For telemedicine videoconferencing, you can connect the Thinklabs One to any USB audio device. While the computer's built-in audio input or headset can work well, the quality of audio varies between computers. Most USB audio devices connect to The One in a similar manner.
NOTE: To download a PDF version of this information, go to the bottom of this page and download Instructions_for_USB_Connection_1-1.pdf.
Hardware Requirements
Before you get started, please make sure you have the following hardware items.
- USB Audio Device with separate Mic and Headphone jacks. We have a recommended list here.
- 3.5mm Male-to-Male Audio Cable
- Audio Splitter Cable
- Thinklabs Ear Bud Headphones
NOTE: We show the SoundBlaster Play!3 USB Audio Adapter in the instructions below. We no longer recommend the SoundBlaster Play!3 due to recent changes in the Windows audio drivers that have resulted in unreliable operation of this specific device.
However, the instructions apply to any of the recommended USB Audio Adapters.
STEP 1: Connect Thinklabs Hardware to your PC
STEP 1A: Insert the USB audio adapter into the USB port on your computer.
STEP 1B: Insert the male-to-male audio plug into the Microphone jack on the USB audio adapter.
NOTE: The Microphone jack on the USB audio adapter appears as shown below.
STEP 1C: Insert the other end of the male-to-male audio plug into either of the female jacks of the audio splitter.
STEP 1D: Insert the headphone plug into the other female jack of the audio splitter.
NOTE: Connecting the Thinklabs earbuds to the audio splitter enables the clinician to listen during auscultation, which ensures strong and accurate sounds over the video conference call.
STEP 1E: Insert the audio splitter plug all the way into the recessed jack on the Thinklabs One.
STEP 2: Set Audio Levels on your Computer
NOTE: Before commencing this procedure, make sure your hardware is connected as shown in Step 1.
STEP 2A: Open the Control Panel in Windows.
There are several ways to access the Control Panel. The simplest option is to type Control Panel in the Windows search bar, as shown below, and then select the Control Panel App.
STEP 2B: Select Hardware and Sound.
STEP 2C: In the Hardware and Sound window, click Sound.
STEP 2D: Click the Recording tab.
STEP 2E: Select the SoundBlaster Play! 3 microphone, as shown below.
If you are using the supported Audio Technica adapter, select ATR2USB.
STEP 2F: Click Properties.
STEP 2G: In the Microphone Properties window, click the Levels tab.
STEP 2H: Press any of the four control buttons for two seconds to power on the Thinklabs One. When the LEDs come on, release the button.
STEP 2I: Adjust the volume on the stethoscope to level 3 or 4 (out of 10 on the Volume Scale).
For more information on adjusting the volume on the Thinklabs One, click here.
STEP 2J: To listen to the patient's heart sounds, place the Thinklabs One over the patient's heart and then gently against their skin.
NOTE: You can also perform this procedure on yourself if another person is unavailable.
STEP 2K: Adjust sound levels for optimal result - not too low, not too high.
NOTE: Total volume = Stethoscope volume + Microphone volume.
You can adjust both stethoscope and Mic settings. To adjust Mic, make sure you’re in the Levels tab (step 6). Adjust slider to 10~25 to start, and click OK. The Sound window will show vertical volume bars peak during heartbeats. Now alternately adjust stethoscope volume and click Properties to adjust Mic slider until volume bars reach about 75% of maximum during a peak beat.
If listening to headphones at the same time, try to adjust the One so that headphone volume is at a comfortable level, and then change Mic volume to achieve the ~75% peak level. This balances listening volume and computer setting.
NOTE: Before commencing this procedure, make sure your hardware is connected as shown in Step 1.
STEP 2A: Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your desktop and then select System Preferences.
STEP 2B: Click Show All.
STEP 2C: Click Sound.
STEP 2D: Select Input from the top menu tabs, to show the input devices on your computer.
STEP 2E: Select the supported USB audio device.
In the following example, the supported USB audio device is Sound Blaster Play! 3.
STEP 2F: Adjust the Input Volume slider to the midpoint position as a starting point.
STEP 2H: Press any of the four control buttons for two seconds to power on the Thinklabs One. When the LEDs come on, release the button.
STEP 2I: Adjust the volume on the stethoscope to level 3 or 4 (out of 10 on the Volume Scale).
For more information on adjusting the volume on the Thinklabs One, click here.
STEP 2J: To listen to the patient's heart sounds, place the Thinklabs One over the patient's heart and then gently against their skin.
NOTE: You can also perform this procedure on yourself if another person is unavailable.
STEP 2K: Adjust sound levels for optimal result - not too low, not too high.
NOTE: Total volume = Stethoscope volume + Microphone volume.
You can adjust both the stethoscope volume (using the exterior buttons on the device) and the Input Volume slider (in Mac OS) in various combinations to create good results. However, if you’re listening on headphones, you may want to first adjust the stethoscope volume to a desired level and then adjust Input level scale.
Additionally, the Input level scale will help you set the optimal level. Avoid allowing the levels to reach the maximum since this will cause distortion and “static” sound.