How to reduce noise in Skype?

Question

According to Alsamixer I do have a HDA Intel soundcard with Nvidia MCP77/78 HDMI chip (Realtek sound card on MSI notebook).

When I use Skype under Ubuntu 12.04 for video calls, the other side hears background noise such as in Windows when you have your microphone boosted. In fact they can hear everything, even the fans turning on.

There is nothing tweaked on Ubuntu's fresh installation. Also tried this site:

https://code.launchpad.net/~ubuntu-audio-dev/+archive/alsa-daily/+packages ,

but there are no *.deb files that I can test if any fix the problem.

The question is if there is a way to add/tweak something to enable on software level the noise cancellation like the Windows sound drivers have that option.

I use my build in mic.

Solution 1

Apart from changing into a narrow scope mic, there is nothing much you can do, this factor depends on the design of the microphone and not Skype.

Solution 2

Your mic is going to forward what it detects. I think your best bet it to use a mic closer to your mouth so your voice is reletively much louder than the background noise. I use a USB headset for earphones and mic, and it's so much better than the built-in speakers and mic.

Solution 3

I had the same problem ;)

Went to options -> sound devices -> open pulse audio volume control -> input devices

And then reduced the bars in order to be closer to Base.

Hope it helps

Comments

[T.C.]

I have this already done. Does not have the seeking effect.

[T.C.]

Any other ideas ? Anyone ?

[Adobe]

I've the same issue -- and it only affects skype. No google hangouts, no viber. Just skype.