Speech-to-Text Problem: Earphones Only Work on One PC

Question

Speech-to-Text Problem: Earphones Only Work on One PC

Su Myat Hlaing 180

Issue Description: I've encountered a bizarre problem with speech-to-text transcription across my computers. I have three PCs, and I'm experiencing inconsistent behavior with earphones:

On my development PC: Both earphones and speakers work perfectly for transcription
On two other PCs: Speakers work fine, but earphones fail to transcribe properly

I've tested this with Azure AI Speech-to-Text services.

Technical Details:

The exact same earphones were tested on all machines
When using speakers, all three PCs transcribe correctly
Only when switching to earphones do the two problematic PCs fail

What I've Already Checked:

Audio device recognition (they appear correctly in Windows)
Testing with different earphone models

Has anyone encountered this earphone-specific transcription problem? Any solutions?

santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-17T12:43:13.9033333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

Based on your information, the problem is most likely related to how the microphone input is being recognized and handled on the two problematic PCs. Since the transcription works with speakers on all devices and with earphones only on one, it's unlikely to be an issue with Azure’s Speech-to-Text service itself, and more likely related to how the input audio is routed or configured locally.

One of the most common issues in these cases is that the default recording device isn't set properly when earphones are connected. Even if the earphones appear in Windows, the system might still be using a built-in or inactive microphone as the input source. I recommend checking the input device settings under Windows Sound settings and ensuring that the earphones or microphone is selected as the default input.

Another possible cause is driver or audio format inconsistencies. Different PCs may have different audio drivers or configurations, which can affect how combo audio jacks (those that support both headphones and microphone) work. It’s worth comparing the audio driver versions across the PCs and updating or reinstalling them on the ones that don’t work.

I hope this helps! Thank you.
Su Myat Hlaing 180 Reputation points

2025-04-18T04:39:14.48+00:00
Hi @santoshkc,

Thank you for your suggestions. I need to clarify my issue further:

On the problematic PCs, my own voice input transcribes correctly, but any audio coming THROUGH the earphones (whether it's someone else speaking during a call or YouTube videos playing in a browser) fails to transcribe.

I've already completed extensive troubleshooting:

Tested different earphone models (rules out hardware issue)

Checked for NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device differences

Tried setting Stereo Mix as default communications device

Disabled signal enhancement properties

Verified audio format settings match between PCs

Compared and updated audio drivers

Checked Edge and Chrome in volume mixer

Verified microphone array configuration

Reviewed all Windows Sound Settings via Device Manager

I attached sound setting of problem PC.
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-21T11:17:16.2133333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

It seems the issue is related to your audio settings. I recommend double-checking the default recording device and ensuring your earphones' microphone is selected as the input. Also, make sure to install any necessary drivers and check for updates. I tested it without issues, so adjusting these settings and drivers should help resolve the problem.

I hope you understand! Thank you.
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-22T13:57:32.3733333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution, please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others.

Thank you.
Su Myat Hlaing 180 Reputation points

2025-04-24T05:45:28.0366667+00:00

Hi @santoshkc,

Thank you for your response. I'd like to clarify that I've already checked the suggested settings.

I've completed all the troubleshooting steps you mentioned including checking default recording devices and updating drivers (drivers are latest), but the problem persists.

For troubleshooting purposes, which screenshots would be most helpful for you to see?

Any additional specific guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you!
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-25T17:12:50.7366667+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

Thanks for all the detailed checks you've done—it really helps narrow things down. Since the issue only occurs on certain PCs and you've ruled out software, settings, and drivers, this likely points to a hardware compatibility issue specific to those devices. It may be worth trying a different pair of earphones, preferably with a USB or different connector type, to see if that resolves the problem. Some systems handle analog audio input differently, which can lead to inconsistent behaviour like this.

Thank you.

Your answer

santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-17T12:43:13.9033333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

Based on your information, the problem is most likely related to how the microphone input is being recognized and handled on the two problematic PCs. Since the transcription works with speakers on all devices and with earphones only on one, it's unlikely to be an issue with Azure’s Speech-to-Text service itself, and more likely related to how the input audio is routed or configured locally.

One of the most common issues in these cases is that the default recording device isn't set properly when earphones are connected. Even if the earphones appear in Windows, the system might still be using a built-in or inactive microphone as the input source. I recommend checking the input device settings under Windows Sound settings and ensuring that the earphones or microphone is selected as the default input.

Another possible cause is driver or audio format inconsistencies. Different PCs may have different audio drivers or configurations, which can affect how combo audio jacks (those that support both headphones and microphone) work. It’s worth comparing the audio driver versions across the PCs and updating or reinstalling them on the ones that don’t work.

I hope this helps! Thank you.
Su Myat Hlaing 180 Reputation points

2025-04-18T04:39:14.48+00:00

Hi @santoshkc,

Thank you for your suggestions. I need to clarify my issue further:

On the problematic PCs, my own voice input transcribes correctly, but any audio coming THROUGH the earphones (whether it's someone else speaking during a call or YouTube videos playing in a browser) fails to transcribe.

I've already completed extensive troubleshooting:

Tested different earphone models (rules out hardware issue)

Checked for NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device differences

Tried setting Stereo Mix as default communications device

Disabled signal enhancement properties

Verified audio format settings match between PCs

Compared and updated audio drivers

Checked Edge and Chrome in volume mixer

Verified microphone array configuration

Reviewed all Windows Sound Settings via Device Manager

I attached sound setting of problem PC.
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-21T11:17:16.2133333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

It seems the issue is related to your audio settings. I recommend double-checking the default recording device and ensuring your earphones' microphone is selected as the input. Also, make sure to install any necessary drivers and check for updates. I tested it without issues, so adjusting these settings and drivers should help resolve the problem.

I hope you understand! Thank you.
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-22T13:57:32.3733333+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution, please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others.

Thank you.
Su Myat Hlaing 180 Reputation points

2025-04-24T05:45:28.0366667+00:00

Hi @santoshkc,

Thank you for your response. I'd like to clarify that I've already checked the suggested settings.

I've completed all the troubleshooting steps you mentioned including checking default recording devices and updating drivers (drivers are latest), but the problem persists.

For troubleshooting purposes, which screenshots would be most helpful for you to see?

Any additional specific guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you!
santoshkc 14,500 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-25T17:12:50.7366667+00:00

Hi @Su Myat Hlaing,

Thanks for all the detailed checks you've done—it really helps narrow things down. Since the issue only occurs on certain PCs and you've ruled out software, settings, and drivers, this likely points to a hardware compatibility issue specific to those devices. It may be worth trying a different pair of earphones, preferably with a USB or different connector type, to see if that resolves the problem. Some systems handle analog audio input differently, which can lead to inconsistent behaviour like this.

Thank you.

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Speech-to-Text Problem: Earphones Only Work on One PC

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