🎤 How to Improve Audio Quality in Microsoft Teams

[@KevinStratvert]

Watch next ⏩ A playlist of all Microsoft Teams videos with the top tips & tricks: kzbin.info/aero/PLlKpQrBME6xJ4Mxv00syl8iOSgL-GVLMG

[@elijah8808]

I could not find a video segment, which would describe HOW can I integrate Outlook inside Teams to email my specific team's members? I'd appreciate the tip. As a program coordinator, I need to email my 130 students. Thank you!

[@Bucktit1029]

Guys the compression of teams absolutely kills any quality improvements. Don’t waste your money on a amazing mic. This guy doesn’t even talk about teams compression.

[@JCLarsen]

Sorry to say - I just participated in 3 days of learning with 20 other people in Zoom. Today I participated in a board meeting with 20 people for an hour. I had the best experience in Zoom. Soundquality and ease of use was way better in Zoom. When accidently 2 people speak at the same time in Zoom it was understandable - but in Teams it becomes "blurry". Don't get me wrong - I don't hate Teams - I just wonder why a top dollar firm like microsoft can't make a state of the art program with all that money they got. The only sound adjustment in Teams is turning a filter on a little or a lot or off!!! And it only picks up channel one of my Focusrite. How on earth am I expected to work with that? I just wonder! BUT Kevin keep up the good work - I learn so much from your videos.

[@polluxtroy2010]

This is by far hands down THE BEST review on scenarios using External Mics for conference. When looking for reviews, all the reviews sampled the original audio, which of course sounds good, but none of these reviews included how would they sound when MS teams compress it and plays it back. One minor ask if I might, in your opinion which one of the bunch would cancel background noise the best?

[@bluebee29]

This is the kind of microphone test that I have been looking for! I hope you can test affordable mics in the future! Thanks, Kevin!

[@scrummasterinblack]

The solution is to use Zoom.

[@steveliberty]

In my home office, the laptop mike is not an option, as I keep my laptop closed, using an external monitor, etc. I used to use the mic in my Logitech webcam, but it sounded too boxy and there was too much room ambience. I've since switched to a $60 USB mic (Fifine), and the improvement was immense. The mic pattern rejects most sounds coming from anywhere other than right in front (like most condenser mics will), and the overall eq is balanced pretty well. As you pointed out, for not too much money, you can make really big improvements. And you don't have to go with big well known brands. Rode makes great stuff, but I suspect that my Fifine is 90% as good for almost half the price.

[@SavageGothamChess]

Wow. This video is amazing. In my opinion I think the RODE NT-USB was the best when coming to audio quality. I need to get one right away. 5:10 to 5:22 made me laugh a little bit. Great video. Side note - Congrats on 550K.

[@TylerStanczak]

This is so crucial to have. Thank you for providing this much needed tutorial. If everyone at my work had a rhode microphone that would be epic! :)

[@ManishMoothedath]

The Rode NT USB mini sounded the best for me. Great video again Kevin!!

[@JustBlankNoInfo]

OG's know you're a legend! A man in a lifetime! Hat's off Kevin! Tysm! Helps a lot in meetings

[@prokorshopal4865]

0:02 - Hi Kevin! 👋 7:16 - 344th thumbs up from me! 👍 7:30 - Enjoyed it as always! ☺️ Bye and cheers!

[@MBimmer]

Would have been interesting trying a dynamic XLR mic…i guess there is so much compression that it could barely differs but would never find out so stick with what you have is the conclusion.

[@gajabathiarjuntg2390]

Thanks Kevin. I have understand that as the money increases the quality also increases. So Thanks again Kevin the quality in Sennheiser MKH 50 microphone has the best quality. :)

[@Charlie-ru7fe]

Oh, the irony... Noice!

[@philnewman7613]

Microsoft needs to fix the sound processing -- that's clear from that video! IMO there was not a meaningful difference of the three "good" mics after the sound went through Teams.

[@aaronwilliams2020]

Thanks for the video. Very interesting to see the difference in audio quality as well as the degredation that Teams has. I'm curious if you are aware of the degredation being the same or better/different when using other videoconference software like Zoom?

[@Charlie-ru7fe]

Nice wrap up with a good cross section of chosen examples. Personally I've made excellent experience with the Saramonic Blink 500 b1 ($~180), which offers a bit more freedom as it works over Wi-Fi. At least when using it with OBS I didn't encounter any noticeable delays. Br, and keep on going

[@mcattack2009]

I actually never knew Teams had that background noise suppression. Ive been looking at getting a Blue mini mic for work meetings, thanks Kevin

[@KevinStratvert]

Blue mini will be a big improvement. Plus, if you need a mic for anything else, you've now got excellent recording quality 👍

[@mbettencourt1953]

This was a great if brief run-through of microphone use for Teams. It would be nice to do something similar for those are looking for a good podcast microphone.

[@soniafrontera6040]

Thank for all this great content, Kevin. Your videos are well done and easy to follow, even for those of us who are technically challenged. Is Microsoft Teams suitable for a virtual conference and would you consider doing a tutorial on the subject?

[@Appetiteforbusiness]

There's so many different options available these days. Thanks for your insight!

[@Underhills]

Don't want a big table mic or a chunky gamer headset+mic. As a matter of fact I just want better mic audio in conference calls - without having to look like mickey mouse or the hassle of setting up a separate mic. I have no space for that anyhow. I think a lavalier mic is for me. Guess the search continuous. Perhaps you could do a similar test for lav mics? Your production is stellar. Thanks.

[@nata.sasmita]

Dear Kevin. Thank you for the detail and useful explanation. I need your help on how to configure Rode Connect (with Rode NT USB Mini) to TEAMS. How the way we setup and 'connect' between those 2 things (Rode Connect and TEAMS). So we can get better and clearer sound. Thank you so much for the attention and help.

[@UkuleleBobbyKemp]

Hey, great video/comparison test Kevin. ...Yes, I totally agree - the *Leap* in quality with the Rode Mini makes it the wise choice, unless you have a big budget. 🙏 Tnxalot, Bobby 👏👏

[@IrkyMan]

Very well explained 👏🏻

[@karlplasser1314]

Extremely helpful video. Thx a lot! I'd go for the Rhode NT. To me it had the best sound in Teams (not just compared to the price).

[@roywoolnough]

That was really useful to hear the difference. Thanks. Can you do the same but for cameras too? Be good to know if it’s worth buying an expensive web cam

[@Eternal_Tech]

I currently teach middle school math with many of the students learning virtually. I use the Jabra Talk 15 Wireless Bluetooth Mono Headset, which I purchased from Walmart.com - www.walmart.com/ip/Jabra-Talk-15-Wireless-Bluetooth-Mono-Headset/673565144 . When I purchased it in January, the price was $20.99, but as of the date of this writing, it has now increased to $31.49, which is still considerably less than any of the microphones that Kevin was using. In addition, it is wireless, so I have the option of moving around the classroom. Compared to the microphone integrated into the Webcam, the Jabra Talk microphone is of much better quality and the students do not complain of audio quality when using it; they do complain about the Webcam mic's quality, though. I do not use it as a headset, as I do not put it in my ear. I tape the headset to my lanyard and use the desktop computer speakers to hear the other participants. If you are producing a podcast, then the more expensive microphones that Kevin reviewed will probably be better. However, for a live meeting, you may want to consider some of the lower-priced options.

[@Eternal_Tech]

What is the purpose of the compression? Is it to conserve bandwidth? If so, is it necessary for most people anymore? KZbin and other video platforms can now stream 4K video. The video portion of this 4K video uses considerably more bandwidth than probably the best quality audio stream. Even video in a 720p video probably uses more bandwidth than the best quality audio stream. It seems that it would be optimal for Microsoft Teams and other platforms that use audio to automatically perform a quick test of each user's Internet connection. If the best quality audio stream can be handled, then that is what the user should get.

[@KevinStratvert]

I'm not sure of all the nuances of how they landed on this level of compression although I'm sure there was some good rationale. I think especially when you have larger meetings with 10 - 50 people, bandwidth becomes an issue, especially when you have video on and someone is sharing a screen. All-in-all though, this feels like an area of improvement that would have a big impact on the quality of remote work.

[@kanjagkollaeller]

02:21 laptop microphone 02:49 bose headset 03:12 mini microphone 04:10 microphone rode 04:24 sennheizer 05:10 tests

[@nishanudam7928]

Just what I needed... Thank you

[@TomMedia]

Great job man!

[@tomioka.6703]

When I clicked the video... I saw the thumbnail... Me: OH ANOTHER THING I CANT AFFORD, LETS WATCH IT!

[@MelissaAtwell]

Thank you for this comparison!

[@mahmut123456]

It would be nice to have a comparison to a typical headset with an integrated microphone. Bose is not really representative for that and most of us consider a standalone mic coming from a typical headset like the ones from Jabra or Poly, because that’s what most companies hand out to their employees for home office.

[@CharudattaAmbekar]

Hi Kevin, This comparison video very useful. Thanks for making it. I am using JABRA Headset. It sounds Okay but as you mentioned the Senheiser MKH 50 would be better. How about headphones? Did you use your PC's headphone jack for headphones or a Microphone monitor? Which one is suitable for Microsoft Teams and which doesn't cause a sound delay?

[@GeertDelmulle]

The audio of the story telling line in this video was really very good! Not as sibilant as I’ve remarked several times in the past. I bet you’re using that Sennheiser from now on! And you’d be right to do so. Good job! BTW: many people use the RodeCaster Pro for their audio recording. Care to make a video on that?

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the note Geert! Sure - if I can get my hands on one 😁 For the sound, I also use a de-esser to get rid of the sibilants, a compressor to remove spikes in my voice, and adjust the levels to between -10 and -15dB. I think the resulting output sounds pretty good now.

[@GeertDelmulle]

@@KevinStratvert absolutely, the audio sounds super great, now. Good job! Only adds to the quality of your channel. :-)

[@geekmeee]

Great video comparison... Basically what everyone else said in these comments. I have been using a $25 pair of USB Headphones from Logitech. I liked the $100 Rode NT USB mini microphone as well... But then I thought... But what about listening or hearing the audio?? ...Just found on Amazon, Rode will include a pair of headphones for $19 more.

[@Pisnack]

Great review. To me it is clear that external microphones are not worth it for Teams. The microphones were great by themselfes, but when put through Teams they lose 80 procent of the sound. On top of that you have to use headphones when you use an external mic with Teams. Definetely not worth the hassel.

[@nathanshaw4189]

Hey Kevin, really great video! Thank you for all the quick switching between each microphone's sound with and without Teams! Question for you... How much difference would a mid-tier microphone make if I am playing Teams' output through speakers* in my room? Sometimes it seems like Teams tries to prioritize one person's audio over an other's, such that if I am speaking, and someone else is as well, I might not be able to hear them either because... I don't know... I have wondered if perhaps Teams plays them quietly so as to not create a feedback loop and I just don't notice it (I'm a loud talker :P)? Or if it there are bandwidth issues, I thought maybe it switches to half duplex... or maybe Teams just has some sort of audio processor that decides to do it... but I definitely want to avoid that if possible, as we don't typically have cameras on, so I can't tell if someone is trying to talk. I don't like wearing headphones, and other people sound great through my speakers, but I don't know if that plays a much smaller part in this problem when you have a better microphone. Thanks!

[@aryehyehudahajzenberg9503]

Excellent video ! Thanx !

[@KevinStratvert]

Many thanks!

[@arainla]

We use a $50 Koss headset with boom mic and it sounds great. Not sure why you had to jump to $100 devices as starting point for good sounding mics?

[@jimshaw899]

I think Kevin, like most KZbinrs, has to do honest reviews of what he actually has. I find that entirely reasonable.

[@KevinStratvert]

This is what I have on hand... I'll have to pick up more mics to expand my coverage 😁

[@jurgen129]

Very nice video and good for raising the awareness on the issue. Maybe there is room for a part 2 that includes a few certified headsets and some common earplugs, e.g. airpods, Jabra evolve2-65, Poly Voyager etc. A part 3 then could include some of the "pucks". Hey, I could help and co-produce these with you since I have a nice collection of these devices at home. Interested?

[@AQ-ej4vv]

Testing testing one two three.. That just got stuck in my mind..

[@jah0nix]

That's how it was done in analog systems. With digital we now use "testing, testing, zero, one, zero, one". SCNR ;-)))))))))

[@terryevp4084]

Awesome video. Many Thanks..!!!

[@jsbedi]

With a high compression like this, invest with the expensive microphone is not a good choice because it's not different with the medium quality one.

[@KevinStratvert]

Exactly 👍 My recommendation is a mid-tier mic. It'll give you a massive improvement over a built-in mic. Of course, more expensive will likely be better, but the improvement isn't enough to justify the added cost.

[@wannesfey]

I use a Rode Podmic XLR mic, Brio 4k webcam and AG03 mixer and OBS with a greenscreen. But Teams squeezes my (video) quality hugely. Too bad. Since today my background noisefilter is off.... Good video btw, keep it up!

[@ryanlewis1931]

Hi Kevin, I like your desktop backgrounds, so can you tell from where do you get these backgrounds.

[@KevinStratvert]

I use stock images from PowerPoint. There are lots of excellent ones available.

[@DesertRoseC]

I don't think the microphone is my problem - when I play a video, I have to mute myself or there is an echo. I can't figure out why.

[@DamonJohnCollins]

I hope you follow this up with a great Bluetooth headset. Ideally i would like it to include the microphone in the test. I currently use an older Plantronics Voyager, but, the microphone sounds bad (according to others on my call). I want to upgrade but would prefer your input. Thanks!

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

Do you have wireless ones to do Teams on iPad? I am looking for for wireless microphone and wireless earbuds. Bluetooth connection.

[@dvm5]

well u realy hv gud presentation skills

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks a lot 😊

Very interesting subject. I would like to see if you have any advice on how to position / setup a Microphone with Teams so the output of the meeting doesn't create feedback or other issues. Also, in you tests with Teams, did you use Teams noice cancelling? Do any of the microphones tested feature noise cancelling?

[@rodtapia]

Good review. What about Hyperx Quadcast? It's a pity that Microsoft Teams degrade the sound. Is there any possibility to do not degradate it?

[@philnewman7613]

Could you make an update and also inlude typical cams (Logitech Streamcam and others and also include lower priced (~ 50 dollars) USB mics? Would also be very interesting to compare the sound quality of Zoom, Teams, WebEx and the other options! :-)

[@bobbyman410]

Weren’t you on 500K just two weeks ago?

[@CardJunctionchannel]

Hey Kevin congratulations you got 550K subscribers 🎉👍👍 good I am so happy❤️❤️from 🇮🇳 India

[@RaindanceBushcraft]

I use a Shure SM7B through a Fethead into a Scarlett 2i2 for my livestreams. Sounds mint when streaming or Zoom calls; zerro sound though Teams. I just don't get it.

[@lenairos07]

Great video content helpful

[@Beth-rc6vm]

Love your videos! I have a question for you. I use an Epos Adapt 560 headset with a Teams dongle. I am having issues with Teams ringing after a Teams call ends.Any tips to fixing the issue? I have friends that work with different companies and headsets and they also have this problem.

[@RichCatelli]

Great video!! Can you please review the Shure mv7 please? I’m looking to purchase it or the Rode NT-USB. Thank you

[@alexchan1917]

That's an awesome videos, can you teach Excel macro or VBA in the future

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the suggestion! Here's a basic video on recording macros: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6rNkIKin7Wfmbc I'll cover VBA coding soon!

[@MGA19a]

I seem to have even more issues with Rode NTS USB when using it in Teams as an audio source ( Mac OS Big Sur - everything is updated to latest version ) - not only compression but bad audio quality - anyone having same issues ? Solutions ? ... remark -> not experiencing anything like that (same mic on same imac) when using Zoom, webex, Google Meet etc. :-( And to the question of the video - Sennheisser is really the best quality of course (listening to it through Bose PC Loudspeakers ... )

[@mstsfan6745]

Wow! Nice!

[@djdaz411]

I find most of my co-workers and myself use USB headsets. Any chance you could do a video on best headsets and maybe external cameras?

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've added this to my list. Stay tuned. Cheers!

[@WesCrockettCA]

Teams absolutely destroys AV. It's really too bad. I have been thinking about upgrading my Logitech C922 to using my Sony a5100 and a shotgun mic over a capture card, but after the compression happening, I just don't know that the gains are worth the effort...

[@mvelasco2]

Using a USB microphone with Teams is erratic as sometimes the volume gets adjusted to close to 0 and attendees can’t hear you. It’s a bug that MS needs to resolve. Until then the most reliable option is a usb wired headset.

[@jimshaw899]

I have not experienced this. Can you verify it with more than one Teams setup?

[@lindaodonnell1754]

I just purchaed a Jounivo "Voice Microphone" JV808 to enhance sound to my Zoom audience. Having problems with settings. Do you offer a tutoial on this?

[@AndrewDCDrummond]

Didn’t hear much difference between the two rode mics, which is just as well as I have the mini! Also just bought one of those circular shields to mask the room echoes.

[@KevinStratvert]

Nice! The circular shield should help considerably with the audio quality.

[@olledahlquist3784]

Great to know. Can you make a video on microphones and Zoom as well?

[@KevinStratvert]

Sure! I'll add to my list.

[@LesterSuggs]

I use a Jabra 510. Works great.

[@keithbowcott6231]

I would say the Rode Mini was the best

[@YYC-ZU]

Does a standalone mic not cause echo? How do you make it work well with a speaker?

[@allen84us]

Does audio quality turns out better if we turn off the noise cancellation setting in Teams ?

[@Zariston]

Great testing, thx

[@nishanudam7928]

Rode mini😍

[@justsurfin5013]

That must be version specific. My office's Teams does not have this (OR it maybe that I am using the browser version of teams)

[@roamwithsaurabh]

Hi Kevin - Do you need intern to assist you?

[@ntop8299]

You are the best 😀

[@amcluesent]

Shame you didn't include a Jabra 510 or similar

[@aakashpai5185]

Can you use an audio interface for teams? Like keep the input and output source same? Thanks!

[@MrBreakthompson]

HEADS UP: the audio quality is very dependent on your internet connection as well. Plus, Teams compresses the audio so much (and auto-leveling) that for musiclessons you won't solve your audio-quality problems in Teams.

[@KevinStratvert]

Very true, I wouldn't be surprised if Teams introduces a music mode in the near future. Both Zoom and Webex offer it and it helps considerably with the sound quality.

[@tanujasingh7184]

Please make a tutorial on how to use Xcode

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've added this to my list. Stay tuned. Cheers!

[@paultester1587]

Hey Kevin, any idea when the video quality will be improved in Teams. Its terrible quality compared to other meeting software... I know your not at Microsoft bow, just wondered if you have any infide info!?

[@venividivici4253]

Hey dude, I have a user who is reporting choppy audio. Internet connectivity is good. I reinstalled Teams but its the same issue. Any ideas?

[@bobsimmons1470]

WOW! I hate to hate on Bose, but you sounded super nasally! Granted this is coming from a KZbin video playing out of the speakers on my Samsung s20 but it was certainly noticeable compared to the other options!

[@bwzffgh7]

It's funny that you think your laptop mic in this video is the worst audio you've ever heard. That sounds better than every professional headset I have ever used at work. I've tried several that are between $150-400 and they all sound worse in Teams than your built-in mic demo. I've ordered yet-another $200 headset to try to improve it.

[@UnfussyBoardGames]

I can't get a mic to work with windows 10. It doesn't recognize a mic. I thought it was a widespread issue. I guess it's just me!

[@sachinsagane3763]

could you guide how to sync audio and video in teams when you use DLSR as webcam

[@imamahmedbinhanbel7617]

Kevin, where do you get the stock videos from? they are nice.

[@KevinStratvert]

www.pexels.com/

[@billionairenow]

Do you have anything on UX/UI Design

[@imdahary]

Hi Kevin. How do I enable my audio from Powerpoint slide to be heard in MS teams using via OBS? My music can't be heard by the audience. My audio is embeded in my powerpoint slide, my audience can hear me talk but not the music background which is embeded in my Powerpoint slide and also my embeded Videos in my powerpoint slide. TQ

[@phantomprince-tech4963]

Nice vid sir

[@RussellSmith]

My pet hate is when people don't use a microphone on Zoom/Teams calls. I can hear the terrible acoustics of their room in the background and eventually I get a headache. It doesn't exactly help communication. Even a cheap headset is better than nothing.

[@danmagoo]

I appreciate your videos, but it's misleading to just ignore the fact that you "tested" those Rode microphones by holding them up in your hand(s) while you talked, so they'd be closer to your mouth. As you well know, they sound way worse if you use them the way they are designed, sitting on your desktop. They're still better that the built-in mic of your laptop and webcam, but I think that needs to be said.

[@ElijsDima]

Those mics are "designed" to sit on a microphone boom, about 3-5 inches from your mouth. *not* down on a table.

[@aadityamishra2349]

Are you making something on how to type fast? Ilike your videos

[@KevinStratvert]

I usually edit my typing out so people don't have to sit and watch me type... this is probably why it it appears so fast 😁 I use an ergonomic keyboard which helps type fast. Takes a little while to get used to but once you do you can pick up some nice speed.

[@Shadrach.O]

I appreciate your work, but zoom seems to beat them all hands down, just turning on original sound on zoom, gives same audio quality to your listeners. I use that and my listeners tell me I sound like I am in a studio with all mixing on my audio. So Microsoft should work on that.

[@cappaculla]

If you can tell all the large multinational companies including the one I work for to stop using Teams and move to Zoom that would be great :).

[@invisiblecrownitaly5352]

Are you using a dell laptop?

[@KevinStratvert]

Yup, I have an Alienware. I wanted a laptop and this had the best specs for video editing.

[@MO-b_alive]

Hi Kevin , Can you please show us how to burn CD or DVD with window 10 , i put the photos in the folder but i cannot find a click to burn it , everytime i reboot the laptop it show me that photos are ready to burn , Thanks

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've added this to my list. Stay tuned. Cheers!

[@AvanishKesharwani]

Kevin, do you know any programming language? If yes then please made video on this.

[@KevinStratvert]

I'll pull some together soon.

[@AvanishKesharwani]

@@KevinStratvert thanks

[@dekroplay5373]

Honestly, all of them sound awful when they go through teams. Teams should increase the bitrate for audio calls. It sound way to robotic... Of course there are microphones that can pick up lower frequencies. It does sound nicer. Yes... But to really enjoy a conversation I would prefer the audio quality that can be achieved on Discord or Team Speak.