Sound and Skype ?

erikja · May 25, 2013, 11:02am

HI.
I have it such with Skype, that there’s feedback between the loudspeaker and the mic.

If I take a headset on, I also can hear myself.

What’s the switch in the mixer, that needs to be turned down/off ?

erikja · May 25, 2013, 11:35am

On 25/05/13 11:06, erikja wrote:
>
> HI.
> I have it such with Skype, that there’s feedback between the
> loudspeaker and the mic.
>
> If I take a headset on, I also can hear myself.
>
> What’s the switch in the mixer, that needs to be turned down/off ?
>
>
Muted the mic, and it went away.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

futureboy · May 25, 2013, 1:07pm

Are you still able to use Skype as expected?

erikja · May 25, 2013, 3:45pm

Not quite, I seem to have issue with low Mic output due to a reason I don’t know.

vazhavandan · May 25, 2013, 6:13pm

Ideally it should be possible to boost output through YaST==>Sound==>Other==>Volume

erikja · May 25, 2013, 6:55pm

On 25/05/13 18:16, vazhavandan wrote:
>
> erikja;2560062 Wrote:
>> Not quite, I seem to have issue with low Mic output due to a reason I
>> don’t know.
>
> Ideally it should be possible to boost output through
> YaST==>Sound==>Other==>Volume
>
>

I tried it, but had no luck. My settings are here.

http://www.alsa-project.org/db/?f=22ef8ca34f59767730c94a6e95ae2322a445dc57\url]

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

erikja · May 27, 2013, 8:14am

Hi again.

I have had the Mic to work ok, but after a reboot, it doesn’t.

I show here what the setup was when it worked.

http://paste.opensuse.org/35698026\url]

Sorry for this, but I didn’t save the link made when I made the alsa
information.

This is what the alsa information shows today.

http://www.alsa-project.org/db/?f=a996fb4e0c0bebb7cb5057dcdbb29c9f956f8d7d\url]

I at least can see, that there has been changes to the capture inputs,
maybe also more ?.

I tried to change the capture input, to get the Mic active again, but
had no luck.

It seems like there’s something physical been changed, but that is not true.

How can I tackle the issue I have ?

Thanks in advance.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

oldcpu · May 27, 2013, 8:16pm

You posted many outputs … lets go through them one at a time:


**Simple mixer control 'Front Mic Boost',0**
  Front Left: 1 [33%] [10.00dB]
  Front Right: 1 [33%] [10.00dB]
**Simple mixer control 'Mic',0**
  Front Left: Playback 20 [65%] -4.50dB] [on]
  Front Right: Playback 20 [65%] -4.50dB] [on]
**Simple mixer control 'Digital',0**
  Front Left: Capture 6 [5%] -27.00dB]
  Front Right: Capture 6 [5%] -27.00dB]

Is this a digital mic ? If so, 5% capture is much too low. If not, 33% boost is low, and 65% playback is not as high as it could be.

erikja · May 27, 2013, 8:24pm

On 27/05/13 20:16, oldcpu wrote:
>
> You posted many outputs … lets go through them one at a time:
>
> erikja;2560106 Wrote:
>>
>>
>> I tried it, but had no luck. My settings are here.
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/ovkafp3
>>
>
> Code:
> --------------------
>
> Simple mixer control ‘Front Mic Boost’,0
> Front Left: 1 [33%] [10.00dB]
> Front Right: 1 [33%] [10.00dB]
> Simple mixer control ‘Mic’,0
> Front Left: Playback 20 [65%] -4.50dB] [on]
> Front Right: Playback 20 [65%] -4.50dB] [on]
> Simple mixer control ‘Digital’,0
> Front Left: Capture 6 [5%] -27.00dB]
> Front Right: Capture 6 [5%] -27.00dB]
>
> --------------------
>
> Is this a digital mic ? If so, 5% capture is much too low. If not, 33%
> boost is low, and 65% playback is not as high as it could be.
>
>

Thank you for your reply. It’s not a digital mic.

Ok with the levels. That is a thing to take care of, after the following
is working.

The most serious issue now is, that I cannot find to where the mic is
connected -in the mixer-, and this should be fixed first.

So the main thing would be to “only” have Line-in and mic to work, and
this is not possible so far for the mic. The line is working.

Could it maybe be the onboard sound card, that makes trouble ?.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

oldcpu · May 27, 2013, 8:31pm

I note:


**Simple mixer control 'Front Mic Boost',0**
  Front Left: 0 [0%] [0.00dB]
  Front Right: 0 [0%] [0.00dB]
**Simple mixer control 'Mic',0**
  Front Left: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
  Front Right: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
**Simple mixer control 'Capture',0**
  Front Left: Capture 53 [98%] [21.00dB] [on]
  Front Right: Capture 53 [98%] [21.00dB] [on]
**Simple mixer control 'Digital',0**
  Front Left: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
  Front Right: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',0**
  Items: 'Front Mic' 'Line' 'Mic' 'CD' 'Mix'
  Item0: **'Mic'**
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',1**
  Items: 'Front Mic' 'Line' 'Mic' 'CD' 'Mix'
  Item0:** 'Line'**
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',2**
  Items: 'Front Mic' 'Line' 'Mic' 'CD' 'Mix'
  Item0:** 'Mic'**

Your PC has input source,0 AND also input source,2 set to Mic. I have no idea what the openSUSE software does with two input sources assigned. Why that setting? Why note just one ? I note nothing set to front mic.

I note boost is low. Digital capture at 34% is higher than previous 5%. Capture,0 at 98% is good.

Is this a digital mic ? Are you using front mic ? Rear mic ?

I note:


**Simple mixer control 'Front Mic Boost',0**
  Front Left: 2 [67%] [20.00dB]
  Front Right: 2 [67%] [20.00dB]
**Simple mixer control 'Mic',0**
  Front Left: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
  Front Right: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
**Simple mixer control 'Capture',0**
  Front Left: Capture 47 [87%] [12.00dB] [on]
  Front Right: Capture 47 [87%] [12.00dB] [on]
**Simple mixer control 'Digital',0**
  Front Left: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
  Front Right: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',0**
  Item0: **'Mic'**
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',1**
  Item0:** 'Line'**
**Simple mixer control 'Input Source',2**
  Item0:** 'Mic'**

Your PC has input source,0 AND also input source,2 set to Mic. Again, I have no idea what the openSUSE software does with two input sources assigned. I note nothing set to front mic.

Capture,0 at 87% is low. I note Front boost set at 69% is a wasted setting as you don’t have front mic selected.

I can’t explain why one works and one does not, but I can say in BOTH cases the settings are inconsistently applied.

Also note, with pulse audio there is more to this than just ‘alsa mixer’. One also need to tune pulse audio for one’s record application. I blogged about that here: https://forums.opensuse.org/blogs/oldcpu/pulseaudio-basics-opensuse-pavucontrol-96/

erikja · May 27, 2013, 8:47pm

On 27/05/13 20:36, oldcpu wrote:
>
> erikja;2560487 Wrote:
>>
>> I have had the Mic to work ok, but after a reboot, it doesn’t.
>>
>> I show here what the setup was when it worked.
>>
>> ‘SUSE Paste’ (http://paste.opensuse.org/35698026)
>>
>
> I note:
>
> Code:
> --------------------
>
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘FRONT MIC BOOST’,0
> Front Left: 0 [0%] [0.00dB]
> Front Right: 0 [0%] [0.00dB]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘MIC’,0
> Front Left: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
> Front Right: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘CAPTURE’,0
> Front Left: Capture 53 [98%] [21.00dB] [on]
> Front Right: Capture 53 [98%] [21.00dB] [on]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘DIGITAL’,0
> Front Left: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
> Front Right: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,0
> Items: ‘Front Mic’ ‘Line’ ‘Mic’ ‘CD’ ‘Mix’
> Item0: ‘Mic’
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,1
> Items: ‘Front Mic’ ‘Line’ ‘Mic’ ‘CD’ ‘Mix’
> Item0:* ‘Line’*
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,2
> Items: ‘Front Mic’ ‘Line’ ‘Mic’ ‘CD’ ‘Mix’
> Item0:* ‘Mic’*
>
> --------------------
>
> Your PC has input source,0 AND also input source,2 set to Mic. I have
> no idea what the openSUSE software does with two input sources assigned.
> Why that setting? Why note just one ? I note nothing set to front mic.

Please tell me how to set only one.

> I note boost is low. Digital capture at 34% is higher than previous 5%.
> Capture,0 at 98% is good.

Ok.

> Is this a digital mic ? Are you using front mic ? Rear mic ?

It’s not a digital mic, and I use rear mic.
>
> erikja;2560487 Wrote:
>>
>>
>> This is what the alsa information shows today.
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/qxvl7bw
>>
>> I at least can see, that there has been changes to the capture inputs,
>> maybe also more ?.
>>
>> I tried to change the capture input, to get the Mic active again, but
>> had no luck.
>>
>
> I note:
>
> Code:
> --------------------
>
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘FRONT MIC BOOST’,0
> Front Left: 2 [67%] [20.00dB]
> Front Right: 2 [67%] [20.00dB]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘MIC’,0
> Front Left: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
> Front Right: Playback 22 [71%] -1.50dB] [on]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘CAPTURE’,0
> Front Left: Capture 47 [87%] [12.00dB] [on]
> Front Right: Capture 47 [87%] [12.00dB] [on]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘DIGITAL’,0
> Front Left: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
> Front Right: Capture 41 [34%] -9.50dB]
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,0
> Item0: ‘Mic’
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,1
> Item0:* ‘Line’*
> SIMPLE MIXER CONTROL ‘INPUT SOURCE’,2
> Item0:* ‘Mic’*
>
> --------------------
>
> Your PC has input source,0 AND also input source,2 set to Mic. Again, I
> have no idea what the openSUSE software does with two input sources
> assigned. I note nothing set to front mic.

This is a copy from the above I think.

Whatever it is set to, I had it to work with a separate input source for
line and one too for mic, but it lasted only until the next day, where I
started up.

> Capture,0 at 87% is low. I note Front boost set at 69% is a wasted
> setting as you don’t have front mic selected.

Ok.

> I can’t explain why one works and one does not, but I can say in BOTH
> cases the settings are inconsistently applied.

But my impression is, that even if not set to the right level it
should work. Then if it did, the level could be adjusted. Ok or ?

> Also note, with pulse audio there is more to this than just ‘alsa
> mixer’. One also need to tune pulse audio for one’s record application.
> I blogged about that here: http://tinyurl.com/cw3dkpq

I’ll look at it.

>
Could you give me the amixer commands for the faulty settings above ?

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

erikja · May 27, 2013, 9:42pm

On 27/05/13 20:36, oldcpu wrote:
<snip>
> Also note, with pulse audio there is more to this than just ‘alsa
> mixer’. One also need to tune pulse audio for one’s record application.
> I blogged about that here: http://tinyurl.com/cw3dkpq
>
>
<snip>

If posssible, can we first start for getting the mic active ?.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

oldcpu · May 27, 2013, 9:49pm

You can do that in a mixer, such as kmix, alsamixer, or by command with amixer.

Is this a desktop PC ?

Are you using line in also ?

If not set to the right level, I would venture the opinion that its functionality is problematic.

Typically there is a level of interaction involved here with amixer, to get the syntax correct. I’ll try (below) but I may have wrong syntax:

Send each command 1 at a time. NOT all at once.


amixer -c 0 -- set 'Input Source',0 'Mic'
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Input Source',1 'Line'
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Input Source',2 'Front Mic'
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Mic' 95%
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Mic Boost' 95%
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Capture',0 95%
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Capture',1 0%
amixer -c 0 -- set 'Capture',2 0%

And then after that is done, be certain to go to pulse audio’s pavucontrol (install pavucontrol) and when running Skype in the test call, setup your Mic with Skype in pavucontrol. The link to the blog I provided illustrates how to do that.

erikja · May 28, 2013, 7:54am

On 27/05/13 21:56, oldcpu wrote:
>
> erikja;2560623 Wrote:
>>
>> Please tell me how to set only one.
>>
>
> You can do that in a mixer, such as kmix, alsamixer, or by command with
> amixer.

Ok, in a way I prefer amixer, but alsamixer is easier, but obviously it
doesn’t save the settings propper.

>
> erikja;2560623 Wrote:
>>
>> It’s not a digital mic, and I use rear mic.
>>
>
> Is this a desktop PC ?

Yes it is a desktop PC

> erikja;2560623 Wrote:
>>
>> Whatever it is set to, I had it to work with a separate input source
>> for line and one too for mic, but it lasted only until the next day,
>> where I started up.
>>
>
> Are you using line in also ?

Yes I -want to- but not a main goal.

> erikja;2560623 Wrote:
>>
>> But my impression is, that even if not set to the right level it
>> should work. Then if it did, the level could be adjusted. Ok or ?
>>
>
> If not set to the right level, I would venture the opinion that its
> functionality is problematic.

Good to know that.

> erikja;2560623 Wrote:
>>
>> Could you give me the amixer commands for the faulty settings above ?
>>
>
> Typically there is a level of interaction involved here with amixer, to
> get the syntax correct. I’ll try (below) but I may have wrong syntax:

What do you mean here ?

> Send each command 1 at a time. NOT all at once.

I did that.

> Code:
> --------------------
>
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Input Source’,0 ‘Mic’
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Input Source’,1 ‘Line’
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Input Source’,2 ‘Front Mic’
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Mic’ 95%
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Mic Boost’ 95%
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Capture’,0 95%
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Capture’,1 0%
> amixer -c 0 – set ‘Capture’,2 0%
>
> --------------------

Before I carry on, I want if you would check the setup now.

http://www.alsa-project.org/db/?f=cc015eb5194d0136994846c0e1d92dd59abcd625\url]

I checked the above settings with the.

amixer -c 0 get 'Capture',2\code]

And so on with the rest from the above from you.

They looked to be ok, even there is a slight difference, but I think
it's of minor value ?
&gt;
&gt; And then after that is done, be certain to go to pulse audio's
&gt; pavucontrol (install pavucontrol)  and when running Skype in the test
&gt; call, setup your Mic with Skype in pavucontrol. The link to the blog I
&gt; provided illustrates how to do that.
&gt;
Then when you have replied, I'll go on with pavucontrol and Skype



--
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 "release 1"

erikja · May 28, 2013, 10:30am

<snip>
> And then after that is done, be certain to go to pulse audio’s
> pavucontrol (install pavucontrol) and when running Skype in the test
> call, setup your Mic with Skype in pavucontrol. The link to the blog I
> provided illustrates how to do that.
>
>

I setup pavucontrol, and mic is working, great it is

Many thanks for your great patience with me.

BTW it also worked after at reboot, and that was not the case before this.

In pavucontrol, I muted the mic, and it really was.

How can I mute it in that way, that the mic cannot hear the loudspeaker ?.

What is the best way to share the mic in with a mic, and another source ?

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

erikja · May 28, 2013, 1:06pm

On 28/05/13 10:30, Erik Jakobsen wrote:
> <snip>
>> And then after that is done, be certain to go to pulse audio’s
>> pavucontrol (install pavucontrol) and when running Skype in the test
>> call, setup your Mic with Skype in pavucontrol. The link to the blog I
>> provided illustrates how to do that.
>>
>>
>
> I setup pavucontrol, and mic is working, great it is
>
> Many thanks for your great patience with me.
>
> BTW it also worked after at reboot, and that was not the case before
> this.
>
> In pavucontrol, I muted the mic, and it really was.
>
> How can I mute it in that way, that the mic cannot hear the loudspeaker ?.
>
> What is the best way to share the mic in with a mic, and another source ?
>

Installed a soundcard more to be able to use either mic or line as an input.

Would you please examine this wrt soundcard c1 ?

http://www.alsa-project.org/db/?f=6033663725ce18690735bb7d984230b899f59d99
\url]

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

oldcpu · May 28, 2013, 6:32pm

Looks good to me.

erikja · May 28, 2013, 6:44pm

On 28/05/13 18:36, oldcpu wrote:
>
> erikja;2560736 Wrote:
>>
>> Before I carry on, I want if you would check the setup now.
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/octee3x
>>
>>
>
> Looks good to me.
>
>
Thanks so much

And it also works. Now I have Skype on one sound card and the weather
satellite receiver on the other one.

It’s so nice having it to work.

One thing.

How do I mute the mic ?. I tried it in pavucontrol, but it got too much
muted.

I want it so that the feedback between the mic and the loudspeaker is ok.
Now it is such, that if I switch from a headset to the loudspeakers, a
big boom is coming out of the loudspeaker.

You have been so patience with me, and I thank you very much for it.
I have learnt a lot about sound, and amixer as well, and the last part
is fine tool.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”

oldcpu · May 28, 2013, 8:34pm

Make a detailed record of your current settings. Ensure that you can ALWAYS return to it.

Then trial and error increase mic record levels so that its not muted, and such that it does not give feedback. It could also be instead of decreasing mic record levels, you should be reducing speaker playback levels (which the mic is picking up - and then giving unwanted feedback).

erikja · May 28, 2013, 8:54pm

On 28/05/13 20:36, oldcpu wrote:
>
> erikja;2560822 Wrote:
>>
>> How do I mute the mic ?. I tried it in pavucontrol, but it got too much
>> muted.
>>
>
> Make a detailed record of your current settings. Ensure that you can
> ALWAYS return to it.
>
> Then trial and error increase mic record levels so that its not muted,
> and such that it does not give feedback. It could also be instead of
> decreasing mic record levels, you should be reducing speaker playback
> levels (which the mic is picking up - and then giving unwanted
> feedback).
>
>

What would the best way to do a record you think ?. Yes good to could
get back again.

I’ll try to reduce the speaker playback levels, in short what settings
does it’s best.

–
Erik Jakobsen
Opensuse 12.3 64bit
Linux linux-z96b.site 3.7.10-1.4-desktop
KDE Version 4.10.2 “release 1”