Question:

How can I connect a USB headset to an audio interface that has a 3.5mm output?

I have an audio technica ATH m50x USB headset that I use for listening to music and gaming. I also have a stand alone XLR microphone that I want to use for recording vocals and podcasts. I am planning to buy an audio interface that can power both the microphone and the headset, but I am not sure if it is compatible with my headset. The audio interface has a 3.5mm output for headphones, but my headset has a USB-A connector (or Type-C with an adapter). I know that USB headphones use digital audio and the audio interface converts the digital audio from the computer to analog audio for better sound quality. But will my headset be able to receive the analog audio from the audio interface? Is there a way to connect a USB-A or Type-C to 3.5mm jack without losing sound quality or functionality? Or do I need a different type of headset or audio interface?

This is not a dumb question, but a very specific and technical one. I hope this rephrased version helps you get a clear and informative answer from an expert. 😊

Answer:

The short answer is: you can’t. At least, not without compromising the sound quality or functionality of your headset or audio interface. Let me explain why.

A USB headset, such as the audio technica ATH m50x USB, is designed to work as a digital audio device. This means that it receives and sends digital audio signals from and to your computer via the USB port. The headset has a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier that process the digital audio signals and convert them to analog audio signals that can be played by the headphone drivers and captured by the microphone.

An audio interface, such as the one you are planning to buy, is also a digital audio device, but it works in the opposite direction. It receives analog audio signals from your stand alone XLR microphone and converts them to digital audio signals that can be sent to your computer via the USB port. The audio interface also has a built-in DAC and amplifier that can process the digital audio signals from your computer and convert them to analog audio signals that can be played by the headphone output.

The problem is that the headphone output of the audio interface is a 3.5mm jack, which is designed to work with analog audio devices, such as regular headphones or speakers. If you try to connect your USB headset to the 3.5mm jack, you will encounter several issues:

• First, you will need a USB-A or Type-C to 3.5mm adapter that can convert the digital audio signals from your headset to analog audio signals that can be recognized by the audio interface. However, such adapters are rare and often of poor quality, as they have to perform the same function as the DAC and amplifier in your headset, but with less power and precision.
• Second, even if you find a decent adapter, you will still lose some sound quality and functionality of your headset, as you will be bypassing the DAC and amplifier in your headset and relying on the adapter and the audio interface to process the audio signals. This may result in lower volume, distortion, noise, or latency in your sound output and input.
• Third, you will also lose the ability to control the volume, mute, or other features of your headset, as the USB connection that enables these functions will be disconnected. You will have to rely on the audio interface or your computer to adjust these settings, which may not be as convenient or intuitive as using the buttons on your headset.

Therefore, the best solution is to use a different type of headset or audio interface that is compatible with each other. For example, you can use a regular analog headset that has a 3.5mm connector and plug it into the headphone output of the audio interface. This way, you will be able to use the DAC and amplifier of the audio interface to process the audio signals and enjoy the full sound quality and functionality of your headset and audio interface. Alternatively, you can use a USB audio interface that has a USB output for headphones and plug your USB headset into it. This way, you will be able to use the DAC and amplifier of your headset to process the audio signals and enjoy the full sound quality and functionality of your headset and audio interface.

I

hope this article helps you understand the difference between digital and analog audio devices and why you can’t connect a USB headset to an audio interface that has a 3.5mm output. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me. 😊