Setting Recording Preferences
The audio preferences for recording allow you to:
- Use echo cancellation so that you don't have to use a speakerphone or headset.
- Select a preferred device (sound card for a microphone or speakerphone).
- Adjust system mixer recording settings.
- Adjust the microphone sensitivity.
To access the recording preferences, choose Tools - preferences and click the Audio tab.
Using Echo Cancellation
If you use echo cancellation, IBM® Lotus ® Sametime ®, any echo caused by audio coming out of your speakers and going back into your microphone is eliminated. This type of echo can occur when your speakers and microphone are too close together (for example, if you are using a laptop with speakers and microphone set close together or if you move your microphone too close to your desktop speakers).
To use echo cancellation, select the check box labeled "Use echo cancellation so that a speakerphone or headset is not necessary." When this check box is selected, you do not need to use a headset or speakerphone to eliminate echoes from Lotus Sametime audio. See the topic Why Is There an Echo in the Meeting? for more help solving echo problems in a meeting.
Note To completely eliminate echoes in an audio meeting, everyone in the meeting must either select the echo cancellation check box in the audio preferences or use a headset or speakerphone with echo cancellation.
Tip If everyone in the meeting is using echo cancellation and you still hear an echo, someone in the meeting might have the microphone or speaker volume turned up too loud. Everyone should adjust the volume of their microphone and speakers to eliminate the echo.
Selecting a Preferred Recording Device (Sound Card for a Microphone or Speakerphone)
The device that you use when you speak into a computer (the device for "recording" your voice), such as a microphone or speakerphone, needs a sound card to function. (A sound card is a hardware component that allows your computer to produce sounds.) When you plug your microphone or speakerphone into your computer, you are actually plugging it into a sound card.
Note Sound cards are available in many physical forms. For example, some desktop systems include built-in sound cards, and some modems include sound cards.
If you have more than one sound card on your computer, you must select which sound card you want to use, and you must plug your microphone or speakerphone into the correct sound card. Use the audio preferences to select the sound card you want to use, and then ensure that your microphone or speakerphone is plugged into that sound card. If you are unsure which sound card to choose, experiment with the available options.
Note If you change your recording device during a meeting, you MUST click OK in the dialog box, leave the meeting, and attend the meeting again for the change to take effect.
Adjusting Input Device Settings
After selecting your preferred recording device, adjust system mixer settings for the device. When you adjust system mixer settings from within Lotus Sametime, the changes also affect your recording device when you use it with other programs. For example, if you use Lotus Sametime to set the recording volume for your microphone, your microphone will record audio at that volume when you use the microphone with other programs.
To adjust system mixer settings for your recording device:
- Click "Adjust System Mixer Settings" on the Audio tab. The system mixer appears.
- The settings that appear in your system mixer depend on your audio equipment. Follow the appropriate instructions below:
- If your microphone is a headset that plugs into the microphone jack on your computer, use the Microphone option in the system mixer to adjust the microphone's recording volume.
- If you are using a speakerphone that plugs into a line-in jack on your computer, use the Line option to control the recording volume of the speakerphone.
- If your system mixer includes a Master Record option, use this option to control the final output of the recording settings. If your system mixer includes the Master Record option and the Microphone option or the Line option, experiment with both controls to find an optimum setting.
Note If you are using Windows 95 or Windows NT, you might have to make sure the Recording options appear in the system mixer. To display the Recording options, choose Options - Properties in the system mixer. Make sure the Recording option is selected in the Properties dialog box and click OK.
Adjusting Microphone Sensitivity
Adjusting your microphone sensitivity prevents you from transmitting noise (such as shuffling papers or typing on the keyboard) to other participants when you are not speaking.
To adjust your microphone sensitivity, speak into your microphone. If the text reads "No Voice Detected," move the slider bar farther to the right. Continue to adjust the sensitivity until the text reads "Voice Detected" when you speak and "No Voice Detected" when you are silent.
Note This setting is very important. If the text in the dialog box reads "Voice Detected" when you are silent, you might prevent other people from being heard during an audio/video meeting.