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Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by dvnguyen on Thursday April 15, 2021 @08:43AM (#26819733)
Folks using usb mics: how do you solve the keyboard noise problem? I use a mechanical keyboard and it’s super noisy.
Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by delgaudm on Thursday April 15, 2021 @08:53AM (#26819838)
If its a cardioid pattern mic (it probably is), they are less sensitive from the back -- so if you can have the back of the mic point at the keyboard, that would help.

If you don't mind that I self post to a youtube video, but this segment shows how the pattern and placement of the mic can reduce pc fan and keyboard noise.

https://youtu.be/7WyNIQlOFIA?t=858

Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by ZoomZoomZoom on Thursday April 15, 2021 @11:15AM (#26821470)
First of all, there's nothing special about USB mics in terms of picking up ambient noise. Two main types of mics are dynamic and condensers, and there are models with USB-connectivity of both those types.

Secondly, hearing typing when someone types is ok, so please don't treat it as a problem in itself. Obnoxious noise level is a problem, which can be solved by increasing SNR: bringing the mic closer to the sound source, swapping a mic for another transducer type or another polar pattern, putting some kind of dampening on the line of sight between the mic and the noise source.

I've written a guide for voice recording which covers most of the basics. Hope you'll find it helpful: https://indiscipline.github.io/post/voice-sound-reference/

Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by gxqoz on Thursday April 15, 2021 @12:10PM (#26822308)
I have enough space on my desk to be able to fit a second wireless keyboard when I need to type and talk at the same time during meetings. This keyboard is much quieter than my mechanical keyboard.

One thing I need to get around to doing is to configure somewhat to let me mute with a keyboard shortcut when Zoom/Teams/etc. is not the active window. Why there isn't a built-in universal shortcut is very confusing to me.

Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by andrewzah on Thursday April 15, 2021 @10:57AM (#26821249)
As others have mentioned, keeping the mic closer to you and turning down the gain helps.

You can also run the mic through a signal chain and use a noise gate. So audio only gets sent when it reaches a certain threshold. On linux you can do this with pulseeffects if you're using pulseaudio.

The other hack is just mute yourself. I use a shortcut to do that when I'm typing and not actually talking.

Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by tyingq on Thursday April 15, 2021 @08:54AM (#26819850)
Some virtual camera software comes with audio noise reduction. I use SplitCam on Windows. It doesn't eliminate keyboard noise entirely, but it does help. And it has the advantage of working on Teams, Zoom, etc, so that I have one place to set it.
Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by sebdufbeau on Thursday April 15, 2021 @08:50AM (#26819812)
A software solution like Krisp is an easy solution that goes a very long way.
Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by ghaff on Thursday April 15, 2021 @09:12AM (#26820033)
I type on a different computer. I use a desktop system for video conferencing (which has a mechanical keyboard) and do any typing, e.g. for note taking, on a separate laptop.
Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by pa9am on Thursday April 15, 2021 @09:16AM (#26820076)
Get the mic close to your mouth and turn down the gain. This will also increase the quality
Re:Higher quality audio makes people sound smarter by chromaton on Thursday April 15, 2021 @11:19AM (#26821519)
Headworn dynamic mic.