Zoom Desktop App Crashing <> Microphone Condenser

[zoezed]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone can help me out here. My Zoom desktop app crashes every time I connect my condenser microphone. The video works perfectly, but as soon as I plug in the mic, the app quits.

Interestingly, the web version works fine with the mic, but the video quality there isn’t great.

I’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting steps—rebooting my PC, uninstalling and reinstalling Zoom, checking and installing updates for both my PC and the app, resetting, running a disk cleanup, and even deleting data—but nothing has worked.

This has never happened before, and I’m really stuck on what to try next. Any advice would mean a lot. Thanks so much in advance!

[rarmbruster0124 · Accepted solution]

Yep, happened to me last night during a production event. It happened when the Zoom client updated. Uninstall it and install an older version. 

[zoezed]

Thank you @rarmbruster0124 this helped.. I downloaded an older version and everything is working perfectly again. 

[FarioConsulting]

Hi,
It might be an issue with how your computer handles hardware acceleration within Zoom when you connect your condenser microphone.
Since this issue is isolated to the desktop application, I would recommend disabling Hardware Acceleration in Zoom. (To do so, go to Zoom's Settings, select the Video tab, and uncheck the box next to "Enable Hardware Acceleration")

[Frank_TB]

Hello,

I assume that you are using an external audio interface, is this correct?

If so, try reducing  your  microphone input device format from 32-bit 192kHz to 24-bit 192Hz. Make sure Windows settings are matched.

Just an idea since you have given many technical details about your set up.

Regards

If my reply helped, don't forget to click the accept as solution button!

[EMJFJ]

I have the same issue. Zoom please fix this!

[alanfinland]

Found an article saying to reduce the sample range from 32-bit 192kHz to 24-bit 96kHz. Apparently Zoom can't handle expensive equipment that well. Windows 11 issue... 

[Baby_Bird]

Faced the same issue yesterday. Solved by reducing the mic's sample rate from 192kHz to 96 kHz or lower. I don't have an option to set the depth to 32-bit, but switching between 24-bit and 16-bit doesn't seem to affect anything.

[RileyMathers]

Can confirm (For others wondering), this solved it for me too 🙂