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My audio output is being picked up by my audio input, even when no device is plugged in
(lemmy.world)
I work remote and I'm constantly on a Teams meeting while working. My colleagues have been complaining for a while that they can hear my youtube video, if I have it a bit loud. I always figured my microphone was picking it up and never paid much attention to it. Reducing the video volume or the microphone volume would fix it.
Today I accidentally unplugged my headset and they could still hear the video. Nothing is plugged into the computer, yet they can listen to my video. Something is causing a loopback or something, I can't figure out what.
My system:
- EndeavourOS
- Pipewire 1.2.7
- The folders
/etc/pipewire/pipewire.conf.d/and~/.config/pipewire/pipewire.conf.d/are empty, so I assume no filters are being used
I attached the output of qpwgraph. I'm not really an audio expert but it looks normal?
Let me know how I can fix this! Thanks!
Report it on the pipewire repo or search for it there. I think it's a problem with pipewire and the 3.5mm connection. I've observed it on 3 different linux distros on 3 different devices. As soon as pure USB audio was used, the issue was resolved. If you have the means, do try USB audio only and report back.
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I actually do own an external usb sound card, this problem doesn't happen there. I don't use it because it has a severe crackling/static noise constantly playing, I could also never figure it out. My luck with audio in Linux is just not there. EDIT: after further testing, it also happens there but I REALLY have to boost both the mic and sound volume. But it happens, which is scary.
I was imprecise in the description of my connection. My headset only has one of 3.5mm who has both micro + headphone combined, like the one you use on your smartphone. I think it's called TRSS. I then use the Y cable that came from with my headphones to split it into two separate 3.5mm connections, one for input and another for output. When I disconnected my headphones, the Y cable remained connected to audio card. It appears that the Y cable is the source of the problem.
If I only use the microphone jack of my Y cable, and connect my speakers to the sound card output, it works fine. The should outputs the the speakers, the input comes from my microphone and it doesn't loopback.
I've tried a second pair of Y cable but the same is happening. Both are oficial Beyerdynamic cables, maybe swapping to another brand could fix it?
At least now I can make some sense out of the problem, even if I'm unable to fix it. I opened a bug report on pipewire as you suggested but I doubt anything will come out of it. I think I'll just buy a non-ancient USB sound card and see how that works out for me.