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Q&A How can I plug in both a microphone and speaker to a laptop with a single 3.5 mm jack?

You are looking for a TRRS Headset Adapter The Lenovo Y700 has a Combo Audio Jack designed for headsets that contain their own microphone. That means that the jack can handle both audio output and...

posted 2y ago by Dana‭  ·  edited 2y ago by Dana‭

Answer
#2: Post edited by user avatar Dana‭ · 2021-08-12T00:05:41Z (over 2 years ago)
Updated with personal test and additional equipment info and pictures.
  • The Lenovo Y700 has a Combo Audio Jack designed for headsets that contain their own microphone. That means that the jack can handle both audio output and input at the same time, however, there are different standards on how to make devices for this. So buying a headset with an integrated microphone might be a frustrating experience. The User Manual for the Y700 only says
  • > • The combo audio jack does not support conventional microphones.
  • > • The recording function might not be supported if third-party headphones or headsets are connected,
  • due to different industry standards
  • Your dad might also not want to wear one of these headsets.
  • To use the existing speakers and microphone, your best bet is to buy a USB Audio Adapter. These are easily found at your favorite online retailer for around $10 USD and feature both a microphone and headphone jack. I use one myself for video conferencing sometimes.
  • **You are looking for a TRRS Headset Adapter**
  • The Lenovo Y700 has a Combo Audio Jack designed for headsets that contain their own microphone. That means that the jack can handle both audio output and input at the same time.
  • There are different standards on how to make devices for this and the User Manual for the Y700 even states:
  • > • The combo audio jack does not support conventional microphones.
  • > • The recording function might not be supported if third-party headphones or headsets are connected, due to different industry standards
  • I personally own a Lenovo Legion Y740. That's not the same as your dad's Y700, but I suspect they would have the same technology for their Combo Audio Jack. I tested a TRRS Headset adapter on the Y740 to split the signals for the Combo Audio Jack into microphone and speaker and it worked.
  • ![UGREEN TRRS Headset Adapter](https://powerusers.codidact.com/uploads/NSyVWDWaP5Sea24NtPGCNjPg)
  • If you don't want to worry about TRRS and want something that will work for any computer, your best bet is to buy a USB Audio Adapter. These are easily found at your favorite online retailer for around $10 USD (the same as the headset adapter) and feature both a microphone and headphone jack. I use the one below myself for video conferencing sometimes.
  • ![Sabrent USB Audio Adapter](https://powerusers.codidact.com/uploads/84XvAwiBi6scydWs4iZ7gUfZ)
#1: Initial revision by user avatar Dana‭ · 2021-08-03T18:57:04Z (over 2 years ago)
The Lenovo Y700 has a Combo Audio Jack designed for headsets that contain their own microphone. That means that the jack can handle both audio output and input at the same time, however, there are different standards on how to make devices for this. So buying a headset with an integrated microphone might be a frustrating experience. The User Manual for the Y700 only says

 > • The combo audio jack does not support conventional microphones.

 > • The recording function might not be supported if third-party headphones or headsets are connected, 
due to different industry standards 

Your dad might also not want to wear one of these headsets.

To use the existing speakers and microphone, your best bet is to buy a USB Audio Adapter. These are easily found at your favorite online retailer for around $10 USD and feature both a microphone and headphone jack. I use one myself for video conferencing sometimes.