Zoom calls hijacking your microphone?

Post by **mightyfelix** » April 22nd, 2020, 1:05 pm

I don't know about you guys, but I've been doing lots of Zoom calls lately to stay connected with the people I care about.

I've also still been recording whenever possible, and lately have been having issues with my microphone input being set pretty low when I start recording, and then I have to go into Windows' settings and fix it, again.

I never connected these two things until today. I recorded a bit, but had a scheduled Zoom call at 2 and wasn't able to finish the section in time. After my call ended, I went back to recording (didn't even close Audacity in the meantime), and suddenly my mic input in Windows was very low! Has anybody else noticed this kind of thing happening, or is it just me?

ej400 · Post by **ej400** » April 22nd, 2020, 1:19 pm

mightyfelix wrote: ↑April 22nd, 2020, 1:05 pm I don't know about you guys, but I've been doing lots of Zoom calls lately to stay connected with the people I care about.

I've also still been recording whenever possible, and lately have been having issues with my microphone input being set pretty low when I start recording, and then I have to go into Windows' settings and fix it, again.

I never connected these two things until today. I recorded a bit, but had a scheduled Zoom call at 2 and wasn't able to finish the section in time. After my call ended, I went back to recording (didn't even close Audacity in the meantime), and suddenly my mic input in Windows was very low! Has anybody else noticed this kind of thing happening, or is it just me?

I just did that before recording today but didn't have that happen. That's bizarre. When you downloaded zoom do you remember if it asked you permission to adjust microphone or something? Maybe look through its permissions? There might be something in there saying it can adjust your microphone. If there is, I don't know if disallowing that will cause it to stop picking up your microphone inputs entirely.... I haven't checked myself, just throwing this out as a suggestion.

Perhaps just a restart of the computer would do it?

I'm curious to know what it is, as well. Best of luck Devorah!

Elijah

Post by **annise** » April 22nd, 2020, 2:45 pm

I think it's likely that the online chats reset the microphone - I remember it coming up in the forum a long time ago with Skype . They do ask you when you set up if you give permission to fiddle with them.

Anne

Post by **knotyouraveragejo** » April 22nd, 2020, 2:58 pm

Yes, Skype used to do this. I use a different computer now to record from the one I use for Skype, so I don't know whether it's still an issue.

DaleInTexas · Post by **DaleInTexas** » April 22nd, 2020, 5:27 pm

Devorah,
By default, Zoom has the Automatic Gain Control toggled 'On'. I suspect you are running your recording rig, for the mic-input and headphones-output, in Zoom. I do the same. I went into the Zoom "Audio" properties and toggled the AGC to 'Off' , and manually set my mic level.

I have not tested it 'toggled on', to see if Zoom adjusts Windows sound properties and lowers the input gain. I have a few Zoom meetings tomorrow and will test that.
Dale

Post by **mightyfelix** » April 22nd, 2020, 5:49 pm

I'll play with it tomorrow as well and see if I can find that setting. I don't think I can do anything with it if I'm not actually in a meeting. Thanks, everyone, for your input.

(Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference, since it's so easy to fix. It's annoying, though.

)

DaleInTexas · Post by **DaleInTexas** » April 22nd, 2020, 6:01 pm

You can log in to your Zoom, without launching a call, and make the adjustments. It will keep the config.
Dale

ShaunBlake · Post by **ShaunBlake** » April 27th, 2020, 3:57 pm

Does anybody have new information or new insight to this? I'm not engaged now but need to begin joining meetings with Zoom. Sure would like to know before getting started if there are recommendations by recording artists.

ej400 · Post by **ej400** » April 27th, 2020, 4:02 pm

ShaunBlake wrote: ↑April 27th, 2020, 3:57 pm Does anybody have new information or new insight to this? I'm not engaged now but need to begin joining meetings with Zoom. Sure would like to know before getting started if there are recommendations by recording artists.

I'm not sure what kind of recommendations you are looking for regarding zoom. If you read some of the posts above, it gives you insight into how to change the settings after recording. Nothing to be worried about with zoom, and what mightfelix was experiencing was something unusual and I think the problem was found. But if you are having trouble with something else, it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks,
Elijah

Post by **TriciaG** » April 27th, 2020, 4:31 pm

I use my built-in laptop mic on Zoom calls, and my external USB mic on recordings. Never the twain shall meet.

I don't need recording-quality sound on Zoom calls.