Computer sound query

The level - or levels - surprised me, since despite their slight differences what they have in common is that they're all very low. That comparison recording was made with Audacity, which needed its input sensitivity to be at maximum to capture any appreciable signal at all.

Am I overlooking a Windows 7 master-setting for incoming audio? I've certainly no recollection of ever seeing one.

Dunno, Bert. I've never actually recorded from a USB mic to Audacity. I tend to do that via a mixer in analogue from analogue mics. I have an ex BBC balanced in and out Digigram sound card. Digits are a bit too new for me. ;-)

???

Using your WAV file, the levels of the Logitech (first) and desktop (second) are quite different. See this chart.

Your webcam provides a digital signal to the PC, while the desktop electret provides an analogue one. Controls for each (level, EQ, etc) within the PC will be different.

The Logitech sounds better to me but perhaps you find it too smooth. Maybe Windows 7 lets you attenuate the bass frequencies or apply a bass-cut (high pass) filter.

I think the desktop mic was USB. So all the same. An electret (maybe more than one) with electronics to convert to digital.

And I don't think you'll find any EQ controls for a UBS mic that work in real time, ie suitable for a Zoom meeting.

The only method I've found is to stay in analogue for EQ etc, then feed into the PC.

I can't hear it, but others here have commented on it, and of course I can see it on the chart.

If there is such an option in Win7 I can't find it; I suspect that it's not possible for live work. If you and others think it's acceptable, I'm happy to go along with that.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I suspect, Bert, your best option would be to put a graphic equaliser in your speaker feed and set it for best with your hearing. None of those mics would cause any real problems with intelligibility for others on a Zoom meeting.

Thanks for that. Did you see my earlier post where I reported playing the comparison file on my AV setup? The sound was markedly different, which certainly suggests that the PC's playback chain is the main culprit here.

The location of the computer obviously doesn't help: my desk is in an alcove with quite deep shelves which start just above the top of the monitor, effectively placing the speakers in an open-fronted box.

I'm reassured that the sound from my Logitech webcam mic is acceptable to others: that was my main concern. Vain I might be, but even so I rarely find myself listening for pleasure to the sound of my own voice.

I find the desktop mic sound is horrible, even for a video call. There's a recurring buzz interference approx every half-second. It starts before anything is said and carries on throughout.

The (first) webcam mic is better. Its boosted bass actually makes it sound a bit more personal and close, which is good.

Though the two non-logitech ones were picking up "annoying" levels of interference, that could possibly be fixed by repositioning the mic or the cable away from other equipment.

I wondered about that. The new webcam (which is on the top of the monitor) is presumably better shielded than the desktop mic (which is at its foot).

Thanks. Your hearing is clearly better than mine. Here's a very short new recording with the desktop mic in a different position. If you've a moment to listen, can you tell me if the sound is any different?

Sorry, here's the correct link:

"Not found"

Sorry about that. I'll check the link and try again.

spurious % at end of URL, this works

Cany hear the interference while you're speaking, but can hear it as a pulsating, buzzing sound after you stop.

I'm getting the same message, though I've no idea why; I uploaded the new file and formulated the link in exactly the same way as the previous one and that worked OK.

I'll investigate some more. Thanks for your patience.

Thanks, Andy.