VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I cannot for the life of me figure out why Skype isn't working for me like it did
a few months when I used it as a phone patch. Here's my set-up

Mic> pre-amp> sound card
Amadeus Pro software, DAW

A few months back all I had to do was turn on Skype and I could hear them through my headphones and they could hear me through my mic , and it was great.

Then I tried it again about a month ago and no go on either end.
Now I can hear them, but they can't hear me. I have checked the settings
and my recording software and Skype and both set to the same interface.

The problem seems to be with getting Skype and my input (mic) to play together. If any of you have struggled with this successfully, your input is greatly appreciated. I have a session tomorrow AM. Thanks!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Okay I figured it out.

Skype audio input only comes in through one channel (Channel 1 on the Apogee Duet)....I had my input hooked up to Channel 2.

Switched to Channel 1, problem solved!

georgethetech · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:54 am Post subject:

And make sure you upgrade the latest version of Skype which finally has a checkbox to turn off the automatic gain control! It's version 5.6.xxxx
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Ulf Bjorklund · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject: Skype and E-mu

OK, guys this is the first time in like ever I post. VO been slow is an understatement, BUT things are looking up, so here goes -

Got my first job through VOICES and the guy wanted to "patch in during recording" (yes, I am shamelessly flaunting my ignorance). Note: there was nothing about this in the job description. No worries I'm a Pro. Skype appears to work well, however.....HOW??? Using E-mu 0404 soundcard and latest Skype software. I've been using this card for about 5 years and it totally awesome with music. There are just TOO many controls IN and OUT this and that. Finally got the Skype mic level to react and made a test call - heard myself (through headphones) fine and heard them fine, no feedback or funky phasing. On their end however - crap on a stick or more accurately choppy, cut up sound and barely audible. OK here comes the point.

Is there a particular setting for this hardware and Skype?

Thanks guys!

Ulf

Frank F · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 2:31 pm Post subject:

Emu has specific drivers and settings for Skype. Research this on the Emu website for directed information.

Also, ask about the other sides up and down speed. Less than 196 will result in a very ugly sound via Skype to Skype. If using Skype-out, again check your down and upload speed as the program converts codecs and drops the quality level when connecting to the PSTN network (this takes a bit of bandwidth - at least 256k).

Frank F
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Ulf Bjorklund · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject: More of the same

OK, tried being on the receiving end of Skype. No matter what controls were moved on the E-mu card all I heard was a fast pulsing, sound cutting in and out. This is obvious a basic setting prob. somewhere. I made the necessary adjustment on the Win7 end and all I got for my troubles was hearing the same pulsing on MY end that I had previously only heard on the phone end.

Frank F · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:08 pm Post subject:

Hmmm, sounds like you might be over-driving the input. Try backing off on your gain - a lot. If not, contact Emu for specific settings.

F2
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Ulf Bjorklund · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:59 pm Post subject:

Thank you Frank, appreciate the help.

The E-mu forum was an obvious one, duh!

well, I suppose it could be the gain, its just not a gain problem that I have had before. Haven't fiddled around a bit more it seems that no matter what setting on the E-mu software side is altered it sounds the same. I guess it could be EM interference? I have downloaded the Win7 Beta drivers for the 0404, that could help.

Thanks again.

Ulf

Ulf Bjorklund · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject:

I just realized something - You can't speak to the client using the same microphone you record with, right?

cyclometh · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:04 pm Post subject:

You can, yes- but it's not always easy. In my case I patch my mic through a mixer and use the aux send to push a signal to a second sound card. That way I can use that soundcard as the input to Skype while using the main mic interface as the input to my DAW.

I've got a couple of blog posts on the topic:

http://voxman.net/2011/01/22/setting-up-a-phone-patch/
http://voxman.net/2011/02/05/setting-up-a-phone-patch-part-deux/
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Ulf Bjorklund · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:30 pm Post subject:

You guys are brilliant. However, I realized I could just use the Webcam Pro 9000 as usual to talk to the client and then record as usual with my other mic. Sometimes its the obvious solutions you are blinded too, I know I was. Embarrassed