Mic problems [ Edited ]

[AD_Ward9]

I just had the same problem of no mic on Skype and this is what I did that fixed it.

The problem is Skype does not handle the mic or sound directly.   It uses a default channel, and if your mic is not piping data to that default channel then it is effectively muted for the purposes of using Skype.    To resolve it use PulseAudio or Gnome ALSA to sort out the mic and sound into the default channels.  I will describe how to do it with ALSA, as PulseAudio can involve a lot more settings and hocus pocus.

I am using Debian 6, but the same issues and fixes will almost certainly apply to other Linux releases.  I am running Skype 2.2.0.35.

First you need to get your mic working within your system, and ensure it is really working. To do this. 
a.  Open Gnome ALSA mixer.  In Debian 6 in the standard install, you can find it under the Applications pulldown, Sound and Video.  If it is not there, go to the System pulldown, Administration, Software Centre and add it.

b. In Gnome ALSA you should see your sound card, and a whole load of sliders.  If the slider is all blue it is off, if the slider is at the top the channel is on.   You need the Master slider right up,  mic sliders up,  Mic boost half way, and the first Capture slider half way and on Record.
c. Now open the Debian Sound Recorder.  This is in the Applications pulldown, under Sound & Video.

Put it into record, and ensure that as you speak you see the Level bar move up and down.  If you can't then adjust each of the ALSA sliders until you can.    Write down the settings that work for you, because they do not seem to be remembered when you log out (sorting that is the next on my To Do list).

Now do the Skype Test Call, and it should work fine.  If not, return to b and c above.

[JohnLT]

Same problem, many hours wasted so far. Was working fine, computer crashed, installed new OS. Tried to sign on to Skype, no go. 7 hours later, reinstalled worked for two days better than ever. Now speaker [earphone output] fine, mic is not heard. Running Windows XP pro which replaced original due to virus on laptop. My broadband Verizon internet connection was in terrible shape dropping out constantaly, simultaneously Skype is broke down and Verizon BB is working fine. Wierd interesting cooincidence? All worked fine for years on original set up before virus attack. Would be great if someone at Skype would come to the rescue.

[vallefalle]

Hi!

I need help with my microphone, I have one of those steelseries siberia headset. It is working on steam, but not on skype. I have checked all the sound options, and i can choose by one mic.... i can hear them, they cant hear me. Is there any sort of phone support?

[odoood]

AD_Ward9, thanks for pointing in the right direction -- as for my machine (Dell Latitude D820) running Mint Lisa, it didn't actually work until all other sound packages/software was removed leaving only ALSA...finally no more clicking and echoing etc.

[JohnLT]

In principle the idea should apply to other operating systs don't know how to apply to WinXPpro.

[rock_rulz22]

It world help you if you reinstall it, even if it dont work check out the mic first. Record somethiong at your PC, or laptop. You can identify it. IF the recording is done properly then there is no problem with your PC. Or if you dont listen your recording then you know what to do.

Thank You

[Amidamaru]

Hi folks, After billion year of testing and trying to make the mic works the only 100% solution for every Linux distro which I used / kernel update was to buy the following little thing: Syba SD-CM-UAUD USB Stereo Audio Adapter, C-Media Chipset, RoHS for a few bucks. Now I can sleep relaxed and my old good and peaceful live was come back. -Johnny

[johnisenberg]

mic and voido  dose not work

[sulaa1]

when i installed skype it worked well, and now my micaphone dose not work i have tried 3 mics and still dosen't work, when i test call, the voice but it can't hear me

[JohnLT]

Had a glorious couple of months using my little usb sound interface device FG-UAUDV1-C119, a bargain at about $5 amazon, worked immediately. But, weeks later...in the middle of a Skype conversation the new Skype quality indicator went red and I could not be heard from that point on. Actually just when I switched on the new Skype indicator, I believe there is some connection there. Strangely, with the device, there is activity on my computer recorder indicating that it is detecting my voice, but not working with Skype! Currently researching all the new stuff in the previous message. Gnome ALSA seems to be a sound system apparently within Gnome 3.4 latest "free and open source software that can be used with Unix like software", but not sure how to work that into my Windows XP pro, if it is compatible or how to go about downloading whatever is necessary. That in turn is connected somehow with Debian 6, a free O.S. Still researching and searching....and searching...thanks for the input.