Audio Tips for your Practice Test

To be accepted as a UserTesting Panel participant, you'll need to provide a practice test with a high-quality audio recording. Follow these tips to ensure your sound is crystal clear!

• All recordings should be created in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
• Make sure that your microphone was plugged in BEFORE you click "Start Your Test." The Microphone Check will not properly detect your microphone if it is plugged in AFTER you accept a test.
• If you have multiple audio inputs, only have your microphone plugged in and be sure that your microphone is selected.
• When testing, try to be aware of where your mic is.  If you are covering it with your hand, your audio will be muffled.
• If your microphone is too close to your mouth, your video may be loud and scratchy! If it’s too far away, the microphone may not pick up your voice.
• Make sure you are speaking loudly and clearly enough.

Testing your microphone: 

Do a quick test recording to confirm that things are working on your end. Double-check your microphone connections and settings.

• Windows: You can use Microsoft Sound Recorder (Start > Programs > Accessories > Sound Recorder).
• Mac: You can check your input level by going to Apple > System Preferences > Sound > Input.
  
  
• You can also test your microphone by making a recording on this website: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/. This will allow you to record your audio and hear exactly how it will sound.

Windows 10 Audio Tips

 If you're testing on a computer with Windows 10, you may be submitting tests with distorted audio and not even realize it. Follow the steps below to prevent audio issues with Windows 10:

1.  Right-click on the Sound icon on your bottom right of your screen.

2.  Click on Recording Devices.

3.  Right-click on the microphone.

4.  Click on Properties.

5.  Click on the Enhancements tab.

6.  Check the "Disable All Sound Effects" box.

7.  Click "OK".

If you don't see an Enhancements tab, then look for a "Signal Enhancements" section in the "Advanced" tab and uncheck that box.  This should fix the distortion issue.

Additional Resources

For more tips on improving your audio, see How to Resolve Audio Issues.