Headsets and Macs

[Sightless]

I suck at figuring out how to deal with hardware problems. GR, if anyone can even point me in a good direction, I'd much appreciate it!

The Story: My old Logitech headset is having difficulties consistently providing sound to my ears. I figure the wires are frayed or something to that effect, since I have to position the cord extremely carefully and precisely if I want to get sound, and even more precisely and accurately if I want to get sound in both ears. I don't think this can be fixed, so I went on a hunt for a new headset.

Problem with the new headset I want is that it doesn't have a USB option, so it's just the headphone cord and the microphone cord. For non-Macs this isn't usually a problem, but Macs have very particular holes; rather than having a mic jack, they have an audio-in, which only works with things like CD players, which provide power.

My Questions: So I'm not sure how to solve this problem. Can I solve it? I'm pretty sure USB adapters are out there, but ones I've seen were more expensive than the headset itself. Seems like a bad deal, but is that just what they cost?

If I do get an adapter, is it going to mess much with the audio? I mean, would there be a point to getting a decent headset if I have to use an adapter.

Does anybody have recommendations for a headset in the $40 range? I need over-/on-ear headphones, not just earpiece things, and ideally a mute button and volume control built into it, although I could live without. I scoured Boxing Day sales, but they were pretty bad this year for anyone not prepped to spend hundreds. Saving $100 off of $400 headphones is cool, but not something I can go for, unfortunately.
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I sprinkle sand into the waters of night. The grains burn as they fall, reminding me of another in times long passed away. I watched him even then as he fell, his face undefeated, his eyes still proud.

[Sourdeez]

Normally I would be able to give you a more in depth answer but I really only use windows and Linux distros
Im guessing your using a macbook pro, the one without mic in?

As for usb headsets on a budget that will work with macs
$34.99(Some people complain about these hurting their ears.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104214
$36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104396

Both according to my research will work plug and play which means you wont have to download and install drivers.

Happy New Year
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“Yeah but when does EA come in when your trying for auto erotic asphyxiation and decide that you are really trying to commit suicide? Then they force you to do what they want.”

[madster111]

Best bet is to either buy a set with USB, or you could get a USB soundcard. Can pick up a creative one for under $20 that SHOULD work, although like Sourdeez i don't use macs so i'm unsure how OSX responds to things like it. Windows tends to pick it up as a generic audio device without drivers, so hopefully OSX will do the same.


Otherwise it might be time for you to invest in a good quality DAC and spend big on headphones and a separate mic, for overall better quality. Although considering a good DAC, good headphones and clip-on mic will run you $300-400, it's probably a bit hard to do unless you want to get serious.
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[Sightless]

Sourdeez: Yes, MacBook Pro. I've actually tried both of those you listed. The second one has a bit of bad design, and the first one is the set that just broke, and I'm hoping for something different. Thank you very much for the links, though!

madster, I just looked up one by Creative, and it won't work with Mac, for whatever reason. I think I have found a few that will, though. ...I hope. I suppose that will have to do, because I don't want to spend that much money. I don't have enough of it yet.

Speaking of Creative, the set I'm sort of attached to is the Fatal1ty one, because a friend has had hers forever and says it's alright, and also because it was something like twenty bucks.
_________________
I sprinkle sand into the waters of night. The grains burn as they fall, reminding me of another in times long passed away. I watched him even then as he fell, his face undefeated, his eyes still proud.