How the mic echo test works
Your browser listens to the microphone and plays the sound back to you after the delay you choose. A short pause makes it much easier to judge your own voice, because you're not hearing it at the same time as you speak. Nothing is recorded or uploaded; the sound only passes through your device's memory.
Noise suppression works like it does in most call apps: it filters steady background noise such as fans. Turn it off to hear the raw microphone, or on to hear roughly what a call sounds like.
What to listen for
- Too quiet or too distant: move closer to the mic, or raise its input level in your system's sound settings.
- Crackling or distortion: you're too close or the input level is too high.
- Hiss or hum: try another USB port, or move away from chargers and power cables.
- Muffled or "underwater": a Bluetooth headset may have switched to its low-quality call mode.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the voice recorder?
The echo plays back continuously while you speak, which is quicker for adjusting your mic. The voice recorder saves takes you can replay and download.
I hear nothing back.
Check the delay has passed, the playback volume is up, and the right microphone is chosen in your system settings. The level bar shows whether the mic is picking you up.