Voice Crackling in TF2

**Consultant** · 07-09-08, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by tr_enf

Originally Posted by Consultant

I had a similar issue recently and it seemed like disabling the Mic Gain/boost in Steam fixed it. My soundcard was gain/boosting, then Steam was also, and the double-boost was causing problems.

Give that a shot.

Its not a hardware issue. Its the mic boost.

I know - when I said "Soundcard" I meant "driver or windows setting, whatever"

**enf** · 07-09-08, 01:14 PM

Oh my fault, I forgot to add '+1' in agreement with you.

**Saltspring** · 07-11-08, 05:59 PM

I oddly have trouble with a crackling mic to apparently but in the mic test it sounds clear.

**Ceaza** · 07-15-08, 10:38 AM

I have tried all these recommendations to no avail... One thing I have noticed is that initially on the mic test everything sounds crystal clear, then after about 5-10 seconds this distorted cracking sound starts taking over and everything goes to crap. To my knowledge, this cracking does not get injected during a recording using the Windows Recorder software. The more I delve into this issue the more I have a feeling that my soundcard is causing grief somewhere. One thing to note as well, in my volume controls I have the standard Microphone volume options, but I also have a slider corresponding to Digital Mic. I didn't notice this in the screenshots Sammus took. Either way, however, I get the same problems whether I have the standard Microphone selected or the Digital Mic. I knew I should've gotten the Soundblaster upgrade for my laptop... *kicks self*

**MadPiper** · 07-15-08, 12:27 PM

You should also make sure that the mic is set to "mute" on the main audio control panel. You can get feed back and distortion as your speakers play back the same sound and looping starts. You should also make sure you have the volume slider just high enough to hear. If you have a boom mic make sure it is not directly in the path of your breath. It should be a little to the side of your mouth to make sure you don't get "wind" noise from your breath.

The other thing to do is test your bandwith. Since the voice chat in steam is really voip low connection speeds and latency will mess with the transmission. You can check to make sure any other network software is shut down when you start the game.

**Sammus** · 07-18-08, 10:58 AM

Yes. All very good ideas.

Also, maybe the computer is just having problems keeping up.

Try loading up TF2 or some other game and then do a recording with your windows thing. You may find that the PC can't keep up. Just another idea.

**Consultant** · 07-18-08, 12:27 PM

Your dad hasn't had this talk with you yet?

sheesh...

Son, the voice cracking is a result of puberty - don't worry - it will go away in a couple months when your growing body adjusts.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

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