Cannot get S9+ to use USB OTG microphone w/headset for calls--worked on my LG V6

[Trent54]

I work from home and use an AudioTechnica USB microphone for calls. It has a headphone "monitor" jack for my Superlux HD6688B headphones. This is a great setup. Or it was, until I upgraded from my LG V6 to the S9+. The S9+ is probably a better phone in every way, and I love it, but why doesn't this work?

The hardware setup works 100% with the Voice Recorder App. Just not with the Phone App. I also tried switching over to another dialer App called ExDialer, which had been the default dialer on my LG V6. I've also played with setting the USB options to MIDI and alternately, to Audio Input. It seems as there is something that just blocks the setup from being used with telephone calls.

Help!

 

[Rukbat]

Samsung takes all kinds of precautions to make sure that apps can't get to the mic during a phone call (so that you can't record calls). This is probably part of it.

 

[Trent54]

Thanks. Just curious, but what is the purpose of making sure I can't record calls?

 

[Trent54]

OK, found this...which is still a bit vague. But per this, I should be able to record calls because I'm in the US. [Updated] Samsung confirms Galaxy S9/S9+ feature improved call recording restrictions - PiunikaWeb
"If call recording is one of the major features you look for in a smartphone, Samsung’s new Galaxy S9/S9+ aren’t for you (unless you are in a selected few regions like the US or Hong Kong, where these phones offer the functionality)."

Still, you might be right that this is the source of the problem.

However, based on several other threads, I am unconvinced this is a desired feature (for legal compliance or anything else), and that there isn't something deeply wrong with these phones. There are several current threads on various boards about the incoming or outgoing channel of telephone calls failing intermittently, and the issue does not seem to be restricted to Europe. There are also threads on the same problem occurring with Bluetooth, and threads about people not being able to make calls, except through speaker phone, or their 3.1mm headphones, as well as not being able to make calls using VOIP apps.

See this thread: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...GalaxyS/thread-id/51619/highlight/true/page/6

I am curious what components might be different on my LG G6 that permit me to use the USB microphone over OTG without a hiccup. Does the S9+ use different USB drivers? Is the blocking at the application level or the kernel level?

 

[Trent54]

bump

 

[Trent54]

bump, please, this is awful.

 

[caseman999]

I would like to know if you have found anything more on this, as I work from home as well and use a usb headset, I have the Note 8 and the same exact thing the OTG cable works for everything but calls and is so incredibly frustrating as there is no way to get around it, this greatly diminishes the value of the phone in my opinion

 

[Trent54]

Sadly, no, and I agree, it greatly diminishes the value of the phone.

 

[Trent54]

I have found a solution though it is a bit of a kludge, and re. However, it might be a step in the direction of optimal, the volume was kind of low before, as a result of my last phone (LG G6) having limited USB output voltage, and my mic relying on USB for power.

I bought an iRig: https://www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedi...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6318520

This is a small portable microphone preamp that is powered by a 9V battery. I had to buy an XLR cable too. Now the microphone (still plugged into the computer for USB power) is hooked to the iRig via XLR, and the iRig plugs into the headphone jack of my S9+. The iRig has a TRS headphone jack you plug your headphones into. I did a test call tonight, and it works.

I went with the iRig because it's cheap and portable, although with all the wires, and the size of the microphone, I'm not sure I'll really take advantage of that. I did just confirm the mic will work without the USB being plugged in for power. Interestingly, however, the light by the on off switch doesn't light up unless USB is connected.

If you're fine with no porability, any A/C powered preamp that provides "phantom power" should be fine, and is arguably more ideal than relying on a 9V battery.

I did a long call tonight and am really happy to have this setup back. The person I was talking to said my voice was much clearer after I plugged in.

I also just bought a Sennheiser Deskmate that I will be testing, once the proprietary cable that connects the microphone to TRRS is delivered. It will be interesting to see how it compares. I imagine I will be trading off quality for portability and the noise cancelling microphone. However, one thing I learned is that my external microphone is inherently good at rejecting background noise because it is a cardioid design.

I will report back after I've had a chance to try out the DeskMate.

I would like to know if you have found anything more on this, as I work from home as well and use a usb headset, I have the Note 8 and the same exact thing the OTG cable works for everything but calls and is so incredibly frustrating as there is no way to get around it, this greatly diminishes the value of the phone in my opinion

 

[Trent54]

iRig works well for me, but callers often complain of interference if the wires are close together, and it is a cumbersome setup.

Deskmate is too quiet--not enough voltage from the phone.

I wish Samsung would fix this bull****!!!

 

[sydneygriffith]

Hi Are there any new suggestions/solution regarding this issue? I too cannot get my usb head set to work for phone calls with an OTG adapter. The mic works but the sound comes through the phone. This ONLY happens with phone calls.

THanks