How to Use Webcam & Microphone for Teleconferencing

Purpose

This document explains common webcam, headset, and microphone options for teleconferencing and provides steps for selecting audio input and output devices in Windows 10 and Mac OSX.

Scope

This document applies to Palomar College users who connect webcams, headsets, or microphones to a computer for teleconferencing.

Procedure

Step 1 - Configure Input/Output in Windows 10

After connecting an audio input/output device, Windows should automatically make it the default device. If it does not, use the following steps:

Search Windows for sound and select Sound Control Panel.

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Screenshot showing Windows search results for the term sound, with Sound Control Panel selected as the best match.

On the Playback tab, select the playback/output device you want to use, such as speakers, a soundbar, or headphones. Right-click the device and select Set Default Playback Device.

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Screenshot showing the Windows Sound Control Panel on the Playback tab with available playback devices listed and a default device indicated by a green check mark.

Select the Recording tab.

Choose the recording/input device you want to use, such as a USB headset or line-in microphone. Right-click the device and set it as the Default Communication Device.

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Screenshot showing the Windows Sound Control Panel on the Recording tab with available microphone and recording devices listed.

Test the microphone or headset by speaking and watching the input level. Use the Input volume slider to increase the microphone level if it needs to be louder.

Select OK to save the settings.

Step 2 - Configure Input/Output in Mac OSX

After connecting an audio input/output device to the computer, use the following steps to select the device you want to use:

Open System Preferences from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.

Select Sound.

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Screenshot showing Mac System Preferences with the Sound icon highlighted.

Select the Output tab and choose the playback device you want to use.

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Screenshot showing Mac Sound settings on the Output tab with an audio output device selected.

Select the Input tab and choose the microphone or recording device you want to use.

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Screenshot showing Mac Sound settings on the Input tab with a microphone input device selected and the input volume control visible.

Test the microphone or headset by speaking and watching the input level. Use the Input volume slider to increase the microphone level if it needs to be louder.

Close the System Preferences window.

Need Help?

If you experience issues, submit a ticket through helpdesk (https://help.palomar.edu/)