Distorted or Low Audio Issue When Using Zoom

[Juanfran5316]

Hi, I'm experiencing an audio issue when using Zoom or similar platforms like Google Meet and Skype. Whenever I connect my headphones, the sound becomes distorted, over-amplified, or extremely low. What's odd is that this only happens when I open these apps; the audio works perfectly fine when listening to music or watching videos on other platforms.

I've already tried checking the audio settings in Zoom and on my operating system, updated my audio drivers, and even reinstalled Zoom, but the issue persists. Has anyone faced a similar problem or knows how to fix it? I’d really appreciate any suggestions!

[bstrelko]

or similar platforms like Google Meet and Skype.

This is not a Zoom-specific issue.

Since the issue appears to be hardware-specific, we're absolutely going to need the make/model of headphones we're using. Also, how are you connecting the headphones - wired 3.5mm TRRS? USB? Bluetooth?

Based on your issue, I would assume you're using a pair of Bluetooth headphones and that Windows has 2 sets of audio drivers for these - the first set is a high-fidelity one-way "headphones" driver for music playback, and the other is a bi-directional (mic and speaker) set of "headset" drivers used for conferencing applications, which is how a good chunk of older / lower-end BT headphones work. You'll want to investigate and look into the drivers that can actually be used for conferencing before troubleshooting further.

Some additional context here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bluetooth/comments/rgg8a5/headset_vs_headphones_on_windows_10/

Of course, all of this is speculation that will be better informed based on the answers you provide about what hardware you're actually using. Let us know!

[Steve30]

I just fixed this on my Asus laptop - been driving me mad all morning!!

Another Zoom user suggested this on another forum and it worked.

Your laptop/desktop may have an AI noise cancelling setting that you'll need to access via the manufacturer app that came with your laptop - in my case, it's called MyAsus.

I've ignored this since I bought the laptop, but I registered on it today and went to the audio settings.

I then disabled the AI noise suppression on the settings within this app, and it worked!

Full volume on Zoom, where previously nothing worked.

Good luck.