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Microphone and singing problems

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In Versions 5, 6 and 7 of Auralia, the microphone support is vastly improved! We highly recommend you get the upgrade if you are having problems in version 4

The following notes to apply to Auralia 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Checklist

If you are having problems then please work through these items first.

  • Ensure your microphone input levels are suitable – too much or too little will cause issues
  • In Version 5, 6 or 7 simply go to ‘Settings -> Microphone’, adjust levels and also practise chords and scales
  • In Version 4, adjust your levels in the operating system
  • Use hard syllables like ‘la’ and ‘ma’ when singing
  • Don’t sing too fast, slower is preferred
  • Avoid legato singing until you’re comfortable

Notes

If you are getting inaccurate assessment when using the microphone, it is generally a matter of adjusting the input level of your microphone. If the level is too high then the software picks up background noise and doesn’t assess the pitch correctly. If it is too low then it will not properly ‘hear’ you.

You should also try to use hard syllables like ‘la’ or ‘ma’, they make it easier for the software to detect the start and end of notes.

Regarding the best rhythm to use for microphone input please note that there are no rhythmic elements for any of the singing topics, so you can sing the pitches in free time. Once your input level is set at it’s optimum level, the software will ‘hear’ a pitch once a single pitch (allowing for some pitch variation) has been sung for ‘x’ milliseconds. It will move onto the next pitch once it detects a change from the previous pitch that also lasts for ‘x’ milliseconds. If the next note is the same as the previous note, then you do need to leave a small gap between the two notes so that the next note can be identified.

Known Issue – Automatic Gain Control

Some microphones have automatic gain control which adjusts levels as you sing. These changing levels make it very hard for Auralia to accurately assess your singing. If your microphone is one of these then you may need to look at buying a different microphone to use, or you may be able to disable this gain control in your settings.

Known Issue – Sopranos

Some sound hardware causes higher voices to register in the bass vocal range.  This issues can be resolved, using this article on the Microsoft website.

Further Assistance

If adjusting the mic input level does not improve the assessment, then please contact us with your:

  • Operating system (Windows 10, macOS 10.10 etc)
  • Microphone type
  • Serial number