How to Connect USB Mic to Xbox Series S/X?

With the internet and gaming being so accessible as it is these days, many gamers love to showcase their gameplay online either through live platforms such as Twitch or by uploading it to YouTube.

Now, for any game streamer worth their salt, they would know that the quality of Audio matters a ton. The headset mics are just not great enough and that is where USB mics come into play.

For quality audio, USB mics are the way to go, but this begs the question, “How to connect USB Mic to Xbox Series S/X?” is it even possible?

The short answer is that Xbox Series S/X DOES support USB mics. However, you will have to make an investment in a 3.5mm audio splitter and a headset audio controller in order to achieve the correct audio interface.

In the following text, I will explain in detail how to achieve the correct connectivity between USB Mic and Xbox Series S/X.

What is a USB Mic and What are Its Benefits for Gaming?

A USB microphone, as the name suggests, is a type of microphone that connects to your computer or gaming console using a USB port.

It does not require an audio interface to digitize the analog audio signal as it has a converter built into it.

But it isn’t the interface that USB mics are known for, it is rather their quality of audio. USB mics have become synonymous with streamers due to their studio-grade quality despite being relatively cheap. 

So How to Connect USB Mic To Xbox Series S/X?

For starters, know that USB mics are certainly supported by the Xbox Series S and X. They are plug-and-play, meaning if you were to connect them to your console, they will get detected.

However, in order for the audio interface to work, you will need to set it up properly.

Requirements for Connecting USB Mic to Xbox Series S/X?

For starters, you need to make sure that you meet all the requirements mentioned below:

1. A USB mic with a 3.5mm output jack
2. A 3.5mm audio splitter
3. A Headset Audio Controller
4. An extra male-to-male 3.5mm cable
5. A headset or speakers that can connect via 3.5mm jack

If you have a USB headset without a 3.5mm jack, then unfortunately, this setup may not work for you.

The 3.5mm audio splitter is necessary for connecting one end to the headset and the other to the controller (mic).

The headset audio controller is necessary otherwise the sound from the microphone will not be processed.

In other words, you cannot directly plug the mic end of the splitter into the 3.5mm jack directly and without the audio controller attachment.

Setting Up USB Mic

The following is a step-by-step process on how to connect a USB mic to Xbox Series S/X:

1. Attach the Audio Controller attachment to the Xbox Series S/X controller.
2. Connect your USB Mic to your Xbox via the USB Type-A port. You can use any USB port on the Xbox Series S/X.
3. Connect the 3.5mm jack on the USB Mic to the 3.5mm splitter you bought separately.
4. Connect the audio out (headset end) of the splitter to your headset.
5. Connect the Mic end of the splitter to the 3.5mm jack on the Audio Controller Attachment. You will need to use your extra male-to-male 3.5mm cable for this.

And that is it. The rest should be plug-and-play. You should not have to change any settings on Xbox Series X/S to enable the USB mic.

USB Mic Not Working on Xbox Series S/X

If in case you are having trouble with your USB mic on Xbox Series S/X, then in the vast majority of cases, it would be caused by a simple issue.

Here are some of the common issues and their remedies:

1. Audio Controller not Attached

If you connected the splitter to the Xbox Series X/S’s controller directly, your mic will simply not work.

You HAVE to invest in a separate Audio Controller attachment such as the one from Turtle Beach.

2. Audio Cannot Be Heard Over Multiplayer

There are two causes of this. Either your microphone has been manually muted or its output volume is set to low.

This can be remedied by manually unmuting the mic.

The second common cause of this is your Privacy Settings within Xbox Series S/X.

In an open multiplayer, you need to make sure that your communication is set to everybody and not just with your friends.

To do this,

1. Head over to Profile & System
2. Settings
3. Account
4. Privacy & Online Safety
5. View Details & Customize
6. Communication & Multiplayer

Remember that changing privacy settings can be dangerous. Therefore proceed with caution.

If a friend still cannot hear you online, then it is entirely possible that he/she may have muted you from their end.

3. Mic Not Working At All

If your Mic is not turning on at all, either try plugging it into a different USB port on your Xbox Series S/X.

If that doesn’t work either, try checking the USB mic with your PC or a different device to test if the problem lies with Mic or with the console.

Final Words

All in all, the answer to the question “How to Connect USB Mic to Xbox Series S/X?” isn’t quite straightforward.

You do not need to invest in some of the accessories that do not come packaged with the console.

However, in the end, if you are a streamer or a YouTuber, the investment will be well worth it because there is a world of difference in quality between the built-in mic and quality USB mic.