hum while using webcam

Question

When I record using the webcam, I get a background hum.  I can hear the recorded sound, but the hum is continuous and bothersome.  How do I get rid of it?

Answer 1

If it works fine with another device…

If recording with another device does not produce the “humming” sound then the problem is the webcam’s built-in microphone. You may want to check your product’s documentation for further suggestions. However, webcam microphones are known to pickup background noise as they are typically not near the audio source which requires them to have additional amplification. Unfortunately, there is nothing more you can really do about that if you’ve already tried the previous suggestions.

[Jared

• Support Engineer - MSFT](http://social.answers.microsoft.com/en-US/Profile/?user=Jared%20-%20Support%20Engineer&referrer=http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en/vistamedia/threads/&rh=R3rk8MPMvm8nd0qgOMUczYzYrc8D7Pq4ADJ%2b0jJsb%2bc%3d)

Answer 2

Mate!

I think the guy just told you that he has a humming noise coming from the microphone. A humming noise is not background noise. It is some kind of earthing/electrical fault.

The poor guy read your first message and it was obviously not helpful. 

Leave the second message alone will you? Repeating the same blurb of **** again like he is an idiot. I thought th idea was to help. You didn't help, so go away and come back when you have something helpful.

I have got the same humming and was hoping your second reply was going to be of some use. Then I was disappointed by your pedantic dribble.

I will figure this out and come back with an answer, in which, I will try to be helpful, not just be a **** and tell someone **** because you are an ****.

Eat my dirty swamp **** jocks Jared the **** HEAD.

Diesel Cruz.

Answer 3

Welcome to the Microsoft Windows Vista Communities site.

Audio recording with a webcam…

I’d suggest that you try repositioning the webcam – if it is not built-in to your system in some way. The most likely cause is that you’re microphone is picking up background audio from another source – the fun comes in trying to determine the exact source.

For example:

·          If you have your webcam sitting on-top of your monitor or tower the microphone may pick up the slight hum of a fan.

·          Additionally, there may be some electrical interference that could be causing this background noise.

·          Another source of distorted audio may occur if you have the microphone of the webcam near the output audio source (speaker).

·          One other thing I’d suggest you look at is the recording volume you’ve selected. If the volume is too high you will get distortion, and other background noise.

If you have another audio recording device I’d suggest that you test that as well to see if the hum exists. Let us know if any of these suggestions work for you, and if you are unable to determine the source of the hum.

[Jared

• Support Engineer - MSFT](http://social.answers.microsoft.com/en-US/Profile/?user=Jared%20-%20Support%20Engineer&referrer=http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en/vistamedia/threads/&rh=R3rk8MPMvm8nd0qgOMUczYzYrc8D7Pq4ADJ%2b0jJsb%2bc%3d)

Answer 4

I have tried moving the camera etc. including using a different USB port.  Nothing seems to help, hum persists.  Recording with another microphone works fine, hum only with the webcam mic.