mcphillips
12-31-2013, 05:20 AM
Windows 7 sound includes a function that allows a program such as Skype or SIP to be designated as a communications device. If you're not careful, you will encounter a problem that I had with Skype on a new computer last week. We use two instances of Skype on the same computer for a radio show. When I connected the second Skype account, the volume of the first one almost disappeared.
Upon investigation, I discovered that the problem is that the Communications tab should be set to "Do nothing" instead of set to reduce the volume of the other audio sources.
http://i.imgur.com/5ErTcJj.png
In the past, I've always set it to "Do nothing" without having had a problem. For some reason, on the new computer, I didn't bother.
I don't fully understand the interaction with Default Sound Device and Default Communications Device, but since I don't use the Communications function, I disable the volume reduction function. You may want to do it, too.
Upon investigation, I discovered that the problem is that the Communications tab should be set to "Do nothing" instead of set to reduce the volume of the other audio sources.
http://i.imgur.com/5ErTcJj.png
In the past, I've always set it to "Do nothing" without having had a problem. For some reason, on the new computer, I didn't bother.
I don't fully understand the interaction with Default Sound Device and Default Communications Device, but since I don't use the Communications function, I disable the volume reduction function. You may want to do it, too.