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The Ultimate Guide for switching from a PC to a Mac
(Part 2 - coming soon)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Skype with a USB headset!

There are many ways to use Skype: headset, headphones and internal mic, bluetooth headset and Skype phone. The headphones and internal mic is great because it makes Skype available to everyone. It is not the best configuration however. The problem is that even though Skype has separate settings for Ringing and Audio Output, there is no way to set headphones and internal speakers as separate audio outputs. Using any of the other options solves this problem because it is recognized as a separate audio input/output. The USB headset is what works best for me. I don't why, but the sound quality of bluetooth is terrible compared to how bluetooth works with my iPhone.

21 Comments:

Blogger Denim-Head said...

I've used
http://www.vonphone.com/SkyMACMate.php
to connect Skype phone and it worked ok with Intel iMac duo Core running Tiger.
Never had any lockup problems as some have had.

As always your tips and good Belgian frites are appreciated.

September 20, 2008 at 6:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Could you share which headset you use? I use a plantronics and it can be finicky sometimes.

September 20, 2008 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger Frederic Tremblay said...

@Shari Simpson

I have a Logitech ClearChat Pro. Quality doesn't matter as much for USB headsets because it is not wireless.

September 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You can also try this application http://www.rogueamoeba.com/freebies/download/SoundSource.dmg
It gives you total control over the sound sources in your system

September 21, 2008 at 9:56 PM  
Blogger Frederic Tremblay said...

@Herbert

SoundSource is really what should be part of OS X. I just cannot work on a computer that doesn't have SoundSource.

September 21, 2008 at 10:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to download Skype for Mac, but have read that the latest version 2.7, has issues. Was thinking of finding 2.6 version download, instead. Y'all sound Skype-smart, any suggestions or counsel as to how I might proceed, in the matter? I am looking to connect, in particular, w/a friend running Skype on a PC.

September 23, 2008 at 1:48 PM  
Blogger George said...

I just started using SkypeIn (calling to landlines and cell phones) from my Intel Mac and it works great with Skype 2.7. After reading this post, I'm definitely going to a) download the SoundForge app and buy a USB Skype phone. I don't mind being tethered, because working with VoIP is iffy enough. I don't need to bring in wireless interference and poor quality too.

September 24, 2008 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger George said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

September 24, 2008 at 9:24 AM  
Blogger George said...

Sorry... SoundSource. Also, IPEVO makes a really stylish USB phone that works on Macs. They are selling them on Amazon.com for $40.

September 24, 2008 at 9:24 AM  
Blogger Peter Parkes (Skype) said...

Unfortunately, Mac OS X doesn’t seem to distinguish between headphones and the internal speakers – not sure if SoundSource lets you do that, but it’s a cool product anyway.

To respond to mary g’s comment – Skype 2.7 for Mac should work just fine :)

September 25, 2008 at 6:12 AM  
Blogger Asim said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

September 26, 2008 at 9:16 PM  
Blogger Asim said...

As far as Skype phone adapter is concerned, the software it requires called SKYPEMATE doesn't work with Intel Macs and Leopard. I have spent several hours changing configurations but it keeps crashing. It also crashed on Tiger (Intel) but only few times a day. On Leopard, it crashes within a min of starting. Also keep in mind the software is a PPC binary. And I don't think Yealink has any plans of putting out a universal binary. So please think twice before you purchase a Skype phone adapter.

September 26, 2008 at 9:18 PM  
Blogger mary anne wong said...

so as a computer and skype neophyte i believe i have a fairly basic question that requires some direction...

i'm running on a macbook (leopard) and wonder if i can use it without a headset -- that is, rely on the speakers and internal mike of my computer, or if i need to purchase a 'skype approved' headset?

any info greatly appreciated!

February 7, 2009 at 2:56 PM  
Blogger Peter Parkes (Skype) said...

@ mary anne - yes, MacBooks work just fine with Skype using the built-in microphone and speakers :)

February 10, 2009 at 4:20 AM  
Blogger mary anne wong said...

ty :)

February 10, 2009 at 6:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i tried to use built in speakers with my ibook G4 and it won't work.

September 14, 2009 at 9:19 AM  
Blogger Peter Parkes (Skype) said...

Make sure the volume’s turned up and that you’ve picked Built-in Output Internal Speakers from the dropdown list :)

September 14, 2009 at 9:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

actually i just tried it and it works great! thanks for the feeback!

September 14, 2009 at 9:54 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I teach online and I'm using skype on my imac with 10.6

I want to know if Is there a difference using logitech clearchat pro usb (that is not a Kype certified) with a headphone that is skype certified?

I need a headphone with mic that works very good with skype since i teach online. Usually they say is better to buy skyppe certified so that there is nobreaking on voice... true?

January 18, 2010 at 8:02 AM  
Blogger Dan Stewart said...

SoundSource does the same thing as holding the "option/alt" button and simultaneously clicking the volume/sound icon in the menu bar.. FYI.

October 21, 2011 at 1:03 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Brilliant fix ! Thanks a lot. Shame on Skype. this is perfect Solutions....!!!!, Really very impressed reading by your article!! Thanks visit more info Skype Help and Call +1-800-231-4635 USA (Toll Free).

January 13, 2015 at 2:42 PM  

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