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Static Audio over RDP
Static audio over RDP is happening to me client-side on my Windows 10 Home x64 1909 computer. No pressure here, because the best minds haven't been able to sort it out yet.
I am long-winded, so I want to mention upfront that the problem is with microphone only - I can hear everything fine.
We have no server-side remote audio - we must use our own local computer's audio.
Problem happens no matter which of 3 headsets I use, or if I use the built-in microphone.
I am trying to make the work-from-home thing work, but the single most important component - the ability of the customer to hear me - is problematic. They have mostly been patient with me, but the customer hears static-sounding audio and about a 5-7 second audio delay over RDP. The static is more of an issue than the delay, as the delay is probably to be expected. It is static to the point that customers and other employees cannot hear me. I have no problems whatsoever hearing the customers, so it is the microphone that is the problem.
As far as scope of the problem, I am not the only one experiencing this issue, but not every employee has the problem.
The issue is intermittent - it is better at times, and worse at times. It is not tied to Windows going to sleep in the RDP session. The issue can occur right away, but does not always occur right away.
What changed?
Azure VPN app was installed from Microsoft Store, and a few different servers added via XML.
An RDP connection was created and the configuration saved.
I introduced 3 new headsets. 1 basic 3.5 jack, 2 usb headsets (not all 3 at once, but 1 at a time) - the one work-issued headset that has always worked for me at work, and a fancy gaming headset.
Windows and Microsoft Store are all fully up-to-date with the latest updates.
Other details:
There is no server-side audio. We use our own computer's audio, and RDP is set in Local Resources to Play on This Computer and Record from This Computer.
Have tried multiple remote VPN servers, and the issue occurs no matter which server I am connected to.
Happens regardless of which headset I use.
Happens if I use no headset at all (when I try this, not only does the audio issue occur, but the customers say they hear feedback on themselves).
Happens whether I am on Ethernet or WiFi. Haven't tried using LTE yet to see if a different network helps - may try it, but I imagine I use a lot of data throughout the day, so it may not be tenable. Ethernet speeds are pretty consistently about 50Mb/s - often nearing 100Mb/s.
Outside of RDP session, for a few months now, I have conducted Zoom and Skype meetings with no audio issues.
Audio issue happens inside RDP session, not just on customer calls, but on Teams meetings as well.
The VOIP software at work gives you multiple audio devices to choose from. Inside the RDP session - it only has one option "Remote Audio," which is what it should be.
Things I have tried:
Basic PC stuff - restart computer, clearing all browser caches, performing maintenance tasks like Disk Cleanup, making sure as few applications were running as possible outside of the RDP session. Even opening the Calculator app outside the RDP session causes significant audio degradation inside the RDP session.
Modified the RDP file to say: audioqualitymode:i:2 . Brought improvement, but the issue still occurs. I don't even know if our server supports this property.
I have tried about every combination of audio settings you can imagine in Windows 10 Settings and Control Panel with no improvement.
The gaming headset (HyperX Cloud II) has a hardware button to enable 7.1 sound - no effect.
There is some Dell pre-installed software called Waves Maxx Audio Pro - but it doesn't seem to have any true access to any of the audio hardware. I suppose I could try uninstalling that, but haven't yet. (Edit: I just checked, and it can't be uninstalled from Control Panel, and the company's own Uninstall instructions do not work. I could just delete the folder, but may do more harm than good).
I even enabled weird settings, like Windows Sonic for Headphones, with no effect either way.
In Sound applet --> Communications tab, I have tried lowering all other sounds by 80% (was the default setting) and "Do Nothing" - no effect.
Have tried "Allow Applications to take exclusive control of this device" (default) and not - no effect.
Have tried every quality level from CD quality to Telephone quality to the highest DVD quality no effect.
In "Choose Which Microsoft Store Apps can access your Microphone," the only thing I have changed is to set "Desktop App Web Viewer" to enabled. Allow Desktop apps to access microphone is set to On.
Tried about every combination of audio driver, including uninstalling and letting the pc auto-detect. I currently reverted to the latest audio driver recommended by Dell.
I changed so many audio settings with no effect that I reset everything back to default to make it easier for IT if they ever get around to contacting me about it. I'm sure they are swamped right now.
Over the years, I have received dozens or more of customer calls about RDP audio issues (when I had access to all the servers). But now the tables are turned, and I am having the problem myself, and can't seem to fix it. The irony brings me infinite amusement.
Any suggestions/experience welcome.
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What's the one thing I didn't do? Can somebody say clean install of Windows? Everything is good now after the clean install.
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