Audio works when I'm a guest, but not when I host

[johnc1]

I have a similar issue as a user presented here in March 2022.

New M1 Mac computers (MacBookPro and iMac) but no sound when I host a meeting - but fine when I'm invited (or using other meeting platforms).

Computers updated. I have updated and uninstalled Zoom more than ten times! Testing sound before and during meetings looks fine, but not in communication with other users. They can't hear me - and I can't hear them!

Zoom help center has already suggested that I should do these things and check my headset (!!), but nothing seems to help.

All suggestions are most welcome, as this has been going on for the last week. As I have many scheduled online meetings, I assume I have tested it with at least 20-30 different users on various computers in the last week. When I ask the participants to set up a meeting and invite me (with Zoom), everything works (with the same headsets/sound).

[johnc1]

Recently I removed (uninstalled) my anti-virus software and made sure that permissions are correctly set for ZOOM in the Firewall (allow connections). Nothing helps. I hope that ZOOM someday sets their software specialists to look into this.  ---> There are multiple messages around here about similar situations: Host has no sound!

[johnc1]

Hi  charlesmyron009.

Have I done that? Yes, more than 20 times I guess over the last ten days! 

[johnc1]

Thanks. I have struggled with this issue for more than two weeks now. But no success.  I have now deleted and reinstalled Zoom more than ten (10) times. On two computers. Both with the new M1 chip from Mac.  Lastly, I have made sure that the Firewall settings allow Zoom and has removed my anti-virus software.

[johnc1]

This message has been reported as a SOLUTION - my BIG mistake - it is NOT a solution to anything I know of. Sorry.

[johnc1]

Hi jameslehner992,

I agree with you. This is strange! Why does it work one way but not the other? The thing is, that I have found at least two other cases where users had the very same experience! No solution was offered, so I guess those - also - went to another platform.

Over the last ten days I guess I had scheduled between 10-15 meetings, that did not work when I was host, but went perfectly fine when I asked one of the other participants to be the host and invite me.  I think I know how to use Zoom, as I have been using meeting software for more than 25 years now. Sorry. But normally, users do not have to do anything special to get a Zoom meeting to work. So what should be the special thing I should ask for information about? That is a really good question, that I would like to know. the answer on.

I can get Zoom to work on (older) iPad - but not on any of my never M1 Apple computers. Therefore I suspect something in the OS direction. Also, Zoom offers two different Zoom versions, one for M1 computers and one for older OS, so there must be a reason for Zoom to do that....They are very smart people. I would just like to get a little help on this strange issue.

[johnc1]

Hi, my university uses Cisco AnyConnect Socket Filter, which can create a VPN but also always run in the background of the computer, and uses something they call "Umbrella" that does some filtering. I tried today to stop these services and see if it made any difference to the workings of Zoom. But to no avail. I also guess some other users might have seen the issue if it was true. I think there must be hundreds - or more - Zoom users here. 

Status: Sill not possible to be hosting a Zoom meeting from my M1 computers - as the sound seems to go only in one direction.

[johnc1]

Hi, critically thinking about my sign-in process and figured out that I have developed a habit of pressing  "Test Speaker and Microphone" before entering the Zoom meeting. This sequence of presses leaves the Zoom meeting in a state where no sound is transferred.

Question to Zoom (I know nobody reads this - but if someone maybe knows how to reach Zoom?):

Why have the option to test sound - before entering a meeting - if that removes sound for the host?

I guess users should typically select the checkbox in the lower right corner, "Always connect with computer sound."

Please see attached screenshot.

[Meg]

Has anyone determined a fix for this issue?

Meg

[johnc1]

Hi Meg, I deleted all Zoom stuff, restarted the computer, and installed it from the newest version (update), and it worked!

However: Be careful when Zoom starts and presents the first screen: and it asks if you want to test the microphone/sound - do NOT select that. Select: Use the default (or similar) and enter the Zoom world/meeting.

[johnc1]

Please see my own "solution" above this message.

[Paul_the_N-1]

I have the (nearly) exact reverse problem!  When others invite me, the audio on my end has fierce static.  When I invite them, no problem.  Using a MacBook with M1 chip.  Uninstalling and re-installing Zoom did not fix it.

[johnc1]

Hi Paul, Sorry to hear about your problems. I know the feeling of having the "reverse" issue when traveling abroad and having many scheduled meetings....That's frustrating.

One thing I discovered was not to check sound before entering the meetings. As I described above, "However: Be careful when Zoom starts and presents the first screen: and it asks if you want to test the microphone/sound - do NOT select that. Select: Use the default (or similar) and enter the Zoom world/meeting."

You write that you have a fierce static noise. Do you have any anti-virus applications or like running? Does Zoom have all the needed Accessibility settings put to "on"? You can check it in Systems Settings/ Privacy & Security/Accessibility. There should be a "zoom.us" setting put to "on".

Finally, sound settings and canals are managed on MacOS via the Audio MIDI application found in Applications/Utilities. Here, one can check many different settings, e.g. how the input/output ports work. Try to identify Audio Midi, and check the settings for your devices. Maybe there is a setting to put it all back to "default"?

After this, you should consider sending a mail to Zoom zupport. 

[HelgaStroman]

Considering you've tried multiple troubleshooting steps and the issue persists only when hosting on Zoom from your M1 Mac, here are some additional suggestions:

1. **Check Zoom Audio Settings**: Ensure that the correct microphone is selected in Zoom settings.
 
2. **Reset Zoom Settings**: In the Zoom desktop app, go to settings, then audio, and click on "Reset to Default." This might resolve any configuration issues.

3. **Check macOS Sound Settings**: Verify that your microphone is properly set up and selected in your Mac's System Preferences > Sound > Input.

4. **Reinstall Audio Drivers**: Update or reinstall the audio drivers for your M1 Mac from the manufacturer's website.

5. **Zoom App Permissions**: Check if Zoom has the necessary permissions to access the microphone in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

6. **Test with an External Microphone/Headset**: Try using a different headset or microphone to rule out hardware issues.

7. **Contact Apple Support**: Since this seems like a specific issue related to hosting on Zoom with your M1 Macs, reaching out to Apple support might provide insights into any compatibility issues.

By following these steps, you may be able to pinpoint and resolve the problem with hosting Zoom meetings from your M1 Macs.