Stereo Mix With Usb Headset

I want to share a problem that I stumbled on recently. I was helping my mother setting up her computer to allow for recording audio through stereo mix. Stereo Mix is a virtual recording device that allows you to record all sound currently being played on the computer, sort of what-you-hear-is-what-you-get. I got it working and was able to record the sound without problems. Fast forward to the next day, and I continue working with the computer. But this time the sound I recorded was just silent! Even though stereo mix was selected as input device and all other settings were the same, it no longer recorded anything.

The problem turned out to be this: When I set up the stereo mix I had used my own headphones. These are normal headphones with a classic stereo plug. The second time though, I plugged in my mother's headset instead. This is a headset that is connected to the computer via the USB-port. And this was the problem. As soon as they were connected, no sound was recorded. Unplugging them solved the problem!

• Method # 1: Enable Stereo Mix The first method of using two headsets simultaneously on Windows 10 is to enable Stereo Mix. It is disabled by default. However, you can follow simple steps to configure Stereo Mix to play audio from two devices at once.
• Enable Stereo Mix. Go down to the audio icon in your system tray, right-click it, and go to 'Recording Devices' to open up the proper settings pane. In the pane, right-click on a blank area, and make sure both 'View Disabled Devices' and 'View Disconnected Devices' options are checked. You should see a 'Stereo Mix' option appear.
• What Is Stereo Mix (Or Rec. Most audio drivers have a built-in feature for playing back every audio stream coming from your computer, a.k.a system sounds, even that of a microphone if one is enabled. Most call it Stereo Mix, some call it Rec. Maybe there are more names for it in different audio drivers, but those two.
• Make the stereo mix listen to the usb headset and voila you can hear a better quality sound through your headset Now no sound plays in my headset altough everything seems to be in place. The random analog speakers are picking up sound, the stereo mix picks up sound, it is set to the usb headset and that is the only thing that picks up no sound.

Stereo mix enable select stereo mix and choose properties button in bottom right (new window opens) listen tab playback through this device drop down list choose your headset from list provided. Ensure steroe mix is NOT set as default playback device, ensure your speakers ARE set as the default playback device.

A thread on Superuser points towards an explanation: Stereo mix can only record audio that travels through the internal sound card. I suspect the USB headphones act as sound card, and thus the sound travels directly to them instead. So even though the stereo mix actually works, there is no sound flowing through the device to record.

For many, Stereo Mix is a tool that they often use for recording audio output from their computer. On the other hand, there are instances wherein this program might not work properly. Even after you have enabled all the options, the program just won't record sound. With Stereo Mix not working with headphones or speakers, you might not get important work done.

What Causes Problems with Stereo Mix

There are various reasons why you may be experiencing issues with Stereo Mix. There might be something wrong with the settings or application. This is the case if you're hearing audio from your computer and yet the recording does not play anything. However, if you can't hear anything at all, it is likely that there may be issues with the driver or with your cable connectivity.

In general, this problem is not that serious and it can be easily fixed. You do not have to be a tech whiz just to learn how to fix Stereo Mix not working. Keep on reading to discover all the methods you can use to get rid of the issue so you can get back to recording audio.

First Solution: Setting Stereo Mix as the default recording device

In most cases, Stereo Mix not working with headphones or speakers might have something to do with the settings. It is possible that the program is not enabled in the first place. So, reverting that setting should be the first solution you should try. To ensure that there would be no hindrances with running the program, you must also set it as the default recording device. With that said, here are the steps on how to fix Stereo Mix not working:

1. Go to the bottom-right corner of the icon tray.
2. Right-click the sound icon.
3. A menu will pop out. Choose Recording Devices. This will bring up the Sound window.
4. Go to the Recording tab, then right-click an empty area on the window.
5. Make sure that Show Disabled Devices and View Disconnected Devices are selected.
6. You should be able to see Stereo Mix from the available devices. Right-click it, then select Enable.
7. The next step is to set Stereo Mix as your default recording device. Right-click the aforementioned device, then choose Set as Default Device.
8. Once again, right-click Stereo Mix, then choose Set as Default Communication Device. You should be able to see a green checkmark beside the device.
9. To save the changes, click Apply, then press OK.

Second Solution: Updating your sound driver

Another possible reason why Stereo Mix is not working properly is that you're using an outdated or incompatible sound driver. As such, the solution would be to update it to the latest manufacturer-recommended version. Keep in mind that if you manually do this and you are not confidently tech-savvy, you might end up installing the wrong version. Instead of fixing the issue, you might do more damage to your computer.

As such, we recommend using a reliable program like Auslogics Driver Updater. This tool will automatically scan your system and search for compatible drivers online. With one click of a button, you can update all your drivers, including the one responsible for Stereo Mix's functionality. Once the process is complete, you can record audio output again and even enjoy better performance and speed from your computer.

Resolve PC Issues with Driver Updater

Unstable PC performance is often caused by outdated or corrupt drivers. Auslogics Driver Updater diagnoses driver issues and lets you update old drivers all at once or one at a time to get your PC running smoother

Third Solution: Fixing the mic/sound volume

Sometimes, the issue might occur because, on your playback options, the microphone has been muted. You can resolve the problem by unmuting your microphone. With that said, follow the instructions below:

Wireless Stereo Headset

1. Right-click the sound icon.
2. Once the Sound menu is up, select Playback Devices.
3. The Sound window should show up with the Playback tab selected.
4. Go your default playback device and right-click it.
5. Select Properties.
6. Go to the Level tab, then unmute the microphone and sound. Try adjusting the audio to check if this fixes the issue.
7. Once you're done, save the changes by clicking Apply. Click OK.
8. On the main Sound window, click Apply then OK.
9. Try using Stereo Mix and check if the issue has been resolved.

Do you think there are easier ways to fix this issue?

Stereo Mix With Usb Headset Reviews

We can't wait to read your ideas in the comments below!