Mic problem

Question

I have a problem with my mic i don't know where is the problem there's a popping sound from my microphone every time I record and stream. I'm using a plug in play mic USB type mic called TNW K18 can you help me plss

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Answer 1

Hello Ichiro Domo, thanks for posting this in our community.

First, make sure the USB cable is firmly connected to both the microphone and your PC. If possible, try using a different USB port, preferably one directly on the motherboard instead of through a hub. You can also test with another cable to rule out any damage.

Next, disable microphone enhancements. To do this, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and open Sounds. Go to the Recording tab, select your microphone, and open Properties. Under the Enhancements section, check the option to disable all enhancements, then apply the changes and restart your recording application.

Adjusting microphone levels can also help. In the same Properties window, go to the Levels tab and reduce the microphone level to around 70–80%. If you see a Microphone Boost option, set it to 0 dB or keep it very low.

Updating or reinstalling audio drivers is another step to consider. Open Device Manager and look under Sound, video and game controllers. Right-click your audio device and choose Update driver. If the issue persists, uninstall the driver and restart your PC so Windows can reinstall it automatically.

Check the sample rate and bit depth settings as well. In the Properties window under the Advanced tab, set the default format to 16-bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality). Avoid very high sample rates because they can cause popping or crackling sounds.

Reducing CPU load and closing unnecessary background applications while streaming or recording can also prevent audio issues. High CPU usage can lead to audio buffer underruns, which often cause popping sounds.

Finally, test the microphone on another PC or laptop. If the popping sound continues, it may indicate a hardware issue with the microphone capsule or internal circuitry. In that case, contacting TNW support or considering a replacement would be the best option.

Kind regards,

John Oli

Answer 2

If you're experiencing a popping sound from your TNW K18 USB microphone, there are several potential causes and troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check Background Noise: Ensure that you are in a quiet environment. Excessive background noise can cause interference and result in popping sounds. Try to record in a room that meets the <35dBA SPL requirement.
2. Microphone Placement: Make sure the microphone is positioned correctly and is not too close to any noise sources, such as fans or electrical components that might cause buzzing.
3. USB Connection: Sometimes, USB audio devices can malfunction due to connection issues. Try unplugging the microphone and reattaching it, or connect it to a different USB port. If the problem persists, restarting your computer may help.
4. Audio Settings: Check your audio settings to ensure that the microphone gain is set appropriately. If the gain is too high, it can cause clipping and popping sounds. Adjust the microphone level in your operating system's sound settings.
5. Driver Issues: Ensure that your audio drivers are up to date. Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to audio issues.
6. Test with Different Software: Try using different recording or streaming software to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is software-related.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider testing the microphone on another device to see if the problem is with the microphone itself or your current setup.

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References:

• USB-connected audio or video devices malfunction when connected to specific Intel-based devices
• Microphone tests troubleshooting