Audio quality for Microsoft Lync 2010 communications software depends on the
condition and quality of the network and devices you use. Be sure that your
audio equipment is connected before you begin using Lync 2010.
In this article
Are my devices set up correctly?
The Lync setup should detect your phone and any other compatible
communications devices you are using, such as an IP phone, headset, webcam,
microphone, and speakers. Also, you can add devices after you install
Lync.
To ensure that your devices are set up correctly, do either of the following.
- In the Lync main window, click Show menu, click Tools, and then click Audio Device Settings. Or,
from the menu bar, click Tools, and then click Audio Device Settings.
- In the Lync main window, click Options, and then click Audio Device.
Then, click the appropriate drop-down list(s) to configure or adjust your
speaker, microphone, and ringer as well as volume levels. You can select your
primary audio device and test the levels of your microphone and speakers.
To switch devices while in a conversation, click the Audio Device menu in the
Conversation window, and then click the appropriate device in the menu.
Is my IP phone connected
correctly?
When you set up your IP phone, it is important that it is connected
correctly.
- Power Cord Make sure that the power cord is plugged
into a power outlet, and the other end of the power cord is securely connected
to the phone.
- Network Cable Connect one end of the
network cable to the network jack marked LAN, typically on the back of the
phone. Connect the other end of the network cable to a network jack on the
wall. To avoid audio quality issues, we recommend that you have a direct
connection from the phone to your main network jack.
- USB Cable When Lync
is installed on your computer, you can simplify the IP phone sign-in process
and make and receive calls from your IP phone by using a USB cable to connect
your phone to your computer. Make sure that you connect the Type A (larger,
rectangular) end of the USB port on your computer, and the Type B (smaller,
square) end of the USB cable to the back of the phone.
Why am I having audio problems?
If there’s a problem, a notification is displayed in the conversation window
or the Lync main window. You can click the notification to get more details or
suggested solutions.
Why am I not getting any
sound?
If you’re not getting sound through your speakerphone, check that:
- Your speakers are turned on and that you have not muted sound in your
Windows operating system.
- Your telephone handset is on the cradle (if you’re getting audio through a
phone).
- The speaker volume is high enough to be audible.
- The device you’re using is selected in the Audio Device
Settings in Lync.
What are some common causes of
poor device quality?
Common causes for poor device quality include the following:
- Non-optimized devices Devices that are
optimized for Lync go through rigorous audio quality testing to ensure that
you experience good audio quality. Non-optimized devices may exhibit inferior
audio quality caused, for example, by using low-grade audio components.
- Third-party audio
driver or software In some cases, a
third-party driver or software may interfere with Lync 2010.
- Noise-canceling device It is important that a
noise-canceling microphone is positioned close to the mouth, approximately 2
centimeters or less than 1 inch away from the mouth. This filters out unwanted
background noise, so it is important that you position it correctly to avoid
audio issues.
- Physical damage to the device
- Headset connected to an IP Phone Most headsets have a button to adjust the
volume depending on which audio device the headset is connected to. If you or
other callers hear a buzzing noise, make a test call and then adjust the
settings on the headset until the buzzing noise is gone.
- Speakerphone When you are using the
speaker on your phone and callers complain about background noise, make sure
that the phone is on a flat surface. Also, make sure that there is no
obstruction between the phone and your mouth.
Lync handles a wide range of devices while still maintaining high quality
audio and video. However, certain devices might cause echo in the call. To
reduce echo for a problematic device, Lync triggers a voice switching mode that
limits the ability for talkers to speak at the same time.
What can I do to improve device
audio quality?
To improve device quality, try the following:
- Uninstall any third-party, value-added, audio drivers or software.
- Replace any defective or damaged devices.
- Use a headset to avoid echo.
- If using two separate devices for rendering and capturing audio (such as
desktop speakers and webcam), try to place them at an appropriate distance
from each other to minimize echo.
- If your microphone device supports Microphone Boost, consider adjusting
the boost slider bar to a lower level to avoid echoing or clicking
sounds.
What are
some tips for avoiding audio issues?
- We recommend that you do not make calls over a wireless Internet
connection, virtual private network (VPN), or remote access service (RAS)
connections.
- If bandwidth is a problem for you, limit other computer activities while
in a call.
- Use an IP phone:
- If you are doing CPU-intensive work.
- If you need uninterrupted phone access. Your USB phone, for example, does
not work when your computer is in sleep mode.
- If you have enough bandwidth. Using an IP phone may reduce the bandwidth
available to other programs and services.
How does
TTY work?
Text telephone (TTY) mode is used for text communication over a telephone
line. A TTY device must be connected to the computer to interpret the modified
audio; otherwise you might experience poor audio quality during the call. Using
TTY mode in a conference call may also cause audio quality issues.
TTY mode is turned off by default. You can turn on TTY mode by clicking Phones in the Lync - Options dialog box. You will
then need to sign out of Lync, and then sign back in to use the feature.