On Tue, 2004-11-09 at 19:45 +0100, Wayne Stallwood wrote:
Let us know what happens with the PC155's when you get them.
Basically: They work on Linux, sound good, and are reasonably comfy.
I was looking for a headset I could use for VOIP on my Powerbook, Linux, and Windows. The 15in G4 Powerbook doesn't have a microphone port (only line in), so I wanted a USB solution. I chose the Sennheiser PC 155 USB [1] based on two reviews [2,3], the 155 is basically a 150 plus a USB adapter.
Yesterday I ordered them from proaudiosystems [4]. Their on-line ordering system involves some payment applet that didn't work for me, so I placed the order by phone, and it arrived next day.
I tried it on the Powerbook first: just plugged it into the right-hand side USB port, selected them in the Sound preferences, and they worked. After 10 minutes or so the headphones stopped working (the microphone was okay), and I saw audio assertion in the syslog. I then plugged the analog audio jack into the headphones port on the Powerbook, that worked. I then tried the left-hand USB port, and that worked as normal. I'll have to experiment a little more there.
Next I tried it on Windows 2000 (via the USB hub built into a Microsoft Natural keyboard); they were recognised, and Windows automatically switched to them.
Then I tried on Linux (Gentoo, with 2.6.9-gentoo-r1 kernel). When I plugged them into the motherboard, `lsusb` showed them up fine. I compiled various kernel modules, tried alsaconf (which didn't spot the card) and tried various manual alsa configs, but alsa wouldn't recognise the card: /proc/asound/cards showed only my motherboard sound system. The notes in [5] helped a bit. Eventually I got it working. I now have Skype configured to use the headset, and xmms to use my external speakers.
Finally I tested it out with a Skype conversation between Linux (with headset) and the Powerbook (internal mic+speakers). The voice generated by the headset, received by the Powerbook, was very clear indeed. On the headset end, the headphones are fairly good at blocking out ambient noise too. Wearing comfort is okay. The lead is really long (but can be rolled up), which is handy for my desk layout.
Overall I'm pleased so far, and am looking forward to seeing how it behaves, and how reliable the OS support proves to be.
-- Martijn [1] http://www.sennheisercommunications.co.uk/pr-pc155.html [2] http://www.nordichardware.com/reviews/Multimedia/2003/Sennheiser/index.php?e... [3] http://www.dansdata.com/s140150.htm [4] http://www.proaudiosystems.co.uk/acatalog/__Sennheiser___PC_Headsets.html [5] http://www.xantius.com/dsp-400.html