Resolve audio feedback (echo, static)
If there is echo, static, feedback, or any other unwanted noise on the audio connection during the webinar, there are several common issues that could be causing it. Audio feedback is most often caused by an improper placement of hardware or a misconfiguration of software settings.
Before you begin these steps, find the source of the unwanted noise so the right individual can troubleshoot. Once the source is found, ask them to troubleshoot using the steps below.
Note: Please note that if you are an attendee joining a webinar, you are muted by default. If you need to be unmuted, let the organizer know by asking a question (in the Questions pane) or raising your hand.
I'm connected to computer audio.
- Make sure you have Computer audio mode selected in GoTo Webinar. If you want to connect with your computer mic and speakers, then you need to make sure GoTo Webinar is set to the right mode. See Connect to webinar audio.
- Try a USB headset. Built-in microphones on your computer or webcam can pick up other noise and cause an echo. We recommend a using USB headset plugged into your computer or headphones with a mic included plugged into you mobile device.
- Unplug and replug in your mic. Try unplugging your headset or standalone microphone from the computer or device and then replugging it back in. If possible, try using a different USB port.
- Move the microphone (if using a standalone one). If you are using a standalone microphone (i.e., not the built-in one on your computer or a headset), try moving it further away from your mouth. Also be sure to move any hand-held electronic devices (such as an iPhone) away from your mic and speakers, as this can cause feedback.
- Lower the volume of your built-in speakers. The built-in speakers on your computer might be playing back the sound that your built-in mic is picking up, which could cause an echo.
- Check for sources of background noise. There could be something in your environment that is causing the unwanted noise, such as a fan blowing directly into your microphone or other voices if you are in a public area. If you cannot move away from these sources of noise, then mute yourself when you aren't speaking.
- Mute the microphone when you aren't speaking. If you weren't able to resolve your feedback issues, then try muting yourself when you aren't speaking to avoid having the unwanted noise disrupt the session.
I'm dialed in from my phone.
- Make sure you have Phone call mode selected in GoTo Webinar. If you dialed in with your phone but GoTo Webinar thinks you are using Computer audio, then it is probably picking up your audio from both sources. See Connect to webinar audio.
- Hang up and dial in again. An unknown issue might have occurred when you connected to the audio conference. Dial in again to see if the connection is better.
- Stop using speaker phone. If you are using speaker phone, switch to regular mode or use headphones instead. The speaker phone might be causing unwanted feedback.
- Avoid multiple connections in a single room. If there are multiple people in one room who are each connected using their own phone, try these tips:
- Have each staff member use headphones or a headset instead.
- Have individuals move into different rooms to avoid picking up each others' audio.
- Have everyone share a single phone line (or speaker phone) and hang up on the other phones.
- Mute your microphone when you aren't speaking. If you weren't able to resolve the feedback issues, then mute yourself when you aren't speaking to avoid having the unwanted noise disrupt the session.