Using a Microphone with online chat applications

Some webcam models are shipped with a microphone for use in online chat applications or video captures. The microphone needs to be connected to your sound card in your computer, not to your webcam. You can use the microphone shipped with the camera (some models only), or you can use any multimedia microphone. To use, configure and troubleshoot the microphone, please follow the procedures below.

• Make sure that the microphone is connected to the Mic _In port on the sound card. Most sound cards have color coded jacks for easy connection. For more information about how and where to plug the microphone to a sound card, please refer to the sound card documentation.

  

  To reduce static or buzzing noise, ensure that the microphone is fully plugged into the Mic-In jack, and do not run the microphone cable next to monitor, TV, an AC adapter, or any charger for MP3 players, cell phones, etc. These devices have a strong field , and the microphone may pick up the noise.

• Ensure that microphone is set as the Recording Source.

  In Windows Vista

  1. Close all back applications, especially, Sound Recorder or other multimedia applications, for example, Creative MediaSource.
  2. Select Control Panel, and then Hardware and Sound.
  3. Click on the Recording tab.
  4. Select the recording source, for example, Line In 2/Mic 2, and then click Set Default. Recording device will be marked with a green tick mark.

  

  5. Adjust the input level if you have difficulty recording. Click Properties, and then click Levels.

  

  6. You can mute playback from microphone or line in device if you do not want to monitor or hear feedback.

  To mute a device, click on the Recording tab (in Hard and Sound). Click Playback. Highlight the speakers that you are using. Click Properties,

  

  Mute the device that you do not want to hear feedback.

  

  In Windows XP or Windows 2000

  1. Click on Start and go to Programs, then Accessories, then Entertainment.
  2. Click Volume Control.
  3. Click Options, then Properties.
  4. Select RECORDING. Make sure that Microphone is selected.

  To avoid echo or feedback from speakers to the microphone, make sure that microphone is muted in Windows Volume Control.

  
  

  If your microphone volume is too low, you can increase its gain (Mic Boost ).

  
  

  5. Make sure that your sound card is configured corrected. Set Windows to use default recording devices only.

     Click Start and go to (Settings) Control Panel, then click Sounds and Audio Devices, or Multimedia (if using Windows 98 or Me), click the Audio tab, verify that your sound card (for example, Sound Blaster X-Fi) is selected as the preferred device for both Playback and Record.

     Check the box next to ''Use only default devices'', and click on OK.

• Check the PC-Cam Center, or WebCam Center settings, depending on your camera model

  Connect the camera to your computer, open PC-Cam Center or WebCam Center program. Click the Live Video button.

  Click the Advanced Settings button. (Note: If you do not have the "Advanced Settings" button, you may need to click the "Open/Close the live video setting panel" button.)

  Click the Video Capture tab, and then select " Enable Audio Capture"

  Change Audio Device to your computer's sound card, and set the Audio Compressor to PCM

  Set the Audio Format to 44,100Hz, 16 bits, Stereo, and click Apply and then click OK.