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Fixing Microphone Issues

Solutions for common microphone and audio problems

6 min read
Last updated: 1/12/2025
microphoneaudiopermissions

The short answer: Check system microphone permissions, select the right device in AICHE settings, and test with the Space bar before using the global hotkey.

Most microphone problems are permission or device selection issues that take 2 minutes to fix.

Quick Diagnosis

Identify your issue:

  1. No input - AICHE shows no audio levels
  2. Wrong device - Using built-in mic instead of headset
  3. Poor quality - Transcription has many errors
  4. Permission denied - Can't access microphone

Common Solutions

Check Permissions

macOS:

  1. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
  2. Ensure AICHE is checked
  3. Restart AICHE after granting permission

Windows:

  1. Settings → Privacy → Microphone
  2. Toggle "Allow apps to access microphone" ON
  3. Find AICHE in list and enable
  4. Restart AICHE

Linux:
Check if running in sandbox:

# Flatpak
flatpak override --user --device=all com.aiche.app

# Snap
snap connect aiche:audio-record

Select Correct Microphone

AICHE might be using wrong input:

  1. Open AICHE window
  2. Go to Settings

Settings Panel

  1. Select your microphone from dropdown
  2. Test with Space bar in the app

Common devices:

  • Built-in Microphone (laptop)
  • USB Audio Device (external mic)
  • Headset (Bluetooth or wired)
  • Webcam microphone

Test Recording

Before using global hotkey:

  1. Click in AICHE's main window
  2. Press Space bar to start recording
  3. Speak clearly
  4. Press Space again to stop
  5. Check if text appears

If this works but global hotkey doesn't, it's a hotkey permission issue.

Platform-Specific Issues

macOS

"AICHE would like to access the microphone"

  • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
  • Add AICHE to allowed apps
  • Quit AICHE completely (Cmd+Q) and restart

Global hotkey not working

  • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
  • Grant AICHE accessibility permission
  • This allows hotkey to work system-wide

Windows

Microphone blocked by antivirus

  • Check antivirus settings
  • Add AICHE to exceptions
  • Windows Defender: Settings → Virus & threat protection → Exclusions

Can't hear any input

  • Right-click speaker icon → Sound settings
  • Under Input, check volume level
  • Click "Test your microphone"

Linux

No audio with PulseAudio

# Check if mic is muted
pactl list sources | grep Mute

# Unmute
pactl set-source-mute @DEFAULT_SOURCE@ 0

# Set volume to 80%
pactl set-source-volume @DEFAULT_SOURCE@ 80%

PipeWire issues

# Restart PipeWire
systemctl --user restart pipewire

# Check if AICHE sees the device
pw-cli list-objects | grep alsa

Audio Quality Tips

Environment

  • Find quiet space
  • Stay 6-8 inches from microphone
  • Avoid echo-prone rooms
  • Close windows to reduce street noise

Speaking Technique

  • Speak at normal pace
  • Don't over-enunciate
  • Maintain consistent volume
  • Complete your thoughts before stopping

Hardware

  • USB microphones work better than built-in
  • Wired headsets beat Bluetooth for quality
  • Position mic to side of mouth to avoid breathing sounds

Bluetooth Issues

Bluetooth can cause problems:

  • Latency: Slight delay in recording
  • Quality: Lower than wired connections
  • Battery: Low battery affects performance

Solutions:

  1. Keep device within 10 feet
  2. Charge headset above 20%
  3. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices
  4. Use wired connection for important recordings

Still Not Working?

Basic Checks

  1. Test microphone in another app (Voice Recorder, Zoom)
  2. Restart computer
  3. Update audio drivers
  4. Check physical mute button on headset

AICHE-Specific

  1. Completely quit AICHE (not just close window)
  2. Restart AICHE
  3. Try Space bar recording first
  4. Then test global hotkey

Contact Support

If nothing works:

  • Email [email protected]
  • Include your OS version
  • Describe when issue occurs
  • List your audio devices

Prevention

To avoid future issues:

  • Keep AICHE updated
  • Don't change audio devices during recording
  • Test weekly with Space bar
  • Grant all permissions during setup

Heads-up: Changing default system microphone while AICHE is running requires restart.

The pro-tip: Create a test document and practice with Space bar recording before relying on the global hotkey for important work.

Result: 95% of microphone issues are fixed by checking permissions and device selection.

Do this now: Open AICHE, press Space bar, say "Microphone test," and verify you see the text appear.

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