USB headphones get muted when setting volume below a certain threshold
I had a similar problem (albeit with a different headset) and found the solution here:
https://chrisjean.com/fix-for-usb-audio-is-too-loud-and-mutes-at-low-volume-in-ubuntu/
I recommend you follow the advice in the above link but I've copied the relevant sections in case the website or post disappears in the future.
Open a terminal (CTRL + ALT + T) and enter the following to create a backup copy of the original file before editing:
sudo cp /usr/share/pulseaudio/alsa-mixer/paths/analog-output.conf.common /usr/share/pulseaudio/alsa-mixer/paths/analog-output.conf.common_original
Edit the file in the text editor.
gksu gedit /usr/share/pulseaudio/alsa-mixer/paths/analog-output.conf.common
You'll be asked for your password - enter it and you should see a file editor pop up.
Find the section "[Element PCM]"
[Element PCM] switch = mute volume = merge override-map.1 = all override-map.2 = all-left,all-right
Modify that section so it looks like this:
[Element PCM] switch = mute volume = ignore volume-limit = 0.01 override-map.1 = all override-map.2 = all-left,all-right
Save the final and enter the following in your terminal to reload the config:
pulseaudio -k
Notes
- The number for volume-limit (in this example 0.01) might be too loud or quiet, change the value, save the file, reload the config and repeat until you're happy. Other values tested where 0.05 (too quiet), 0.075 and 0.5 (too loud).
- This is not my guide - but it resolved my issue and hopefully will help others.