Corsair Headset Mic Not Working (HS35, HS45, HS60, HS70, HS80)

Corsair has a versatile lineup of headsets catering to different user niches. For instance, most headsets in the HS series are affordable while still packing important features. 

However, these headsets have a very annoying downside that can make you toss them away and never want to look at them. 

The downside is that the mic will sometimes stop working. I experienced this during a Zoom meeting, but the issue was quickly resolved. Things were good until the mic stopped working again a few days later.

I realized many Corsair users experience this issue and need a comprehensive resolution guide. Below are all the solutions that will get the mic working correctly again. 

Key Takeaways

Recommended Reading :

Why Is My Corsair Mic Not Working?

Many things can go wrong with your Corsair headset and stop the mic from working. Some of these things can be caused by the user, while others randomly occur. They include:

There are multiple reasons why the mic would not work. Those listed above are just some of the most common. 

How to Get the Mic Working?

The important aspect is to know how to handle the mic not working issue when it arises. Here is what you should do:

Ensure All Connections Are Correctly Done

The primary issue when the mic is not working on your headsets is that there could be a loose connection somewhere. Most people tend to overlook this and end up finding out that it is the problem.

So, double-check all connections between the headset, the mic, and your device to ensure they are done correctly. 

Make sure the microphone and cable are firmly connected to the appropriate ports.

You can unplug and plug the connections to ensure everything goes to the correct port and fits. Ensure you reconnect the mic, as it is usually the primary culprit. Push it into the headset earcup to fit correctly, and do not leave any section of the plug out of the headset port. 

Also, check the ports and plugs to ensure they are clean, dry, and in good condition. If dirt or moisture is on any headset element, you will likely face issues like the mic not working. A damaged or worn-out cable/port will also present such issues as the mic not working.

You can connect it to a different device to determine whether the headset or your device is the problem. 

Try connecting your Corsair headset to a different device to determine whether the headset or your device is causing the mic issue.

Those using splitters should ensure the correct cable goes into the audio input and output ports. 

When using splitters, make sure the plugs are connected to appropriate ports for mic and headphone audio.

Also, check for an icon on both ends of the 3.5mm audio cable because some cables have the headphone icon on the end that should be connected to your headset, i.e., the 3.5mm cable for the HS70 Bluetooth headset. 

Confirm that the Mic Is Not on Mute

Another primary cause for the mic not working is that it could be muted. Corsair headsets have a mute button on the headsets or mics that can be used to mute the mic quickly. 

It is difficult to tell if the mic is muted, especially if it does not have an LED on the mic like the H60 Pro Surround. The mic LED usually lights red to show the mic is mute. 

You can find the mute button just below the volume adjusting knob on the Corsair HS60, HS45, HS70, and HS35. Short pressing this button mutes or unmutes the mic; therefore, press it and test whether your mic is picking up the audio. 

Make sure the mic is not muted.

The HS80 RGB Wireless, HS80 Max, and HS80 RGB USB headsets are unmuted by adjusting the boom mic so the mic is in front of your mouth. Placing the boom vertically upwards mutes the mic. 

The HS80 RGB USB headset has a mute button on the left earcup above the volume control.

Some 3.5mm cables also have in-line controls with a mute button, so be on the lookout for that. The button is usually labeled with a mic icon crossed out to show that switching the button to this position will mute the mic.

Change the Port Connecting the Headsets to Your Device

Another problem is that the port connecting the headset to your device may be incompatible with the headset. Not all USB ports on your device might have the same qualities, so you should switch ports.

If using a USB Corsair headset, try switching USB ports.

Also, the current port could be damaged, and changing to a different one can solve your problem. 

Also, interchange the audio in and audio out cables when using a splitter, especially if you do not understand which cable should go to which port. 

Restart Your Devices

A restart will shut down all processes that are going on in your device and start them afresh. This is essential if you suspect a firmware malfunction stops the mic from working. 

Therefore, restart your headsets by pressing the power button or disconnecting them from the wireless connections. Also, remember to restart the device connecting to the headset. 

Restart your PC and headset.

Grant the Device Mic Access

Your device might also switch off mic access for all programs. The mic privacy setting is supposed to enhance security, ensuring your apps are not secretly recording you.

Therefore, ensure your headset has mic access by checking the privacy settings. Below is how to grant mic access on Windows and macOS. 

Windows

Give apps access to your microphone in Windows Privacy and Security Settings.

If the Corsair headset microphone is not working when using a particular app, ensure the app has mic access.

macOS

Check your macOS Privacy and Security settings. Grant mic access permissions to all the apps you want to use.

Use a Different Method to Connect to the Headset

Most of the Corsair headsets come with more than one connection method. They support 3.5mm, USB, USB wireless, and Bluetooth connections.

Use different connection methods to confirm if the problem is isolated to one connection method or if it affects all of them. 

This measure will also help you determine if one of the ports on your device or headset is damaged. 

You should also use a different audio adapter for the HS45 and the HS60 since some users have claimed that their mics started working after changing the headset adapters. 

Try using your HS45/HS60 without the USB audio adapter. 

Check the Audio Settings on Your Device

There are some audio settings on your device that you should adjust to ensure your device is set to use the Corsair microphone and not any other mic that is connected to your device. 

The settings are:

Set the Default Mic

Windows devices allow users to select which mic should be the default mic. The device can switch between mics automatically, but that is not always the case. 

You can ensure the Corsair mic is enabled and set as the default by following the steps below:

Find your Corsair microphone in the list of available devices under the Recording tab and set it as the default mic.

Set the default mic on a MacBook by going to the Apple menu > System settings > Sound > Input and selecting the Corsair mic. 

In macOS Sound Settings, set your headset and its microphone as your default input and output devices.

Improve the Mic’s Sensitivity

You can enable the mic to detect audio signals better by increasing the mic gain. You can do this via the device’s settings or the iCUE for compatible headsets.

Using iCUE

Adjust mic gain using the iCUE app.

On Windows:

Set the mic gain and ensure the microphone is not muted. 

Change the Sample Rate and Bit Depth

Users have also stated that disabling the Nvidia section in the iCUE has gotten their mics working. 

Uninstalling the NVIDIA Broadcast plugin fixed the mic issue for some users.

Update All the Firmware Used by the Headset

Firmware updates are crucial for the functioning of any device. The updates erase errors and introduce features to your device that make it more efficient. 

So, ensure the headset is not misbehaving because of using outdated firmware by updating it using the steps below:

• Open the iCUE while the headset is connected to your PC through USB. If the headset comes with a wireless USB adapter, connect the adapter as well. 
• Click on the device you want to update from the devices on the iCUE. In our case, it will be the headset, and we will come back later for the USB transmitter.
• Select Device settings > Check for Updates.
• You will be notified if an update is available or if your device uses the latest firmware version.

When you open the iCUE app, you will get a notification if there’s an update available.

• You can still force the firmware to update by clicking the vertical dots next to Check for Updates.

You can also check for updates manually.

• Force an update by clicking Force update or Browse for firmware to receive an update from customer support. 
• Restart your device once the updates are done, and test the mic.

Also, remember to update the OS on your PC. Check if the OS update is downloaded and installed, as some devices might only download the update but not install it. 

The updates will also ensure you have the latest driver versions, not outdated ones. 

How to update the Corsair HS80 firmware – Step-by-Step Guide

Use the Mic Boost Feature

If the Corsair HS headset is compatible with the iCUE, you can use the mic boost feature to improve your mic’s gain. It would help the mic pick up more audio signals or start picking them if it was not doing so previously. 

You can turn on the mic boost by following the steps below:

Try boosting your mic in the iCUE settings to fix the mic issue.

Uninstall then Install iCUE

If you have recently updated or started using the iCUE, it can present problems; one could be that the mic will not work. 

You can overcome this by uninstalling the app from your device and re-installing it. This will erase errors and bugs that could be causing problems. 

You can uninstall and install the app by following these instructions:

Windows

• Go to search on the taskbar, search for the control panel, and select it.
• Select Programs and features, then the iCUE firmware from the programs list.
• Select Uninstall and ensure Delete Settings for All Users is checked.

Uninstalling the iCUE software and reinstalling it fixed the mic issue for some users.

• Wait for the uninstalling to finish once you click Yes.
• Press Windows + R and enter %appdata%
• Delete any Corsair folder that will be on the open window.
• Press Windows + R again and enter %localappdata%
• Delete any Corsair files that will appear on the open window.
• Open C:\Program Files\ via the file explorer and delete the Corsair files that will be here.
• Go to Windows + R, enter %programdata% > OK, and erase the Corsair folders that you will find.
• Open the iCUE installer after you have restarted your device.

MacOS 

Consider uninstalling and reinstalling the program two to three times if the problem persists. 

Reset Your Corsair Headset

A reset can also help get the mic working. The reset will remove bugs or sort any system malfunctions that could prevent the mic from working correctly. The HS series of headsets follow different resetting procedures, so find the one that applies to your device and follow it.

Resetting the Corsair HS70 Wireless

Corsair HS70 Bluetooth, HS80 wireless

Use the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

If the headset is connected to a Windows device, you can use the audio troubleshooter to identify and solve the problem. 

The troubleshooter can find the issue causing the mic not to work and suggest what you should do or if it does it for you. 

You can run the troubleshooter by following the guidelines below;

• Connect the headset to your device.
• Open the Windows settings by going to Start > Settings.
• Then navigate System > Sound > Troubleshoot common sound problems and click on Input devices.

Let the Sound Troubleshooter do the fixing for you.

• The onscreen prompts will guide you on the next steps. 

Check the Audio Input Settings on Your Apps

You should also be keen and note when the mic stops working. Sometimes, the mic will work on other apps and stop working on a specific app. 

Such scenarios are because the troublesome app could have in-app settings that regulate how it interacts with the microphone. 

If you notice such behavior from an app, open its settings and check the audio input settings. Look for any microphone or audio input settings and change them accordingly. 

Check the in-app audio settings – select your Corsair headset microphone as the default communication device.

If this proves challenging, contact the app’s customer support team or other users in the Corsair forum. 

Close Other Apps that Are Using the Mic

Another aspect that could prevent the Corsair mic from working is the apps installed or running on your device. 

Apps that use the mic or enhance the mic’s quality can cause conflict on your device’s system and end up stopping the Corsair mic from working. 

You can overcome this by closing or uninstalling these apps and checking whether the mic starts working. 

You can even go further and uninstall these apps and then check whether the mic will start working. 

Contact Support

The Corsair customer support team will help if the mic still needs to be fixed after trying the solutions above. Contact them and inform them you have already tried the above solutions, and they have yet to work. 

The representative will provide further solutions, including informing you how and if you can get a replacement. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

The Corsair headsets last long if they are taken care of. They might have issues often, but most are easily solved. Additionally, their customer support is responsive and friendly.