On Tuesday 09 November 2004 12:08 pm, you wrote:
On Mon, 2004-11-08 at 23:58 +0100, Wayne Stallwood wrote:
But my headset is evil, it digs into my ears and the sound quality is terrible.
I've ordered a Sennheiser PC 155 USB today. I'll post my experiences to the list...
-- Martijn
oooh Sennheiser, I like their kit. Got a lovely pair of their headphones plugged into my Hi-Fi downstairs, fantastic things. Didn't realise that they made computer headsets though, I'll have to check out their stuff. Let us know what happens with the PC155's when you get them.
Following on from the Plantronics post
I mailed their customer support, I give them 3 points for responding in a day and 2 points for even knowing what Linux is.
"Wayne, Currently Plantronics has no active driver development plan for Linux. The DSP headsets have been found to work as an audio input and output device under Linux if the kernel version is 2.4.2 or higher compiled with USB support. The inline volume controls and mute switch will not work however, since these would require a compatible HID driver for Linux."
I have since mailed them back asking if they would ever consider opening up the device specs so that the community can sort out Linux support for them. I am guessing that I'll either get no response or "no" but hey it's worth a shot. What with skype seeming to get some sort market penetration and having Linux support surely the momentum for things such as this to be supported must be there now.
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
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Martijn Koster -
Wayne Stallwood