Audio Setup



This page tells you how to set up Windows  audio so you can use the Dwyco Video Conferencing System.  Generally, CDC32 can set up the various sound card parameters by itself. However, getting your microphone and speakers adjusted must be accomplished via the normal windows audio control panels (or whatever control panels that came with your audio card.) The setup consists of one main area:

  1. Adjusting your microphone and speakers to work properly.
  2. Last resort if things don't work.

Adjusting your Microphone and Speakers

Depending on your audio hardware, setting up your audio input and output can be tricky. This section only gives general pointers on what to do. Generally, you want to find the "mixer" application that came with your audio hardware, and become familiar with it.

Windows  comes with a Volume Control application (Start|Programs|Accessories|Multimedia|Volume Control). This program can be used as a default mixer in most cases. Essentially this program can tell your audio hardware what devices to record on, and which to play on, and what volume to use for each device.

The image to the right left shows settings to look for in the volume control (assuming you want to talk into the microphone and listen through your speakers.)

Note that the microphone is muted. This is OK, since this is usually the device that routes your microphone directly to your speakers, which you don't want, since it can cause loud, screeching feedback.

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Next, select Options|Properties, you'll get a dialog box that looks like the image on the left.

Select the recording item as shown and click OK.

 

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You should get a display that looks like the image shown at the left.

Try selecting the items as shown above. Also adjust the microphone to a level that seems reasonable for your setup. You can use the Windows Sound Recorder to check this, or you can just connect to someone using cdc32 and adjust it on the fly. Under the Advanced button there may be a setting that allows Automatic Gain Control on the microphone. By all means enable this item, as it can improve the quality of the audio input.

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Last Resort if Things Don't Work.

There are a variety of things that can go wrong with your audio setup. Unfortunately, there are so many that they can't all be listed, but here are a few things:

  • If you get odd crashes and lockups while using audio, VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE MANUFACTURER AND UPDATE YOUR DRIVERS. It doesn't matter if you bought the card (or got the computer) yesterday. By the time it gets through the distribution channels, most hardware is at least 6 months old, and the software even older. Always always always check for driver updates when you have lockups and crashes that wedge your machine.
  • Use your other sound applications to try playing and recording audio to make sure you have all your speakers and mics plugged into the right place.
  • Make sure you don't have any other applications running that use the sound card.

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