Trouble with system microphone clipping for high notes

[elycelynne]

I have an older laptop with Windows 10 (which for some reason can't be upgraded to Windows 11).  I take voice lessons via Zoom and lately my teacher can't hear my high notes.  I tested them under my Zoom settings and sure enough, nothing after certain pitches, so it's definitely a clipping problem.  First, what can I do?  And secondly, if it is solveable, could I get specific steps to solve the problem?  Thanks in advance!

[CarlaA · Accepted solution]

Hi @elycelynne, thank you for posting to the Zoom Community!

What you’re experiencing is due to Zoom’s audio settings, which are optimized for speech by default and can clip or filter out high singing notes. You can fix this by enabling settings designed for music:

1. In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Audio.

2. Check Show in-meeting option to enable Original Sound for Musicians.

3. Under Advanced, set Echo cancellation to Auto/Standard and disable Signal processing by Windows drivers (if available).

4. When you join your lesson, click “Original Sound for Musicians” at the top-left of the meeting window to turn it On.

5. Also set Noise Suppression to Low, and if possible use a USB mic for clearer range.

After these changes, test your mic in Zoom, your high notes should now come through clearly to your teacher. 

I hope this helps!

[elycelynne]

Thanks, Carla.  I tested my microphone and it looks like these steps did the trick!