How to fix issues like noise, echo, and poor voice quality
The primary requirement for good voice quality is a broadband internet connection. The speed is key: A single internet phone call requires around 100 kbit/s (both upload and download). Insufficient bandwidth can lead to disruptions.
- For example, even with a standard DSL connection of 16,000 Mbit/s download and 1 Mbit/s upload, you can manage up to 10 simultaneous calls.
If your internet connection is fast enough but you're still experiencing issues, here is a list of potential problems and solutions:
- A wired connection is better than Wi-Fi: This sounds like a rule of thumb, but in most cases, it’s true. When your router and computer are connected via a network cable, you get the most out of your bandwidth.
- The right headset: There are many good Bluetooth headsets, but wired headsets generally offer faster performance.
- Loud background noise on the line: If your voice is accompanied by loud background noise, check your microphone settings under Start -> System Preferences -> Audio Settings.
- Audio input and output: It’s possible your audio settings aren’t quite right. For example, you may be hearing the call through the computer speakers even though you’ve connected a headset. Typically, you can choose the appropriate audio input and output for your device in the system settings of your operating system and adjust the input level – i.e., how sensitive your microphone should be.
- You hear yourself and it’s doubled? This is usually caused by your conversation partner. They may be hearing you too loudly – possibly through their computer speakers – so your own voice is picked up by their microphone and sent back to you.
- Still hearing an echo? If you’ve already checked all the technical settings and your conversation partner still hears an echo, try lowering the input level of your microphone (in the system settings of your operating system). Another solution might sound simple, but it’s worth considering: Are you in a room with poor acoustics? If the room has a strong echo, it can be hard to fix this issue, even with the best equipment.
- Echo on your conversation partner's side? Of course, your conversation partner may have the same issues as mentioned in the previous point. But perhaps they’re using the speakerphone function. The microphone on a phone in speaker mode is usually very sensitive, allowing the person to keep the phone away and still be heard. This means that you’ll hear more of the room noise, including the echo, louder on your end.