Webinar device sound check tests and tips

Webinar device sound check tests and tips

Undertake these 6 tips to ensure your headset, speakers, mic and computer are ready for your upcoming webinar.

Concentrated young businessman using computer and mobile phone at workplace

Tip 1:

It is recommended you use a headset (a headset has headphones and a mic) or headphones.

Use a headset for the best experience

Use a headset for the best experience

Tip 2:

Use a modern headset which uses USB. These are easy to install and are “plug and play” on modern Windows operating systems (such as Windows 7, 8.1 and 10).

I recommend and use the Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 headset which can be purchased from many local technology suppliers such as Staples, Officeworks, Kogan and JB Hifi.

Tip 3:

Step 1: Plug in your headset then right click on the speaker image on the bottom right of your computer screen (down by the time) and select “playback devices”:

Computer Speaker Icon

Computer Speaker Icon

Do you see your headset there? If you have purchased a Microsoft Lifechat headset you will see that text there.

Windows Playback Devices

Windows Playback Devices

If you it is the first time you have plugged in your headset (be it a Microsoft Lifechat or other headset/headphone) close the dialogue box, wait 2 minutes and open it again. Close it by clicking the “cancel” button. Go back to Step 1.

Step 2: If you see your headset there in the list, click “Set Default”.

By setting your headset as default that means in the future it will just work when plugged in. When you pull it out other sound devices will work (like your computer’s inbuilt or external speakers). But when you plug it back in it will just work again.

Tip 4:

Not all computers have inbuilt speakers, if viewing playback devices show a speaker device with a green tick does not necessarily mean they exist. If no sound can be heard there is a good chance your computer has no speakers and you will either have to call into the webinar or use a headset.

Tip 5:

Be prepared! Use this website to test your microphone and speakers:

Start Recording Test your microphone and computer speakers

Start Recording Test your microphone and computer speakers

Click on start recording (if you see a permissions window pop up allow your browser to access your microphone).

On the next screen say something (like testing 1,2,3) and then click stop:

Test two Speak Now - Test your microphone and computer speakers

Test two Speak Now – Test your microphone and computer speakers

Then on the next screen click the “play button”:

Test 3 Listen to your recording - Test your microphone and computer speakers

Test 3 Listen to your recording – Test your microphone and computer speakers

If all has been installed and selected correctly your voice will have been recorded and you would have heard it.

If any further help is required at the time of the Webinar please call Paul Woods on 0422 438 704.

Extra Tip 6:

Feeling brave, why not take your webinar experience outdoors!

Young handsome eastern brunette girl listening music in a park in the city - technology, freedom, emancipation concept

Taking your webinar to the outdoors.