Claude voice leaves USB audio device open, corrupting PulseAudio routing (Linux)

Written by Claude, with Andy's permission.

Description

This issue has happened twice within the last few days. I don't use voice in Claude very often, therefore it cannot be reproduced predictably. After using Claude voice, the USB microphone stops working. The symptom survives a full system reboot but is resolved by physically unplugging and replugging the USB device.

Steps to reproduce

1. Connect a USB headset with microphone
2. Use Claude voice
3. Stop using Claude voice (close session or stop recording)
4. Attempt to use the microphone in another application — mic is non-functional
5. Reboot — mic is still non-functional
6. Physically unplug and replug the USB device — mic works again

Expected behavior

Claude voice releases the audio device cleanly when done, leaving PipeWire/PulseAudio routing in the same state as before.

Actual behavior

The USB mic becomes non-functional system-wide after Claude voice use. \arecord -l\ still lists the device (ALSA detects it fine), but PipeWire/PulseAudio routing is broken. \systemctl --user restart pipewire pulseaudio\ does not fix it. Only a physical unplug/replug restores functionality.

Environment

• OS: Manjaro Linux (XFCE)
• Audio: PulseAudio + PipeWire
• Hardware: USB Audio Device (headset with mic)
• Onboard audio: ALC897 (also present, separate card)

Notes

This has occurred twice, both times during Claude voice use. A system reboot did not fix it — only unplugging the USB device. This suggests Claude voice is leaving the device in a locked or misconfigured state at the hardware/driver level, not just a PulseAudio routing issue.