Soundblaster audio sucks for use with Google Voice phone calling?

I use Google Voice on my laptop a lot, but people always complain that they can't hear me clearly, that I sound like I'm "underwater." I tried different settings in the Soundblaster audio panel, but none of them seem to help.

Here's what I tried:

- turn OFF all Crystal voice effects
- turn volume up to 80-100%

Then, I tried buying an external headset but I still get the same issues?

However, I have an old Dell desktop hooked up to a Logitech 9000 webcam and people have never complained about sound quality.

This leads me to believe that the Soundblaster on the Alienware machines are crap.

Is anyone else getting this issue?

 

Have you tried reinstalling the driver or resetting it to default values?

 

Yes, I did and callers on the other end say the audio is still very unclear.

Also, the middle audio port where you can plug in a headset doesn't work. I plugged in my 3.5mm headset with mic and the laptop did not detect the microphone?

 

Yes I agree, the audio is horrible, you can try out the mic testing feature in the recon 3di software. To me its either the software or the chip, but my voice through the onboard mic never comes out clear on the other side or during the test

Either feedback
Or distorted

As opposed to any other mic installed in other devices I own (iPad-phone-mac or acer) I never seem to have any problem.

The only solution I have come up with is either get your self a Bluetooth mic or get one of those headset mic combos

 

That sucks. I pay over $3k for a laptop, I expect the mic and mic chip to be top notch, not this trash crap. Disappointed in Alienware. They are slipping. This has to be an issue with the audio chip. I have used external mics with no difference. Not to mention the middle audio port doesn't even detect the mic boom on a mic/headphone combo at all. I had to buy a mic/headphone plug splitter adapter and plug the headset in separately to the mic and headphone ports.

 

yeah its sad, i mean it took Dell a few go's to get the riht machine, unfortunately they screwed up with sound, but nonetheless, if i dont plug in headphones she is ok though

 

can I suggest something else though,
disable FX
disable smart Volume
put focus as narrow as possible
then in mixer disable what u hear

and then give it a test...

 

I'll give it a shot, thanks!

 

I tried this out last night with a Hangouts video and phone call. Both times people on the other end said that my audio sounded too soft or like I was underwater.

 

Have you tried removing all drivers and letting Windows install its default generic audio drivers? Not sure if the mic array or external mic jacks will work with that driver, but it may be worth trying. I have used my M18xR2 (same sound device) using the correct Recon3Di drivers with Google Voice, TeamViewer and Skype audio and it seemed to work fine... no complaints from folks on the other end.

 

Hmm....did you try changing the options on the control panel for the options I told you about.

Fox, if we were to uninstall the drivers won't that disable our creative control panel as well, as it is I am having huge issues keeping the recon3di panel on my taskbar ?

 

Yes, that's what I tried out and the audio was either low, sounded underwater or both to people on the other side. The same issue happens with my GF's m14x R2. We bought both of ours within the same year.

 

i am sorry i meant within the options i told you, did you try editing them yourself? like moving the sliders around perhaps.... just a thought , i am afraid we are in the same boat...i have the 7970M M17xr4, same issue

 

Yep, I've tried every possible combination. It just sounds worse with any SoundBlaster effects on. I'm going to try Fox's driver suggestion when I have time. Been working 12hrs days for past two weeks at work, we have a software release next Friday.

Seriously speaking though, the audio hardware is what keeps me from buying or recommending Alienware.

 

Ok yet another idea, download the drivers (SB recon3di) for win8.1 and unzip to separate folder, update your sbrecon3di drivers for win7 through the 8.1 folder

If you have installed Dell's drivers then you should have the .2033 ver of drivers for recom3di in win7

Tell me how it works out for you? Meanwhile I will try to post a picture of my settings page and see how it works for you