Skype is a popular messaging program that allows to chat using instant texts or video chat, and make phone calls. To ensure you have a clear conversation when you are using Skype video chat or making phone calls, you should configure your microphone and speakers. Whether you are using an internal or external microphone, adjust your sound and audio setup for your Windows or Mac OSX operating system.
Windows 7 and Vista Users
Step
Connect your microphone to the mic input on your computer if it does not come with a built-in webcam and microphone. The mic input usually is located on the back of your computer and identified by a microphone icon.
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Click the Windows "Start" menu, click "Control Panel," select "Hardware and sound," then click "Sound." Click the "Playback" tab. Click "Configure" to test your device. Select your speaker configuration, then click "Test" and follow the guided prompts to test your microphone and speakers.
Step
Click the "Recording" tab, select your microphone and click "Properties." Click the "Custom" tab and uncheck the "Microphone Boost" check-box. Click the "Levels" tab and set the mic volume to "Maximum." Save your changes.
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Launch Skype and click the "Tools" menu on the top. Click "Preferences" and click the "Audio Settings" tab. Select the mic you are using in the "Microphone" box. If you have a built-in microphone, Skype selects it by default. Select the "Automatically adjust microphone settings" option if you want to automatically configure microphone settings.
Step
Select the speakers you are using in the "Speakers" box. By default, Skype selects your internal speakers if you are using a laptop. Drag the slider under "Volume" to increase or decrease the volume. Close the Options window after configuring your microphone and speaker settings.
Mac Users
Step
Click the Apple logo on the upper-left corner and click "System Preferences." Click "Sound" to launch the Sound console.
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Click the "Input" tab and increase or decrease the mic volume. Speak to test your input level. Click the "Output" tab and adjust your speaker volume. If you are using headphones, select them under "Select a device for sound input," then adjust the speaker volume.
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Launch Skype. Click the "Skype" menu on the top and click "Preferences" to launch the Skype preferences. Click the "Audio" tab.
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Select the speakers you are using in the "Audio Output" box, then select the microphone you are using in the "Audio Input" box. Close the Preferences window.
