If you’re using a desktop computer, your speakers may have a headphone jack if your computer does not. If your headphones connect via USB, click here.
If your headphones use a 1/4 inch (6. 3 mm) plug, typically found on professional and studio headphones, you’ll need an adapter, a sound card, or an amplifier in order to use them.
Older computer’s may not have a microphone jack. If this is the case, you’ll need a sound card or other digital processor.
Windows - Right-click on the Volume button in your system tray and select “Playback devices”. Select your headphones from the list, click Set default and then Apply. Mac - Hold the ⌥ Opt key and click the Volume button in the Menu bar. Select your headphones from the list of devices.
Examine the cables on the headphones as well. Frayed cables could be causing problems with the headphones. Cables will typically start fraying near the connectors.
Click here for instructions on troubleshooting Windows sound issues. Click here for instructions on troubleshooting Mac sound issues.
Try plugging the headset into a different USB port. If it works, then the first USB port you tried is likely malfunctioning. Visit the headset manufacturer’s website and download the drivers for the headset. Windows may be having difficulty find the software on its own.
Earbuds and small headphones likely will not benefit from an amplifier. Noise-canceling headphones also do not benefit from an amp, as they have built-in to handle the noise-canceling feature. Professional and studio headphones may require an amp in order to hear at acceptable levels if they are “high-impedance” headphones. These headphones require more power in order to output at suitable volumes. Portable users with over-the-ear headphones will benefit from a pocket amp, while desktop users will benefit from an amp with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Plug the amplifier into the headphone jack of your portable MP3 player, and then plug the headphones into the amplifier. Adjust the volume through the amplifier. Raise the volume on your MP3 to a few notches below maximum, and then use the amplifier to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. This will provide the best quality sound.
If you are using an external DAC, you’ll get the best quality by connecting it to your motherboard using an S/PDIF (TOSLINK) cable. If your motherboard doesn’t support this, you can connect most DACs using USB. If you need surround sound processing for video games, you’ll be better off with an internal sound card instead of a DAC. If your amplifier and DAC are separate, connect the DAC to your computer, the amplifier to the DAC, and then your headphones to the amplifier.
