In my experience, when something like this happens, it is probably your headphones starting to go. There is a chance it is the jack in your adapter, but it is less likely. They might just not play nice.

Try going on amazon and searching for HTC or Samsung headphones from their phones, or just search for any headphones with a microphone and buy the cheapest one from a brand you've heard of. Should cost $5 or so. Test. If no work, return the adapter as defective. You're out $5, but probably got an emergency set of headphones, so that's not too bad.

I see that the top result on amazon is the Audio Technica ATHADG1 Open-Back Gaming Headset ($282.11). :-)

I used the wrong term! I meant mic monitoring (hearing your own voice through the headset). This has bothered me that it's not included in the current stereo adapter. I hope they can add it with a controller firmware update soon.

I've seen a lot of people complain about this, but I don't get it. I'm talking, I know what I'm saying, why would I want to hear myself through my headset? I've heard people talk about wanting to monitor their mic volume or something, but I've never had issues with that either. I always just talk with my normal speaking voice and volume, and if there's a problem, I assume people would let me know that it's overly quiet or loud (I know I would let someone else know!).

Also, the new controller is already out!

But . . . but . . . but that one doesn't have the nifty Day One decal that's on my current one. What ever will I do?!

Have you considered a headset with open-back ear cups? These will allow ambient sounds to mix in with your game/chat audio. A lot of people prefer these kinds of headphones because it allows your sound to "feel bigger" and not just inside your head.

I'd consider it , but I have never seen one. Point me in a direction? (though it still seems crazy to me that there isn't a market for people who don't want game audio but do want a good chat headset. This was totally a thing last generation)

I'm considering A50's though just to cut down on the wires even more. Though I'd really just prefer consoles to allow dolby headphone processed audio through their controllers.

Also, the new controller is already out!

I have questions! I heard they redesigned the shoulder buttons. Are they more like the original 360 shoulders??

I don't have the new controller, and haven't had issues with the current bumpers, but according to everyone that's used the new one it takes less pressure to push them down (especially from the inside of the bumpers) and to hold them down.

Also, the new controller is already out!

I have questions! I heard they redesigned the shoulder buttons. Are they more like the original 360 shoulders??

I've got one, but I haven't noticed a difference. I'll have to compare tonight and get back to you.

Also, the new controller is already out!

I have questions! I heard they redesigned the shoulder buttons. Are they more like the original 360 shoulders??

Also keep in mind that once the new controller launches, you could use these without the stereo headset adapter. All of the function of that POS are built into the new controllers, and they even include chat mixing, which is not part of the current adapter.

Am I misunderstanding what chat mixing is? Isn't it the ability to change the volume between gameplay and chat? Because that's built into the stereo adapter with physical buttons (which I like) while the new controller you'll have to go to a setting screen to adjust it.

I used the wrong term! I meant mic monitoring (hearing your own voice through the headset). This has bothered me that it's not included in the current stereo adapter. I hope they can add it with a controller firmware update soon.

I use thesewith the official stereo headset adapter, and they are incredibly comfortable. I can wear them with or without glasses for hours with no strain, and the sound is incredible.

They are pretty cheap now-a-days because there is a Cloud II version that doesn't really add much to the original version. I would highly recommend these.

Also keep in mind that once the new controller launches, you could use these without the stereo headset adapter. All of the function of that POS are built into the new controllers, and they even include chat mixing, which is not part of the current adapter.

Can you confirm these work on XBone?

Also keep in mind that once the new controller launches, you could use these without the stereo headset adapter. All of the function of that POS are built into the new controllers, and they even include chat mixing, which is not part of the current adapter.

Am I misunderstanding what chat mixing is? Isn't it the ability to change the volume between gameplay and chat? Because that's built into the stereo adapter with physical buttons (which I like) while the new controller you'll have to go to a setting screen to adjust it.

Also, the new controller is already out!

They are pretty cheap now-a-days because there is a Butt II version that doesn't really add much to the original version. I would highly recommend these.

Also keep in mind that once the new controller launches, you could use these without the stereo headset adapter. All of the function of that POS are built into the new controllers, and they even include chat mixing (sorry, meant mic monitoring), which is not part of the current adapter.

So what exactly are the difference between the A50's and the A40's?

So far what I'm getting is that the A50's have better sound quality and other minor perks.

But I would rather pay $100 less for slightly worse quality as long as they cover three things:
1. Surround sound
2. Works with XBox One
3. Has a functional Mic

Does anyone know if the most recent version of the A40 has all of these? Or would I have to get the A50?

This is where it gets tricky. Here's my understanding.

A50s:

Wireless (except when utilizing the mic, needs to be plugged into the controller)
Surround Sound
$300

A40s (Xbox One Version)
Comes with M80 MixAmp, which replaces the Microsoft chat adapter, plugs directly into the controller
Only stereo sound, as that's the only thing piping audio through the controller currently supports
$200

A40s (Any other version)
Uses MixAmp Pro, which is an independent unit that everything plugs into
Surround Sound
Must plug headset into the MixAmp, and into the controller with a chat adapter for using a microphone
$250

So, in my opinion (and what I'm going to do), the A50s seem like the easiest, most convenient option for surround sound. I used to have A40s with my 360, and I loved them, but all those wires can be tedious. Easily worth the extra $50 to get rid of them.

Edit: And yes, from everything I've heard, Kermit is right, the A40s have better sound quality, although only slightly.

Wow! When I last looked at this a few months back you only needed the Microsoft stereo adapter to use with the independent mix amp, so you could buy the A40s with the independent amp and use with either console. Now they're implying you have to buy M80 to use the A40s with the Xbone at all. That sucks.

You definitely don't have to use the M80. That is what they imply on their site; that's what you get if you get the "Xbox One" version of the A40s. But you can just get the 360 version instead with the MixAmp Pro, along with a Microsoft adapter for chat. At least that's my understanding.

that's how it used to be.

Yeah even the PS4 one says "compatible with XB1* needs chat adapter for chat"

astro store

Right, but then it lists the M80 as if you need that.

So what exactly are the difference between the A50's and the A40's?

So far what I'm getting is that the A50's have better sound quality and other minor perks.

But I would rather pay $100 less for slightly worse quality as long as they cover three things:
1. Surround sound
2. Works with XBox One
3. Has a functional Mic

Does anyone know if the most recent version of the A40 has all of these? Or would I have to get the A50?

I doubt seriously that the A40s have worse sound quality. If there's a difference, the A40s are better. A50s are wireless. A40s are not.

So far what I'm getting is that the A50's have better sound quality and other minor perks.

But I would rather pay $100 less for slightly worse quality as long as they cover three things:
1. Surround sound
2. Works with XBox One
3. Has a functional Mic

Does anyone know if the most recent version of the A40 has all of these? Or would I have to get the A50?