Troubleshooting Audio Issues

Resolve common microphone and audio problems for smooth dictation

Last updated 4 months ago

Common Audio Issues and Solutions

Experiencing audio problems can disrupt your dictation workflow. This guide helps you identify and resolve common audio issues in Whisperit.

Microphone Not Working

Symptoms: • Voice input button unresponsive • No audio being recorded • Microphone not appearing in settings • Error messages when trying to dictate

Solutions:

  1. Check Physical Connection: • Verify microphone is plugged in properly • Try a different USB port • Check wireless connection for Bluetooth devices • Ensure device is powered on

  2. Verify Browser Permissions: • Look for microphone icon in browser address bar • Click and allow microphone access • Go to browser Settings > Privacy > Microphone • Ensure Whisperit has permission

  3. Check System Settings: • Open your computer's sound settings • Verify microphone is enabled • Set as default input device • Adjust input volume level

  4. Select Correct Device in Whisperit: • Go to Settings > Audio Settings • Click Microphone dropdown • Select your preferred microphone • Test with voice input

Poor Transcription Quality

Symptoms: • Many incorrect words • Missing words or phrases • Garbled transcriptions • Inconsistent accuracy

Solutions:

  1. Reduce Background Noise: • Close windows and doors • Turn off fans and air conditioning • Mute notifications • Use a quieter location

  2. Improve Microphone Position: • Position 6-12 inches from mouth • Avoid speaking directly into mic • Keep consistent distance • Face the microphone

  3. Adjust Speaking Style: • Speak more clearly • Slow down your pace • Enunciate words carefully • Pause between sentences

  4. Enable Smart Transcription: • Turn on Smart Transcription toggle • Let it process your speech • Review improvements • Adjust as needed

  5. Check Internet Connection: • Verify stable connection • Test internet speed • Move closer to WiFi router • Try wired connection

No Sound During Playback

Symptoms: • Can't hear audio playback • Silent when testing • Volume controls not working • Speaker issues

Solutions:

  1. Check Speaker Selection: • Go to Settings > Audio Settings • Verify Speakers dropdown selection • Select correct output device • Test audio playback

  2. Verify System Volume: • Check computer volume is up • Unmute system audio • Adjust speaker volume • Test with other applications

  3. Check Physical Connections: • Verify headphones/speakers plugged in • Try different audio port • Check Bluetooth connection • Ensure device powered on

Audio Cutting Out or Lagging

Symptoms: • Intermittent recording • Delays in transcription • Words dropping out • Choppy audio

Solutions:

  1. Improve Internet Connection: • Check WiFi signal strength • Move closer to router • Close bandwidth-heavy applications • Use wired ethernet if possible

  2. Reduce System Load: • Close unnecessary applications • Close extra browser tabs • Restart your browser • Restart your computer

  3. Update Software: • Update your browser • Update system drivers • Clear browser cache • Restart after updates

Echo or Feedback Issues

Symptoms: • Hearing your own voice repeated • High-pitched squealing • Audio feedback loop • Distorted sound

Solutions:

  1. Use Headphones: • Switch from speakers to headphones • Prevents microphone picking up output • Eliminates feedback loop

  2. Adjust Microphone Placement: • Move microphone away from speakers • Reduce microphone gain/sensitivity • Point mic away from speakers

  3. Lower Speaker Volume: • Reduce output volume • Use lower monitoring levels • Mute speakers when dictating

Browser-Specific Issues

Chrome: • Clear browsing data and cache • Check site permissions • Try incognito mode • Update to latest version

Safari: • Check website settings • Reset permissions • Clear website data • Update Safari

Firefox: • Check add-ons/extensions • Reset permissions • Refresh Firefox • Update browser

Advanced Troubleshooting

If basic solutions don't work:

  1. Test with Different Browser: • Try Chrome, Safari, or Firefox • Identifies browser-specific issues

  2. Test with Different Device: • Try another microphone • Use built-in vs external • Test Bluetooth vs wired

  3. Check for Hardware Issues: • Test microphone in other applications • Verify device works elsewhere • Consider hardware malfunction

  4. Clear Browser Cache: • Settings > Privacy > Clear Data • Select cached files • Restart browser after clearing

Prevention Best Practices

To avoid future issues: • Regularly update your browser • Keep system drivers updated • Test audio before important sessions • Maintain good equipment • Use quality microphones • Keep backup devices available