Zoom calls on PC.

Chomeur

In order to be able to do Zoom calls on my PC I bought a webcam online, probably too cheap a one https://www.ebay.com.hk/itm/124305722798?ul_noapp=true. The image is actually very good, but the sound is really muffled, and it's hard for people to make out what I'm saying. What do I need to do to fix this? I don't mind spending more money to buy a better webcam, but I'm not sure that that would even be the solution. Maybe there's a "Muffle sound" option on my PC that I can turn off somewhere

Username03725

The web cam handles video and audio - the link shows that it has a built in microphone, so you need to make sure that's selected when you're on a call. I don't have Zoom in front of me but on a Zoom call in the bottom left corner there should be a small arrow that opens up more audio options, including one to select the webcam's built-in mic. 

You can also check that the new mic is working ok by opening Windows Sound settings - right click on the speaker icon in the tray (bottom right) and select Sounds, then follow your nose trying various options and settings.

Easiest way to finalise it is to do a Zoom call with a friend to explore all the options & settings without the pressure of doing it on a proper call.

Chomeur

Thanks. But there aren't really any settings to play around with. There's a Troubleshoot button but that doesn't come up with anything. I've tried it on Zoom once and was told that it was very hard to hear what I was saying, but it wasn't silent. Here's a link to a recording I made with a Chrome extension called RecordRTC. https://easyupload.io/zda2g8

[Deleted User]

Chomeur said:

Thanks. But there aren't really any settings to play around with. There's a Troubleshoot button but that doesn't come up with anything. I've tried it on Zoom once and was told that it was very hard to hear what I was saying, but it wasn't silent. Here's a link to a recording I made with a Chrome extension called RecordRTC. https://easyupload.io/zda2g8

First just check there is nothing covering the microphone hole on the webcam - ie any left over packaging or peel-able film for example.

Are you using headphones at all? Just wondering as they might have a built in mic that is being used instead.

If you are using the desktop Zoom application (recommended) then just click the cog icon to go into settings and then into Audio options and check which microphone you have selected:



If you are using a browser such as Chrome, go into the browser settings and search for Microphone to do the same thing:



Try that first and check you are using the correct microphone and not one that is built into your PC or Laptop for example.

Neil_Jones

If this is a laptop you're using it will have its own built-in microphone that may be being used instead of the one on the camera.  This can be positioned anywhere on the base of the unit, so you may inadvertently be covering it.

Ibrahim5

To get really good sound quality you have to have a microphone very close to your mouth. There are loads of USB microphones to choose from. I picked one that was just the right height for my desk. The video from the webcam covers my face but the microphone is just out of shot under my chin. Using a webcam microphone will always be inferior because it is too far away from your mouth.

neilmcl

Get yourself some decent headphones/earpods with their own built in microphone or better still use a separate USB mic.

Chomeur

I do have some headphones connected. But both Zoom and Chrome indicate that "Microphone (General Webcam)" is selected. If I hold the webcam close to my mouth then the sound is better (https://easyupload.io/ajx5gm) but that is obviously not much good when I want to use it as a webcam as well.

I'll get a separate microphone. Probably this will do me, it can sit in front of me as I talk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conference-Microphone-Business-Computer-Portable-Black/dp/B08NF6DCY1/ref=asc_df_B08NF6DCY1/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463261066018&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1121802771625664806&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045957&hvtargid=pla-1070202635248&psc=1

[Deleted User]

Chomeur said:

I do have some headphones connected. But both Zoom and Chrome indicate that "Microphone (General Webcam)" is selected. If I hold the webcam close to my mouth then the sound is better (https://easyupload.io/ajx5gm) but that is obviously not much good when I want to use it as a webcam as well.

I'll get a separate microphone. Probably this will do me, it can sit in front of me as I talk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conference-Microphone-Business-Computer-Portable-Black/dp/B08NF6DCY1/ref=asc_df_B08NF6DCY1/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463261066018&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1121802771625664806&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045957&hvtargid=pla-1070202635248&psc=1

Probably a good idea to use a different microphone, just bear in mind that table top microphones like that can be prone to picking up sounds and vibrations on the desk such as putting a coffee cup down or typing on a keyboard so just be careful of that.

Just reflect on the "buy cheap, buy twice" as the bargain £10 webcam has now cost another £7 and there aren't a lot of reviews for that microphone. If it works then all good and money saving but sometimes the very bottom end of these types of electronic products can be disappointing.

Personally I'd also consider returning the webcam for a refund as it doesn't function as described but that is up to you because you'll still need to buy another one that is probably more expensive.

Have a think about whether a headset with a microphone boom would be another alternative for you, but again the cheap end might be disappointing.

Chomeur

OK, I've got one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/TKGOU-Microphone-Indicator-Recording-Compatible/dp/B08LNCJP1K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 and all seems to be good. It's a shame that the seller of the webcam wasted my time stating that it has a microphone in it, as it's completely useless.

CoastingHatbox

Problems with webcam and laptop embedded microphones:

1. They are small
2. Relative distance from the sound source to the microphone is quite large

So they never perform that well anyway. I'm often on calls all day and found wearing a headset less than comfortable. So I bought a set of Creative Pebble speakers and a Tonor cardoid condensor microphone which sits suspended on a boom arm positioned so it's not obscuring the view of any monitors but a short distance away from my mouth.

Being a cardoid microphone it picks up much less background noise too and I always get complements on my audio.

It was tricky getting echo cancellation working uniformly across everything, but these days Google Meet and I believe slack can handle that side of things.