Using an iMac, Parallels 3.0 build 4560, Windows XP SP2, and Logitech USB Headset 350. In Mac OS X, I can select the USB headset for audio input and output. But in Parallels, Windows XP does not see the headset, and I cannot add it using the Add Hardware control panel. Audio for Windows is routed by default through the iMac's built-in speakers and mic. How can I have both the host and guest OS see a USB audio headset?
Is it possible that only one OS at a time can see a USB headset? Thanks for the suggestion. I've read the threads on Dragon Naturally Speaking, but haven't found this particular problem addressed. Further experimentation shows that when the USB headset is not selected in the Mac OS, then Parallels and Windows can see it and I can select it. But once it's selected in Windows, the Mac OS can no longer see the device. If I quit Parallels, then the Mac OS once again can see the device. If I select the device on the Mac and relaunch Parallels, then Windows can't see the device. Is it possible that only one OS at a time can see a USB headset?
Only one operating system at a time can access the USB device. However as referenced in the Naturallyspeaking threads (if you read them carefully) if you leave your usb microphone selected as the sound input in the system preferences, and turn off automatic USB connectivity for your virtual machine, then windows will use as the microphone the default system that parallels sets up (which will be what the Mac uses - which in this case will be the USB microphone). this works well for me for using DNS, but I haven't actually tried it on the macintosh side - mostly because I am using a philips speech mike which is designed for PC and I gather that there is problem with the input sound levels for the mac. If using the microphone under both OS is a priority - I suspect that a microphone designed primarily for the macintosh might serve you better - check out the macspeech website - you will find links to take you to mac specific microphones
