XBox One X: Headset chat on 3.5mm controller port with home theater Dolby Atmos issues.

TheEvilMonkey7 · Dec 18, 2018

I just purchased a Xbox One X Gold Rush Edition. I purchased a Plantronics RIG 100HX to go with it because I wanted to use my Dolby Atmos capable surround sound home theater and chat at the same time.

I setup audio output for bitstream and Dolby Atmos. Headphone output set to stereo uncompressed.

When I plug in a headset into the controller 3.5mm jack the audio output setting changes to 7.1 uncompressed and Dolby Atmos is not selectable anymore. This is not the desired effect and I can not find a solution. Also, when headset
is removed, it stays on 7.1 uncompressed, but at that point I can enable bitstream and Atmos again.

The desired effect is to get Dolby Atmos on the hdmi output to my receiver and just party chat in the headset plugged into the controllers 3.5mm port.

I’ve heard that a work around is to use the original Xbox Chat Headset that plugs into the wide connector on the controller. That isn’t really acceptable due to it fully blocking one ear unlike the RIG headset.

Any suggestions or ways to get a feature added that allows an option of “chat only” for the headset option and doesn’t affect other settings when a headset is plugged in.

:)

TheEvilMonkey7

I wanted to share a possible work around for those who are technically inclined.

This will only work with the MS Xbox One Chat Headset and requires basic soldering skills. This instructable is a good place to start, but I suggest using TRRS jack and 4 conductor wire so you don't end up with issues with certain headsets.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Xbox-One-35mm-Headset-Adapter-Warlord-version/

Notice MS Xbox One Chat Headset color scheme is not standard:

Blue = Headphone Left (Tip)
Black = Headphone Right (Ring 1)
White = Microphone (Shield)
Copper = Ground (Ring 2)

XBF Diego M

Hi there!

Thank you for posting on the forums today, I'd be happy to help.

I've seen a similar issue with receivers having issues properly connecting through HDMI with certain display settings on the TV and Xbox. What are your display settings and what TV do you have?

It's interesting that everything seems fine once you unplug the headset, have you tried another controller by chance?

Let us know so we can further assist you!

monza(2)

thanks EvilMonkey for the information...this is really a frustrating issue.

I imagine many users like us have the same problem where we want our expensive HT setup to manage the game audio (ATMOS etc) and just a simple open ear mono headset to deliver the chat audio only. Your suggestion of a setting in the Xbox audio output screen
would be a great addition - XBOX team can you please take note and have this included in a future release please?

XBF Javier R

Hello!

Thank you for posting on the Xbox forums. We will be locking this thread due to it being revived by a new post. If
there are any questions, discussions or issues that anyone would like to bring to our attention, please create a new thread. We will be more than happy to answer any questions or provide solutions for any issues.

Thank you again and happy gaming!

TheEvilMonkey7

Hi there!

Thank you for posting on the forums today, I'd be happy to help.

I've seen a similar issue with receivers having issues properly connecting through HDMI with certain display settings on the TV and Xbox. What are your display settings and what TV do you have?

It's interesting that everything seems fine once you unplug the headset, have you tried another controller by chance?

Let us know so we can further assist you!

I can verify that it is not a video settings issue. All of that is set fine and working. As an IT expert and a hobbyist of home theater and video system design and setup, something simple has not stumped me. If I'm here seeking assistance, it is probably
due to the fact it is more than a simple config issue.

This is has to do with the way stereo headsets are coded into the OS and mix in game audio. With a headset in, I can still select bitstream, but then only DTS or Dolby Digital. Dolby Atmos for Home Theater gives an error about not compatible with optical
/ headphones and requires HDMI.

I have tried the original XBox Chat Headset, that plugs into the controller accessory port, which is mono and has no game audio mix, the issue does not happen with this device. This proves the issue is related to when game audio is mixed into the headset,
even if you change the mix fully to chat the underlying system is still mixing chat and game audio, just with zero volume for game audio.

I do not like the standard headset as it blocks one ear completely. I've invested way to much into home theater to have one ear completely covered distorting the surround sound effect, that is why I chose the Plantronics RIG 100HX as it doesn't block home
theater sound.

I have also tried the Chatpad, which has a 3.5mm stereo port and mixes in game audio, and the same issue of audio settings changing occurs with inability to select Dolby Atmos as an output option. This is more proof that it is related to the system and
not just the 3.5mm jack of the controller or my configuration.

The resolution would be an option in audio output settings to "disable game audio in headset" or to have an accessory adapter which only provides mono chat audio to a 3.5mm jack, same as the MS Headset I tried, just with 3.5mm jack instead of hard wired
headset.

Links (items mentioned, related cases):

Plantronics RIG 100HX - Plantronics Site

Microsoft - Xbox One Chat Headset - Best Buy

Microsoft - Xbox One Chatpad - Black - Best Buy

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