Windows 10: Microphone Interference and voice distortion on W10 and W11

Basically, there is constant background interference as well as distortion of my voice every time I connect a microphone into the system, regardless of how it connects have tried: Steelseries Arctis 7 wireless using it's USB dongle; Steelseries Arctis 9 using a USB Bluetooth dongle; webcam mic via USB-c; mobile phone earphones via case audio panel and also motherboard; USB microphone. It is present on all platforms whether it's something like Xbox Party Chat and recordings or something like DiscordThis is the interference I Hear:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcG-ya9xt8kThe issue started ba

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Microphone interference since Windows reinstall

Before I start, please note the troubleshooting steps I have already tried before suggesting anything. I am posting more to get confirmation that it is a known issue or others are having the same issue as I am at a loss.

Basically, there is constant interference/static as well as voice distortion every time I connect a microphone into the system (once the mic is un-muted), regardless of how it connects (have tried: Steelseries Arctis 7 wireless using it's USB dongle; Steelseries Arctis 9 using a USB Bluetooth dongle; webcam mic via USB-c; mobile phone earphones via case audio panel and also motherboard). I have pretty much exhausted everything possible I can think of...I sent it back to the company who built it but they are at a loss (the technician said they couldn't hear anything wrong!)

The issue started in June with a Windows 10 reinstall (refused to install updates)....I reinstalled Windows last November using the exact same process with no issues at all

This is what I have tried

- Installed Windows 10 using a USB drive

• Installed the NVIDIA driver direct (I even tried reinstalling it, having used DDU to remove, so it installed the audio component )
  
• Installed chipset drivers direct from AMD (using their auto tool)
  

• Installed Audio drivers from ASUS (motherboard)
  
• Changed every setting in the SteelSeries software (my main is a Steelseries Arctis 7 headset)
  

• Disabled all audio enhancement in sound settings for my mic (in Windows settings)
  
• Unplugged everything on my PC one-by-one to test but still the same
  

• Disconnected platter drive and SSD
  
• Disconnected case fans and then exhaust fan
  

• Installed Windows 11
  
• Disconnected case audio console
  
• Tried the NVIDIA RTX App
  
• Connected a sound card with mobile phone earphones connected
  
• Ramped the CPU fan to maximum to check for any alteration in the interference
  
• Replaced PSU Power cable (external)
  

• Changed monitor cable (from a DP to a HDMI)
  
• Run Firestrike (3DMark benchmark) to rule out GPU fans
  

• Install Windows on Samsung SSD and removed the ADATA M.2 SSD from the system
  
• Reseated the RAM, swapped slots, loaded with one stick then the other
  

• Changed the PSU to a better model (from a Corsair 550w TxM to a Corsair 650w RM)
  
• Updated BIOS
  
• Installed Winows 10 version 1709 from disc
  
• Turned main electric breaker off in my flat
  
• Unplugged phone lines from main box
  

Whilst my desktop was back at the system builder, I borrowed an 8 year old Samsung laptop running Windows 10 from a family member..after a couple of weeks, I decided to test the mics on that and found the same issue which told me it wasn't a hardware issue with my desktop.

What definitely makes me think it is Windows: When I use my Xbox Series X, I use my Arctis 7 headset plugged into the wireless controller using a Controller Audio Adapter (both using the controller wirelessly and plugged in) and my microphone is crystal clear with no interference etc.... however, using it the same way plugged into the laptop resulted in the same interference.

I am still undecided on it being an environmental factor....I have ruled out my flat but can't rule out neighbours...however, the fact the headset works fine with the Xbox controller on my Xbox tells me it's a Windows issue.

A final thought: A recent update (think it was the beginning of August or so) reduced the constant static (it didn't remove it but just made it less loud) when I'm not talking...however, my voice is still distorted and tinny. Which, again, leads me to think it's Windows but it's starnge it would happen on Win 10 and 11 and 2 different machines.

Here's a clip of the static I am hearing (there was no static whatsoever prior to the June reinstall):



Thank you for reading

Edit: Not sure if it is needed or anything but hardware specs are:

Desktop: AMD R5 3600 (plus stock cooler), 16GB DDR4 RAM, ASUS B450 Prime-Plus MOBO, NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super, ADATA SX6000 M.2 SSD, Samsung Evo SSD, Seagate HDD, Corsair Rm650 PSU,

Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo, 8GB DDR3 RAM...you get the idea!

Only thing I haven't tried is my microphone/s on the laptop (no way to get desktop somewhere else)at another location (I tried 10 feet away from my flat before) due to health issues....I might be able to test it in a couple of weeks. However, given a recent Windows Update improved things to an extent, this is more a "covering the bases" thing

 

Microphone not working on w10

Hi James,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

We understand how you feel about the situation. We're sorry for the trouble.

Method 1: Make sure that the Microphone is not disabled
Make sure that the Microphone is not disabled. Follow the steps given to check that:

• 
  Right click on the volume icon and select “Recording devices”.
  
• 
  Now, Right Click on an empty space and select, “Show disconnected devices” and “Show disabled devices”.
  
• 
  Make sure that the Microphone is not disabled.
  

Method 2: I suggest you to set microphone as default device and check.

• 
  Right click on the volume icon in the system tray and then click "Recording devices"
  
• 
  Right click on the blank space in the popped up window and then select "Show Disabled
  Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices".
  
• 
  Right click on Microphone and then click "Enable".
  
  d) Highlight the microphone and then choose "Set as Default Device".
  
  e) Click Apply and OK.
  

Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance with Windows related issues. We will be happy to help.

Thanks.

 

setting up microphone for speech recognition

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand your concern as you are trying to setup speech recognition on the PC.
In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

• What is the Windows 10 version and Build installed? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• When you say that “the box is grey and unresponsive”, where you are seeing this option?
  
• Are you able to connect the microphone to the PC? (Does it show in Device Manager)

Meanwhile we would suggest you to perform these steps and check if you are able to setup the microphone.

Steps to set up a microphone: Before you set up Speech Recognition, make sure you've plugged the microphone into your PC so the following steps work.

1. Press Windows + Q or click on the Windows Search.
   
2. Enter Set up a microphone in the search box, and then tap or click
   Set up a microphone.
   
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
   
4. Once you are able to setup the microphone and then check if it’s working.

You may also refer this article for additional help: Use voice recognition
in Windows 10



If you are facing issues configuring microphone on your computer, I would suggest you to refer:

Fix microphone problems



Let us know how it goes.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator