Computer sound query

[Bert Coules]

I managed to add a spurious space to the URL. This should work:

[Dave Plowman (News]

Buzz much reduced from the previous one. With my speakers at ordinary speech level I'd call that OK for Zoom. Obviously mute your mic when not speaking.

[Bert Coules]

Right, thanks, Dave.

[Pamela]

That's much better although there's some minor background interference which is only (slightly) evident when you're not talking. The Logitech is better still.

If your desktop mic is sensitive to position and if you can't hear the interference yourself, then it might be a bit risky on video calls.

Out of interest, is it a USB mic or analogue?

[Bert Coules]

Right, thanks.

USB, connected via the same hub as the Logitech.

Incidentally, how did you generate those analysis charts?

[Pamela]

I used an old version of Audacity > Analyse > Plot Spectrum.

Free audio editing packages are available thse days for youngsters to dabble in music composition on their bedroom PCs, and these often include a raft of audio tools including 3D spectrum analysers.

[Bert Coules]

My Audacity is v 2.4.2; I don't know if that's particularly up to date or not. I've never consciously noticed that Plot Spectrum capability before, so thanks for pointing it out.

[Dave Plowman (News]

I keep on finding new tricks on Audacity. Another very good free sound prog for analysing things is REW - really for measuring speakers and room acoustics.

[Bert Coules]

Dave, do you know the very good (and very helpful) Audacity forum?

Thanks for the other tip.

[williamwright]

The first one is the best. The second one has some sort of pulsating hum, the last one is tinny.

Bill

[williamwright]

Aren't you hearing that pulsating hum on the middle one?

Bill

[williamwright]

That sounds perfectly alright to me. I'm using a Sony amp and two JPW speakers.

Bill

[williamwright]

Yes if I turn the volume right up I can hear the interference, but I wouldn't worry about it.

Bill

[Dave W]

On my Windows 8.1 laptop, I can right click on the speaker icon in the task bar, select 'Recording devices', select my plugged in microphone, select 'Properties', select the 'Levels' tab, and on that there's a volume slider, and also a 'Boost' slider which can apply up to 30db boost in 10db increments.

[Dave W]

That sounded very good to me. The loud buzzing is not there any more.

[Dave W]

These are the sort of things I was thinking of, probably not 'broacast quality' but good enough for Zoom.

[Bert Coules]

Windows 7 lacks the Boost option but does have the overall recording level adjustment. Thanks.

[Bert Coules]

Thanks. That's with the mic moved some ten inches further away from the monitor, which seems to have been the cause of the interference. And also with it elevated four inches or so to bring it nearer my mouth, which might also be a factor, I suppose.

[Bert Coules]

Thanks, Bill. As I've just said in another post, I moved the mic further away from the monitor, which seemed the likeliest source of the interference.

[Bert Coules]

I certainly can't detect it at the normal sort of listening levels. Thanks.