Headphones / Headsets / Microphones

[The Frow]

Starting suddenly last night, the volume when my logitech usb headset 350 (M/N: A-0374A) is plugged in constantly increases until it maxes out. When I drag the volume back down in the windows volume mixer, it just shoots back up. Additionally, the in-line volume decrease control button simply cancels out the volume increase when held down, but as soon as you let go, the volume begins to rise to 100% again.

I've tried changing the volume and muting in the windows volume mixer, pressing various combinations of the in-line volume controls, disabling the device from device manger and the windows sound manager, uninstalled the device driver from device manger and restarted the computer several times.

Any ideas?

My problem seems similar to this unresolved thread: http://logitech.lithium.com/t5/Internet-Headsets-Phones-READ/Logitech-USB-Headset-Volume-Keeps-Maxin...

Setup information:

Windows 7 (64bit)

Logitech USB Headset 350 (M/N: A-0374A)

[qmanning]

I had this EXACT problem today when i came in to work. I restarted my system - still happens. Anytime I plug in the headset, the volume decreases or increases. 

Is there ANY answer here? 

[The Frow]

@qmanning:

I filed a support ticket and received the following response:

Regarding your issue, please follow the steps below: 

1. Try the device on another USB ports. If it is connected through a hub, try connecting directly to the system ports to verify the hub has not failed. 
2. If the device doesn't work on a second port, if it is possible, please try the device on other computer. 

If the issue still persists, I would say that the device is deemed defective. It could be a physical or mechanical failure. If so, we may replace the device.

Needless to say, the troubleshooting did not solve the problem.

If you haven't already, I'd file a support ticket.

[RaYWoLF]

I have the same problem with my USB Headset 350 (A-0374A). I tried it on another computer and the same happens, so I think is a "hardware problem" (maybe the inline button).

So, I have just made a little application to lock sound volume (I'm testing right now). It works for me on Windows 7. The application is a little modification of this one. You can download it from here.

I hope this helps.

[Wolfi1802]

Hi all,

I found another solution that worked in my case. I had the same problem with the A-0374A headset but with decreasing volume. I've tried all the software related solution-propositions pointed out here earlier but nothing worked. For me it was clear that it is an hardware issue since I've tried out different computers and usb ports.

I'm an electrical engineer and so I opened the mute/loudness controller first and made some measurements. I figured out that the connection for decreasing the volume had a potential somewhere between 0 and 5V, so I assume there is a problem with the pull resistors. I tried to find some leakage currents on the PCB but didn't find any. Then I followed the blueish wires to the other box between usb connector and the control box (the small one with the CE sign on it). I then used a normal screwdriver to scratch the black insulation around and between the soldering connections of the blueish wires. Suddenly it worked. It seems that the black insulation produces a leakage current. Or there was some conductive dust in it.

As this volume in/decreasing problem happend to many people after some time I guess that this comes from a hardware design mistake. Because I can not really understand why a software mistake should occure after some weekes of using the headset. Hardware mistakes can happen at any time, for instance due to temperature caused material changes as was the case with my headset I think. I'm very interested if my solution workes for others, because then we have more evidence that there is a mistake in the haredware design.

My suggestion for you. First try all software related solutions proposed earlier. If nothing works and you still have warranty, make use of it. If your warranty has expired and the software solutions do not work you can try to open the small box with the CE on it first. Keep the device unplugged while doing this. You don't need pofessional equipment, just a small screwdriver, thats all. But be carefull that you don't make more damage to the device, Its your own risk. If it still does not work, you can scratch the insulation around the connections and pcb-wires in the controller box. Opening this box is difficult without damage the plastic, so try the small box with the CE on it first.

I wish you good luck.

cheers

PS: Please let me know if it worked for you - so we can find out if its a general hardware issue.

[floydgg]

I just had the same problem (with volume always increasing to 100%).

After reading the above solutions I decided that it was probably in the headphones volume switch. So, I pressed and jiggled it many times, rapidly in succession. Presto, it worked.

[AaronGilliland]

I can verify that it's a hardware issue.  I had the volume-constantly-increasing problem tonight (and in two previous Logitech headsets of the same model).  

I fixed it in a very brute force manner:  I cleaned off the board in the control box (the round part with the volume buttons and the blue light) and resoldered all the connections.  I also noticed some exposed conductor on the small wires near the thick cord's sheath -- I imagine the technician nicked the insulation.

Everything is working properly now.  Thanks for the insight, Wolfi!

[docwolff]

Followed your directions and got it to work ( mostly). I can decrease the volume with the headset controller but cannot use that same controller to increase the volume. The preferences on the macbook work however - both increase and decrease. Clearly a hardware issue. Thanks!!!

[isideastarte]

wolfi1802 thanks for the valuable advice.
seems that, by doing as you said, now the headphones work without increasing the volume automatically, but I also had to scrape the back of the volume control, on which was a white haze that looked salinity; the insulation was all charred black.
We'll see how it goes.
Thank you again. 

[Thew]

Wow, there are some quite hands-on solutions here.  When my volume button got stuck decreasing the volume, I just jimmied a paper clip and taped it down so that it was constantly pressing the "up" (increasing) side of the volume button.  Thus, they cancel each other out.  Now I can't use the volume button on the headset, but at least I can use the headset at all.