Problems with audio and / or microphone (macOS)

FAQ AVIEW-1045

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 - 5: If you have problems, check your audio source outside the video conferencing system.

Please note: The following instructions are intended for users who use the MacOS operating system. (Click here for the instructions for Windows.)

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.

    • Join the room and then click the Set up audio devices link (see Fig. 1.1).

    • The "Audio Device Setup" window (see Fig 1.2) is displayed.

    • Check whether you can see a visible deflection under "Speech activation level" as soon as you speak into the microphone. The peak of the deflection should be above the visible slider.

    • 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 cancellation   is 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 or webcam.

    • 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 if the microphone or headset you are using is recognised by the operating system by looking in the Apple menu (top left) > System Preferences > Sound in the "Output" and/or "Input" tabs to see if it shows up in the list.

    • The desired input device can be found in the listing.

    • If your microphone or headset is not listed, the device has not yet been detected correctly.
      Make sure that the hardware you are using can be operated with MacOS (refer to the manufacturer's instructions).

    • Try unplugging and plugging in the hardware (USB) again, or in case of a Bluetooth device, see if it is correctly connected to your Mac.

    • 4.1

  5. Also, check if the microphone or headset you are using is used by default by the operating system by selecting each from the list described above.

    • Under the "Input" tab you can also check the function of the microphone by observing the deflection of the "Input level" of your microphone while you speak into it.

  6. 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 your Mac:

    • Close all running applications and shut down the Mac.

    • Plug in (and turn on) the headset.

    • Then restart the Mac.

    • 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?