Xbox Series X Headset Audio Crackling and Disconnecting

KiL Zero · Oct 5, 2022

It's amazing to me that this is still an unaddressed issue. Google this issue to find countless complaints for years, with no response from Microsoft.

Why was this thread locked? It went completely unaddressed.

There's something wrong with the console itself. I switched controllers, switched headsets, and there is still a severe (but intermittent) headset issue. It crackles, and sometimes completely disconnects.

People have noticed the issue is worsened when there is a lot of network activity, such as downloading games. I've noticed this as well, but stopping all downloads doesn't always fix the issue. This is unacceptable.

I've since then bought a PS5 out of frustration, with the intention of selling my Xbox. But I still have it. I'd just like my $500 console to work. I'm going through the process with customer service to get an exchange-- but this worries me. I'm probably going to be getting some refurbished console older and more used than my original, and it might even still have the same problem.

Why hasn't Microsoft addressed this issue?

Is there a workaround?

:)

Kathy A.

Hello KiL Zero,

Welcome to Xbox Community Forum. Thank you for sharing your concern with us today and we hope that all is well.

We hope you are doing well. Thank you for posting in Xbox Forums. We are happy to help.

Based on your description, you have had audio issue on your console. I can barely imagine the amount of time and effort you must have invested in trying to resolved this concern. Thanks for bringing this concern so we can check on this together and sort this out in timely manner.

We would like to further isolate your concern in order to get a better understanding.

May we ask what is the make and model of your headset? How was your audio being outputted?
How long have you been experiencing this issue?
May we ask for a screen recording of the audio crackling and disconnecting? Please send it through private message: Private Messages - Microsoft Community
May we ask for the troubleshooting steps you have done so far?
Do you have other observations that you can provide to us?

Support articles you may check that is related to your concern:

Choosing speaker audio settings on your Xbox console | Xbox Support

Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console | Xbox Support

Xbox Audio Passthrough | Xbox Support

Connect your Xbox console to a sound system | Xbox Support

We look forward to your response. Kindly let us know, if there is any misunderstanding or clarifications of our description by sending us a reply.

Sincerely,

Xbox Forum Moderator

Microsoft Community

RobertBrown(:

i have a problem with my controller and turtle beach stealths 600’s series 2 disconnecting from my Xbox at random when I’m playing a game my audio starts getting all crackled and then lags and then disconnect from my Xbox.

Moonlord-C8A3F7C0-F1

It's not a cable issue because people with the new xbox one headsets from Polk, etc are having the same issues and they just use a direct 3.5mm cable already.

I've had audio crackling and controller disconnects just using 3.5mm headphones as well.

PhysEdFuel

Unfortunately, there is no built-in mic on the Xbox Series X and no bluetooth support if you're thinking to go that route.

You will need to attach a headset with a mic to the Xbox Series X controller. The Xbox Series X controller uses a standard 2.5mm audio connection for Xbox Live, you can use any standard headset. (It does not have to be something fancy or expensive.)

I hope this helps. Merry Christmas to all!

Unstable Chimp

There are multiple articles stating audio compatibility via USB. If optical is necessary, there are various HDMI to optical devices available which you may need to add.

https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/02/designed-for-xbox-new-look-continuous-compatibility/

"Some gaming headsets that utilize an optical cable may require a firmware update to support game and chat audio over USB on Xbox Series X. Soundbars and headsets that do not receive updates may be connected
directly to your televisions optical port."

https://wccftech.com/xbox-series-x-audio-usb/

"Xbox Series X to Support Wireless Audio and Voice Chat Over USB, Astro Gaming Confirms"

Xbox Series X Headset Audio Crackling and Disconnecting