Set up virtual mic format

Goal

Set your virtual mic format to 48,000 Hz so SylphSpeak audio is less likely to crackle, cut in and out, sound scratchy, or sound distorted.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• SylphSpeak open
• Your SylphSpeak virtual mic installed
• Access to your Windows or macOS sound settings

Input and output names can look reversed

Some virtual mic tools use names like Output for the device you choose under input, and Input for the device you choose under output. Make sure you are changing the Windows or macOS sound setting for the virtual mic device, not only reading the virtual mic app’s labels.

Set the format on Windows

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to System > Sound.

Set the output format on Windows

1. Under Output, find your virtual mic.
2. Select the more details button, shown as >.

Open the virtual mic output details.

1. Under Output settings, set Format to 24 bit, 48,000 Hz (Studio Quality).

Set the input format on Windows

1. Go back to System > Sound.
2. Under Input, find your virtual mic.
3. Select the more details button, shown as >.

Open the virtual mic input details.

1. Under Input settings, set Format to 2 channels, 24 bit, 48,000 Hz (Studio Quality).

Set the virtual mic input format to 48,000 Hz.

Test the virtual mic on Windows

Use Windows’ microphone test to check whether the audio is fixed.

1. Stay on the virtual mic input details page.
2. Start the Windows microphone test.
3. In SylphSpeak, send a short test line to the same virtual mic.
4. Listen for crackling, scratchiness, dropouts, or distortion.

If 24 bit does not work

If the issue continues, try another 48,000 Hz format. Keep the sample rate at 48,000 Hz, then test again.

Set the format on macOS

1. Press Command + Space.
2. Search for Audio MIDI Setup.
3. Open Audio MIDI Setup.
4. If the device list is hidden, choose Window > Show Audio Devices.
5. Select the virtual mic.
6. Find Format on the right.
7. Set the format to 48,000 Hz.

Check that it worked

Your virtual mic format is ready when your test line plays clearly without crackling, scratchiness, dropouts, or distortion.

Next step

Return to the app or game where the audio sounded wrong, then run its mic test or loopback test again.