with a 3.5 jack plug, then there will be no problems connecting it, although sometimes you have to use a simple adapter.

Inspect the laptop case. If it has a separate connector for a microphone (it may be painted pink or there will be a corresponding one nearby) graphic image), then for the external device to work, it will be enough to insert the plug.

If the equipment does not work after connecting, you can follow the same steps as when setting up the webcam microphone. If the system does not see the connected device, check the sound card drivers. But usually you don’t have to do anything: you can simply connect the device, and it will immediately start working.

One headphone and microphone input

Some laptops do not have a dedicated recording device connector. On the case you will find only one input, next to which you will see headphones and a microphone. You can also interact with such a connector, but here you need to either use an adapter or buy an external sound card or headset, which is also a good option. Let's see available methods in details.

Adapter

The easiest way to split one input into two devices is to buy a splitter that looks something like this.

One glance at the adapter is enough to understand how it works. One black end is inserted into the headset jack on the laptop. It turns out there are two inputs - green and pink. Green connects headphones or speakers, pink connects wired microphone. It is important that the colors are different. There are similar adapters on sale, but both of them have green inputs, that is, for headphones.

External Sound Card

If you don't like how the built-in sound card works, you can buy external device, connected as a flash drive via USB port. The cost of an external sound card ranges from several hundred to several thousand rubles. There is no point in buying very cheap equipment, because the sound and sound recording will be of poor quality. There is no need for an expensive card either - look at models in the mid-price segment.

Usually the system sees the external sound card immediately after connecting via USB. Drivers are installed automatically; without them, the equipment does not work. After installation software You can connect a microphone and headphones to the card: it has the necessary two connectors.

If the system does not see the connected equipment, open the list of recording devices and set the default to use an external sound card.

Headset

Since the laptop has a headset jack, it is logical to use headphones with a built-in microphone for communication or voice recording. In this case, neither an adapter nor an external card is needed.

Good day!

After purchasing a new laptop, many people wonder why there is only one connector (input) on the case for connecting headphones and a microphone (previously there were always two, or even more).

The fact is that in many modern models Laptops are equipped with a headset (combined) jack. Manufacturers save space on the case mobile device, and users again have to buy additional adapters and puzzle over how to connect regular computer headphones to such a connector.

In this article I will consider this question: what, how, why and why...

How to distinguish the headset jack

To begin with, I want to show how the headset jack on the laptop body is indicated. If before there were 2 inputs (at least): on one there was a microphone icon, on the other - headphones (see photo 1); then when using the headset jack, you will have a combined icon, and only one (see photo 2).

Photo 1. Laptop - microphone and headphone jack

photo 2. Headset jack

If there is such an icon on the case of your device, then you are 100% dealing with a headset jack. Naturally, you will not connect ordinary computer headphones with a microphone to it (such as in photo 3. Probably the most common headphones for a PC).

Photo 3. Computer “ears”

Note! If you are buying new headphones for your laptop and don’t want to get into trouble, pay attention to the plug on the headphones. For the headset jack it must have 4 contacts (see photos 4 and 5)! If the headphones have 3 contacts, then they are for a regular (and familiar to everyone) audio input.

Photo 4. 4 contacts on the plug (for the headset jack)

Photo 5. 3 contacts on the plug (for a regular audio input)

Connecting regular computer headphones with a microphone to a laptop with a headset jack

1) Direct connection

If you don’t need a microphone, you can try connecting headphones to the headset jack - in most cases the headphones will work for you (note: the red audio plug from the microphone does not need to be connected anywhere) .

In this case, however, there is one significant drawback: you will not be able to communicate with other people, for example, in this popular app, like Skype. Therefore, I still offer other options below...

2) Using a special adapter

Most cheap way- this is to purchase a special adapter. It is not expensive and is available in almost every major store. computer store(or at an audio-video equipment store).

Important! Among the adapters there are those that are just a splitter for audio output: i.e. you can connect to it, for example, two pairs of headphones, or speakers and headphones. As a rule, on adapters for connecting regular headphones and microphone to the headset jack - the outputs are marked green (headphones) and red (microphone) (see photo below).

Photo 6. Adapter

3) Using an external sound card

If you don't like your built-in sound card, you can buy an external one that connects to a USB port. Many of them are slightly larger than a regular flash drive.

On such a sound card, as a rule, there are several audio inputs, just for a microphone and headphones (speakers). An example of what it looks like is shown in the photo below.

Perhaps only a couple of disadvantages:

Such a sound card costs more than an adapter, and even more than many cheap headsets;
one USB port will be occupied (which, for example, is critical on a laptop).

Note! Despite this small size sound card - many of them can produce sound quality higher than your built-in sound card.

Photo 7. Using an external card on a laptop

4) Bluetooth or Wi-Fi headset

Another option is to buy headphones with a microphone that work over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In this case, you will not need a headset jack on your laptop at all...

There are several disadvantages:

are more expensive than regular headphones;
There are batteries that will need to be charged.

Photo 8. Wi-Fi headset

Connecting headphones to a regular audio input

I decided to say a few words about the opposite situation: what if you have a headset that you want to connect to a laptop that does not have a headset jack?!

In general, this situation occurs less frequently than the first.

In this case, I recommend purchasing an adapter: it consists of one jack (for a headset) and two audio plugs (connected to the connectors on the laptop, an example is shown in the photo below). True, such an adapter is less common than its “reverse” analogues - it’s easier to find and order in an online store (in my opinion).

Photo 9. Another adapter

That's all for me. Good luck and fast connection!

Play games, listen to music, talk on Skype without disturbing others - all this is possible using headphones with a microphone. The gadget makes life much easier for the user of a PC or laptop.

Jacks and types of connecting headphones with a microphone

At the beginning of the article, I would like to clarify a little the situation with the connectors and sockets of headphones and a computer.

So, if you bought modern headphones with a built-in microphone, then most likely they will have a combination jack that will look like this:

Please note that this jack has three dark contact strips, two of them for headphones, right and left channels, and one for the microphone. This means that if your computer or laptop has a special combo jack, then you just need to connect the headset and everything will work. But, unfortunately, in cases with desktop computers, this is not always the case. In most cases, a computer has 2 jacks, one for headphones only (usually green) and the other only for a microphone (usually Pink colour).

This is what a regular headphone jack looks like without a microphone (only two contact strips):

How to connect headphones with a combo jack to a desktop computer that does not have a combo jack? You will need a special adapter cord:

In the case of a laptop, you will most likely have better luck; modern models have built-in combined jacks (note the icon - headphones with a microphone), which look something like this:

U desktop computers It’s convenient to connect the headset to the front panel; in my case it looks like this:

It is difficult to make a mistake when connecting; all sockets have a corresponding icon. If your computer doesn’t have such sockets on the front panel, it doesn’t matter, there are definitely some on the back. If, of course, your computer has a sound card.

We connect and configure headphones to a PC running Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1

There shouldn't be any difficulties when connecting. Everything is extremely simple - the “procedure” will take no more than 2 minutes.

The headphones have two connectors: one for the “ears” themselves (usually green), the other for the microphone (usually pink). Of course, there are models without a microphone (there is one connector), but basically all modern headphones come with a microphone. After all, voice communication via the Internet is becoming more popular than telephone communication.

You can connect the device using the front or rear panel, depending on where there are free inputs.

Connect the ear connector. It's usually either green or has a headphone icon next to it;
Connect the microphone jack. It is usually pink or has a microphone icon next to it;
If you have a combination jack on your headphones and a corresponding jack on your computer, just connect and don’t need to do anything else;
Turn on your favorite song or movie and check the sound. If there is sound, everything is fine. If not, then right-click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the monitor. Then select "Playback Devices":
There will be several (or one) devices in the list, make sure that the “Speakers” device is selected and there is a green checkmark next to it:
If not, select this device, right-click on it and select the "set as default" menu:
Now select the speakers, and click on the “set up” button, which is located just below, then select audio channels“stereo”, you can click on the “test” button, you should hear the sound from the channel that is displayed on the screen, and click “next”:
Check the box in the settings " full range speakers" in the "left and right front" position and click "next", and then "done":
The speakers on the right have a scale, turn on the music, if when playing music the scale does not fill and there is no sound, then something is not working correctly:
If the scale fills up but there is no sound, check the volume level. You can do this by left-clicking on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the monitor:

If the volume is set, the scale is filling, but there is no sound, it means that either you inserted headphones into the wrong socket, or your headphones are faulty, check them on another device that definitely works;

We connect and configure a microphone to a PC running Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1

To check the microphone, connect it, click on the speaker icon, which is located in the lower right corner, right-click and select “recording devices” there:
Select your microphone and make it your default device. Most likely, it will already be one, but it doesn’t hurt to check:
A menu will appear where your microphone should be displayed. Check if you clap your hands next to it to see if the gauge is filling:
If not, then right-click on the device and select “properties”:
Then go to the “levels” tab, set the value to 80, check again:

If after this the scale does not fill, then you most likely connected the microphone to the wrong connector, or your microphone is not working. If it is full, then select this device “use as default” and use it.

The headphones work properly and make the owner happy. For the most effective use and settings of the device and all sound in general, use the programs that come with your sound card, these are usually Realtek applications, but not always, so be careful.

Main features of the Realtek application:

volume control;
adjusting sound quality, microphone;
Configuring front and rear panel connectors.

And many other nice additions.

We connect headphones to a laptop on Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1

Laptops have only one connector for connecting headphones and, most likely, it will be a combined one. If not, no problem, because... Almost all laptops come with a built-in microphone.

The algorithm for connecting headphones to a laptop is exactly the same as to a computer; follow the instructions given just above:

Connect the device;
Checking the sound;
You are using it.

Drivers for headphones and microphones are usually not needed.

The headphones and microphone are connected, all that remains is to configure the headphones to suit your needs.

Adjust the microphone volume. Right-click on the speaker icon, select "recording devices", then right-click on the microphone, select "properties", then go to the "levels" tab. There is no need to set all values to maximum. You don’t want your interlocutor to hear only wheezing? Photos of the process are presented just above;
Adjust the volume level in your ears to a comfortable level so that you can clearly hear the music or your interlocutor. However, keep in mind that it is best to adjust the volume based on the sound of the music on your computer. Quite often it happens that the interlocutor has incorrectly adjusted the microphone sensitivity level, and it will sound either quiet or loud, then, if circumstances permit, you need to tell your interlocutor about this. He must set the microphone correctly, because... if you adjust to it, you may forget that you changed the volume level, and then, when you turn on music or a movie, you may get very scared loud sound, or worry that the sound is very difficult to hear.

Connected. Set up. Now enjoy crystal clear sound.

Headphones are required device, which is actively used when connecting to a computer. This is not surprising, since the use of headphones can significantly expand its functionality. If there is a microphone, such a device will become indispensable when communicating on Skype or other communication services. Headphones are no less useful for those who regularly play games. computer games online, as they allow you to stay in touch with your fellow players.

Even a standard function for headphones - playing music - deserves attention from users, especially if it is not possible to listen to music through speakers, due to the risk of disturbing someone.

Briefly about connectors and outputs

The design of most computer models includes a sound card. As a rule, a sound card is built into the motherboard or connected separately. To connect headphones with a microphone, your computer or laptop must have two outputs: one for sending audio to the headphones, the other for the microphone.

Typically, headphone outputs are labeled green colors, while for the microphone it is pink, but it is not uncommon for the connection to occur linearly. As a rule, computer panels have symbols on them that will help you not to make a mistake about which connector needs to be inserted.

Headphones that are used on computers, or rather their plugs, are also marked with the colors indicated above. This significantly distinguishes them from conventional headphones for music players, since there is no mention of any marking there.

Another difference computer headphones– their durability. Thanks to the longer and thicker cable, these headphones can last much longer than regular ones, and in addition, they are more comfortable to use.

To connect headphones, just insert them correctly into the computer connectors: the green plug into the green connector, the pink plug into the pink connector. After this, the headphones are configured using a special program.

Connecting headphones on laptops is absolutely identical. Typically, headphone and microphone jacks are located either on the left side of the laptop or on the front panel, located in front of the user. By the way, if headphones do not easily fit into the laptop jack, you should not think that they are not suitable. Most manufacturers specifically make headphone connectors tighter in their products so that they last longer.

Newer laptop models have combo jacks that allow you to connect headphones and a microphone. They may not be marked with the colors indicated above, but there are symbols near the connectors that will help you find out where the required connector is located.

Connecting headphones to a computer

After you have inserted the headphone plugs into the appropriate sockets on your computer, you need to check if they work. In most cases, after this procedure, the sound is already played in the headphones, and therefore the headphones do not require any further adjustment.

However, there are times that even after properly connecting the headphones and the computer, no sound appears. IN in this case you should do the following:

1. Check if the headphones themselves work. The problem may be that they are not working. To check, it is recommended to use any working device with a headphone output: TV, MP3 player, video player, tablet.

2. Another reason why connected headphones do not reproduce sound is the lack of necessary drivers. In order to check for drivers, you need to enable any sound file on the computer through the speakers. If the speakers work, then the drivers are installed on your computer, and the problem lies elsewhere.

If there are no drivers on your computer, you should go to "Device Manager" via the control panel.

Next you should find the lines « Sound devices» And "Audio outputs and audio inputs". Opposite them there should not be marks in the form of exclamation marks or crosses. If you see such symbols opposite the specified lines, you need to reinstall the drivers on your computer.

3. If you are convinced that everything is normal with the drivers and headphones on your computer, it may be that the volume on the computer is set to minimum. To fix this, you need to look for the speaker icon in the bottom right corner. By clicking on it, a mixer will appear on the screen, allowing you to control the sound level.

You can also check whether the sound is set to minimum in "Control Panel" In chapter "Sound", link "Volume Setting".

It is also worth noting that with the help of indicators that are displayed in the sound mixer, you can determine whether sound is being played by the computer. If no audio file is playing, the mixer does not move.

For those who use headphones with a microphone, it is also useful to know that you can monitor the operation of the microphone in the tab "record", which is located in the section "Sound" in the control panel.

If after performing these steps the sound in the headphones on your computer does not work, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible reasons for the lack of sound. In addition, the reason for the lack of sound may be a malfunction of the sound card, and then the computer will need the help of a specialist.

Connect headphones and speakers to the computer in parallel

There are often cases when a computer has only one connector for connecting both speakers and headphones. Obviously, constantly changing devices is not very convenient, especially since over time this will wear out the connector and it will work worse. One way to solve the problem is to connect headphones to speakers, which in turn are connected to the computer. However, this solution is only suitable for regular headphones that do not have a microphone.

The optimal solution to the problem is to connect headphones and speakers in parallel to one computer connector. This method is quite convenient, since the sound will work both in the speakers and headphones, and at the moment when you need only the headphones to work, you can easily turn off the speakers with the corresponding button.

This method is only possible if you have a special splitter, which can be purchased at a radio or cable store. The cost of such a cord is within 100-150 rubles.

Video on connecting speakers and headphones at the same time for Windows 7

How to connect headphones with a microphone

It was already mentioned above that headphones with a microphone are specially marked and have two plugs - one green (headphones) and the second pink (the microphone itself). This marking is present on most models of headphones with a microphone, and is necessary precisely so that the user can connect them to a computer device without unnecessary difficulties.

Typically it looks like this:

First of all, you need to insert the headphone plug into the corresponding connector on the computer panel, and do the same with the microphone plug. Once you have installed the headphone plugs into the appropriate connectors on your computer, you need to do the following:

1. For Windows users XP: go to the control panel, select the item "Sounds and Audio Devices", select item "Speech"

2. For Windows 7 users: go to control panel, go to section "Sound" and select an option "Playback".

If your headphones are connected to the computer correctly, then there should be green marks opposite the corresponding lines. Here you can configure the headphones in the appropriate sections.

I very rarely write about laptop and PC interfaces. This time I want to clarify one thing, which is related to connecting microphones and headphones. Laptops often have such a feature that there is only one input for headphones and a microphone. That is, you can connect one thing. This single connector is called a combination connector. The peculiarity is that the device, for example, headphones, must have 4 contacts, which indicates the presence of a microphone in these headphones.

So, on a regular PC there are usually two connectors for connecting both headphones and a microphone, but in laptops this is not the case. Take a closer look; there should be at least one connector on the right or left. You can easily understand the purpose of the connector, since the symbol will be indicated next to it.

The headphone plug can be either 4-pin or 3-pin. So that you can use both headphones and a microphone at the same time, you need 4-pins on the plug.

What should you do if you need to connect a microphone and headphones separately to your laptop?

The solution to this problem is very simple. You can purchase an adapter at an electronics store or online. It is not expensive and it looks something like this:

On a note I want to say one thing - some adapters with two connectors may only be intended for headphones or a microphone.

Purchasing an external sound card

Of course, if you have good headphones, but you have problems with the sound card, or it doesn’t transmit very well good sound, you can use an external sound card. It is very small in size and connects via USB.

Plus such a device in good quality sound (although not always) and quick connection/disconnection.

Minus– more expensive than using adapters, also takes up one USB port.

Connecting directly to the laptop connector

But in general, we are considering the option of connecting headphones and a microphone at the same time. With this connection, you will use one thing.

Which headphones are suitable for the combo jack?

When choosing any headphones, you need to look not only at the sound characteristics, but also at the plug itself. If it is written that the device has a microphone, then the plug must have four contacts, otherwise there will be three.

Connecting 4-pin headphones to a laptop/PC

You can also find an adapter that allows you to use either headphones or a microphone. These are inexpensive, but be careful, there must be markings on the connectors, otherwise the purpose of each connector is not clear.

In the next article I will talk in more detail about connecting headphones and a microphone to a computer. We'll cover a lot there interesting moments, so do not forget to monitor the release of new materials on the site.