CrewTalk
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Headset Setup

Using a headset with CrewTalk improves audio quality and enables hands-free operation. This guide covers setup for different headset types and troubleshooting common routing issues.

Headset Types

Wired Headsets

Plug-and-play via the headphone jack or USB-C:

  • Audio output routes to the headset automatically
  • Inline microphone works for PTT
  • Inline media button can be used for Bluetooth PTT (if the button sends media events)
  • Most reliable option — no pairing or battery issues

Bluetooth Headsets

Wireless freedom with additional setup:

  • Pair through your device's Bluetooth settings first
  • Enable Bluetooth PTT in CrewTalk Settings for button control
  • Audio output routes via Bluetooth A2DP profile
  • Microphone uses Bluetooth HFP/SCO profile

USB-C Headsets

USB-C audio headsets work plug-and-play for listening and speaking. For PTT button control, USB-C headsets use a special retrigger-hold mode:

  • USB HID headsets send rapid button pulses (~5ms press/release) instead of a continuous hold signal
  • CrewTalk detects this pattern and uses the rapid pulses as keep-alive signals — as long as the button is physically held, the retrigger pulses keep the transmission active
  • When you release the button, the pulses stop and transmission ends after a short timeout
  • This gives you natural hold-to-talk behavior even though the headset's hardware sends toggle-style pulses

The Headset Button Wizard (see below) automatically detects USB-C pulse behavior and selects retrigger-hold mode for you.

Sonim XP8 Dedicated PTT Button

The Sonim XP8 rugged phone has a dedicated hardware PTT button on the side of the device. CrewTalk natively supports this button (keycode 228) for push-to-talk — it works like a traditional radio PTT button, including when the screen is off. No additional setup is required; CrewTalk detects the Sonim PTT button automatically.

Production Headsets

For professional use, consider:

  • Over-ear headsets with boom microphone (best noise isolation)
  • Single-ear headsets (hear PTT in one ear, environment in the other)
  • Shoulder-mount PTT mics (dedicated push button + lapel microphone)

Audio Routing

CrewTalk routes audio using standard Android/iOS audio APIs:

Playback (Receiving PTT)

Uses USAGE_MEDIA audio attribute, which automatically routes to:

  1. Wired headset (if connected)
  2. Bluetooth A2DP (if connected)
  3. Device speaker (fallback)

Recording (Transmitting PTT)

Uses the device's active microphone:

  1. Bluetooth HFP mic (if BT connected and PTT active)
  2. Wired headset mic (if connected)
  3. Device's built-in microphone (fallback)
📝 Why USAGE_MEDIA?

CrewTalk uses USAGE_MEDIA instead of USAGE_VOICE_COMMUNICATION for playback because PTT is half-duplex, not a phone call. USAGE_MEDIA provides more reliable routing across devices, especially to Bluetooth speakers and headsets.

Samsung-Specific Notes

Samsung devices have unique audio routing behavior that may require attention:

  • Audio routing HAL: Samsung's custom audio HAL can interfere with programmatic audio routing
  • setCommunicationDevice: Samsung's implementation of this API varies by model and Android version
  • Speaker routing: If audio unexpectedly comes from the earpiece instead of the speaker, check your device's sound settings
⚠️ Samsung Users

If you experience audio routing issues on a Samsung device (audio from earpiece, not routing to BT), try: 1) Disconnect and reconnect your headset, 2) Toggle Bluetooth off and on, 3) Restart the CrewTalk app. These steps usually resolve Samsung-specific routing quirks.

Headset Button Wizard

CrewTalk includes a 3-step Headset Button Wizard that takes the guesswork out of headset setup. Open it from Settings > Headset Setup > Run Headset Wizard. The wizard:

  1. Detects your headset — identifies the connected device type (Bluetooth, USB-C, or wired)
  2. Tests button behavior — asks you to press and hold your headset's button to analyze the signal pattern (hold vs. toggle vs. rapid pulse)
  3. Auto-selects PTT mode — chooses the best PTT mode for your headset (hold-to-talk, toggle, or retrigger-hold) and saves a profile for your device

The wizard is the recommended way to set up any new headset with CrewTalk.

Best Practices

For Noisy Sets

  • Use over-ear headsets with passive noise isolation
  • Position the microphone close to your mouth
  • Enable the noise gate in CrewTalk settings
  • Consider a boom microphone attachment for your headset

For All-Day Wear

  • Choose a comfortable, lightweight headset
  • Single-ear options prevent fatigue and let you hear your environment
  • Keep a wired backup headset in case Bluetooth battery dies
  • For Bluetooth, choose a headset with 8+ hours battery life

For Maximum Reliability

  • Wired headsets are the most reliable (no pairing, no battery)
  • If using Bluetooth, pair and test before the shoot
  • Keep the headset firmware updated
  • Some crew members prefer wired headsets specifically because they "just work"

Frequently Asked Questions

Most wired and Bluetooth headsets work with CrewTalk. Wired headsets with inline microphones work immediately. Bluetooth headsets need to support the standard media button protocol for PTT functionality.
CrewTalk uses USAGE_MEDIA for audio playback, which routes to the standard media output (speaker, wired headset, or Bluetooth A2DP). If audio isn't routing to your headset, check that your headset is properly connected and set as the media output device.
No. Any headset works for listening. For hands-free PTT, you need a headset with a media/play-pause button (most Bluetooth headsets and wired headsets with inline controls).

Related Articles

Bluetooth PTT

Use a Bluetooth headset button for hands-free PTT.

PTT Basics

Learn how push-to-talk works in CrewTalk.

Audio Issues

Troubleshoot common audio problems.