Problems with audio and / or microphone (Windows)

FAQ AVIEW-1040

What you need to know

Before you participate in an online session with alfaview, you should ensure that the intended devices for image and sound recording are correctly connected and functioning. The following instructions will support you in this process.
Step 1: First check your audio settings before joining the room.
Step 2: You can also change audio settings in the room.
Step 3 - 6: If you have any problems, check your audio source outside the video conferencing system.

Please note: The following instructions are primarily intended for users who use the Windows operating system. (Here you can find the instructions for MacOS).

What you have to do

  1. Before entering the room

    • It is best to connect your audio source to your PC before entering the room.

    • Click on "Enter" then before entering the room click on the Audio Devices Setup link at the bottom (see Fig. 1.1).

    • Please make sure that you can detect a visible deflection below voice activation level as soon as you speak into the microphone. The peak of the deflection should be above the visible control.

    • If you cannot detect a level, you have not yet selected the correct recording source under "Microphone".

    • Then play the test tone on the loudspeaker.

    • If you cannot hear any sound, you have not yet selected the correct sound source under "Speaker".

  2. If you are already in an alfaview room, please check in the settings (gear wheel top right) whether:
    1) the correct device is selected under Microphone and Loudspeaker.
    2) the voice activation level is set correctly.
    If you are not successful with 1) or 2), go to 3).
    3) Reset your settings.

    • Check whether the correct device is activated in the settings (gear wheel on the right) under "Loudspeaker" or "Microphone" (see Fig 2.2, No. 1).

    • The desired input device is selected for audio input.

    • If the current selection of the device under "Microphone" and/or "Speaker" is not correct, select the desired device by clicking on the corresponding entry.

    • Under "Show all settings" (see Fig 2.2, No. 3) you can play a test tone in the "Audio" section to check the speaker device.

    • Make sure that the voice activation level  has been set correctly. When using a headset, you can set the level to "45" as a guide (see Fig. 2.2, No. 2).

    • The voice activation level minimises background noise. If this is set too high, then your voice recording (if quieter) will also no longer be transmitted via the microphone.

    • In the sidebar, the speech activation level is only visible if echo cancellation has been deactivated. If you want to edit both values at the same time, it is best to switch to the advanced audio settings under "Show all settings".

    • Make sure that the automatic noise cancellationis activated.

    • Reset alfaview to the default settings by going to "Show all settings" in the settings below (see Fig. 2.2, No. 3) and clicking "Reset settings" (bottom left) in the window that opens.

  3. Check the connection of your microphone / headset.

    • The connection cable is intact and plugged into the intended sound recording socket of the computer or laptop.

    • If you find any damage to the cable or jack, replace your capture device.

  4. Check under "Start > Settings > Devices" whether the device you are looking for is listed.

    • If your microphone or headset is not listed, the device has not yet been installed correctly. Add it later by clicking on "Add Bluetooth or other device".

    • 4.1

  5. Check under "Start > Settings > System > Sound" whether your recording device is selected under "Input" and is thus used by default by the operating system.

    • Check if the desired input device is listed.

    • If the current selection of the device under "Select input device" is not correct, select the desired default device via the dropdown.

    • Check whether you can see a visible deflection under "Test microphone" as soon as the recorder is exposed to noise or speech.

    • If this test is not successful, proceed to the next step.

    • Your desired recording source is saved as the default recording device in the settings.

    • 5.1
    • 5.2
    • 5.3

  6. If necessary, install or update the drivers.

    • You can perform troubleshooting for this, if indicated (see Fig. 6.1).

    • You can still update the drivers via the Device Manager (see Fig. 6.2).

    • More information or the possibility to download the appropriate driver can usually be found on the manufacturer's website.

    • If you encounter problems while installing/updating the driver, please contact the device manufacturer or the support responsible.

    • The driver for the desired recording device is installed and up-to-date.

  7. Tip: If you are trying out different input devices (e.g. headsets), then we recommend that you first leave the alfaview room and shut down the PC:

    • Close all running applications and shut down the PC.

    • Plug in (and turn on) the headset.

    • Then restart the PC.

    • The new headset has been connected correctly.

    • Then follow the instructions above to verify that the headset is recognised and used by the system.

Problems or questions?