How to Fix Audio Dropouts in Your Office AV System

Audio dropouts are when the sound suddenly cuts out or skips. Office audio dropouts can be inconvenient, particularly during important meetings or presentations. They usually occur due to faulty connections, out-of-date firmware, misconfigurations, incompatible sound devices, or network problems.

Resolving these issues is necessary to ensure continuous audio performance and prevent disruptions while performing crucial activities. To fix dropouts, update all software and drivers, adjust the audio buffer size, ensure files aren’t syncing to the cloud during playback, and check connections for problems. For continuous support and to prevent future issues, consider AV managed services.

Ways to Fix Audio Dropouts in Your AV System

Ensure All Software is Up-to-Date

You must make sure all relevant software and drivers are up-to-date.

• Audio interface drivers and firmware.
• Operating system and security patches.
• Any plug-ins or third-party devices in use

Modify Audio Settings

1. Adjust Your System’s Audio Buffer Size

Audio latency is the delay between sound input and output. A low buffer size setting will decrease latency. However, if it is too low, it will cause crackles, static noise, pops, or dropouts if audio data isn’t processed quickly enough for error-free playback. 

• Increase the buffer size gradually and test the audio at each new setting. Use the lowest setting that stops the dropouts, as increasing buffer size may raise latency.

Note: On Windows, most ASIO audio interfaces allow buffer size adjustments only through their control panel.

• On Windows, choose buffer size values that are powers of two: 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048 samples.
• To reduce processing demand, set the In/Out Sample Rate to 44,100.

2. Use ASIO as the driver type (Windows)

It is recommended that ASIO instead of MME/Direct X be used as the driver type for optimal audio performance. If there is no native ASIO driver for your interface, you can utilize ASIO4ALL.

3. Reset Driver Error Compensation to 0.00

Using driver error compensation can sometimes cause more issues. Unless you’ve tested a specific value that works, keep it set to 0.00. 

Check Adapters, Hubs, and Cables

USB, Firewire, and Thunderbolt cables and adapters will produce audio dropouts if they are not inserted completely or if they are faulty or damaged. 

• Check each of your connections and replace any faulty cables or adapters if necessary.
• Try to connect to a different port on your computer.
• Connect your interface directly to your computer rather than using a USB hub. If a hub is needed, use a quality, powered hub.
• Ensure that the USB port of the computer is clear of dust and lint.

Improve Network Stability

If your AV system operates using a network connection (e.g., streaming or wireless audio), make sure the network is stable. An unstable or weak network may result in audio dropouts during meetings or presentations.

• Check your network connection to ensure it has adequate bandwidth.
• To prevent instability, switch to a wired connection if you’re currently using Wi-Fi.
• Limit other high-bandwidth activities on the network during critical sessions.

Optimize Power Settings

Your system’s power settings can affect the performance of your AV system, especially if your computer or device enters power-saving mode.

• Set your device to “High Performance” mode in the power settings to have consistent audio performance.
• Turn off any sleep or hibernation settings that could disrupt system performance during important tasks.

Optimize Audio Device Configuration

If your AV setup consists of more than one audio device (speakers, microphones, mixers), ensure that they are properly set. Incompatible or improperly configured devices can result in conflicts that will cause audio dropouts in your AV system.

• Make sure the proper audio input and output devices are selected in the AV software or operating system.
• Make sure no other software or hardware is using the same audio resource.
• Make sure all devices are plugged in and detected by your AV system prior to any presentation or meeting.

Avoid Cloud Sync and Security Interference

Cloud backup synchronization can interrupt audio during recording or playback by uploading/downloading files. To avoid this, ensure files are available locally on your computer.

Additionally, antivirus or security software that moves or blocks data can also cause interruptions. To prevent dropouts, add your audio software to the safe list or disable security processes while working.

Conclusion

Audio dropouts in office AV systems can be fixed by updating software and drivers, adjusting the audio buffer size, and examining for wiring problems. Be sure files aren’t syncing with the cloud during playback and that security software is not affecting sound performance. If these are properly addressed, interruptions will be reduced. Consider AV-managed services to ensure a stable and smooth audio experience in your office.