Solving Technical Issues

To Resolve Microphone Problems

If others cannot hear you speak in the presentation, make sure that the presenter has enabled you to speak. The Speaking Privilege icon next to your name in the participant list should be positive.

If you have correctly connected your microphone (and you have been enabled to speak), but others still cannot hear you, you should ensure that a) your computer’s recording controls have the proper settings, and b) your microphone is functioning.

To Check Recording Control Settings (PC)

  1. Open your Volume Controls by selecting: Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Volume Control.
  2. Click the Options menu and select Properties.
  3. Select the Recording button.
  4. From the list, make sure Microphone has a check mark next to it.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Lastly, go to the Microphone section and make sure the select box is set to a non-muted option.  You may also want to adjust the slider, if volume level is an issue.  

To Check Volume Control Settings (Mac OS X)

  1. Open your Sound Preferences by selecting: Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Sound -> Input.
  2. Make sure that the Input Volume slider is sufficiently to the right and the correct device is selected for sound input.

Check Microphone Function (PC)

If your volume controls have the proper settings, you should ensure that your microphone is functioning.  First ensure that you microphone is turned on (if there is an on/off switch) and properly plugged in.  You can then record an audio clip and listen to that clip to ensure that your computer can properly capture your audio:

  1. Open your Sound Recorder by selecting: Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Sound Recorder.
  2. Click the circular Record button to start your recording.
  3. Speak into your microphone for several seconds.  As you speak, you should see the audio meter register your voice.
  4. Click the square Stop button to stop your recording.
  5. To play back your recording, click the triangular Play button.  You should hear the audio clip you have recorded.  If you can’t hear the clip (or did not see the audio meter register your voice), the issue is most likely related to your microphone. 

Check Microphone Function (MAC)

If your volume controls have the proper settings, you should ensure that your microphone is functioning.  First ensure that your microphone is turned on (if there is an on/off switch) and properly plugged in.  You can then use your Sound preferences dialog to determine whether your computer can properly capture audio:

Open your Sound Preferences by selecting: Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Sound -> Input.

When you speak into the microphone, the Input level volume meter should register your audio.  If it does not, the issue is most likely related to your microphone.

Telephone Simulcast

The Telephone Simulcast provides a backup option if your microphone is not working.  For complete details, refer to: Telephone Simulcast.