Audio Issues

Solutions for common audio recording issues.

No Audio in Recording

Check Audio Source Selection

1. Open stream settings
2. Verify an audio source is selected
3. Source should show as “Microphone” or “System Audio”
4. If showing “None”, select a source

Check Microphone Permission

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
2. Ensure PixelRecorder is enabled
3. If already enabled, toggle off and on
4. Restart PixelRecorder

Check System Audio Permission

System audio requires Screen Recording permission:

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording
2. Ensure PixelRecorder is enabled
3. System audio won’t work without this permission

Silent Audio Track

Audio source is selected but recording is silent

1. Check input levels

   • Look at audio meter in PixelRecorder
   • If meter shows no activity, source may be muted

2. Test the microphone

   • Open System Settings > Sound > Input
   • Speak and check input level
   • If no level, microphone may be faulty

3. Check mute switch

   • Some microphones have hardware mute
   • External mics may have gain/mute controls

4. Verify system audio is playing

   • For system audio, play something
   • Check system volume isn’t muted

Audio Sync Issues

Audio drifts out of sync with video

1. Match sample rates

   • Use 48kHz for video production
   • Avoid mixing sample rates

2. Check for Bluetooth audio

   • Bluetooth has high latency
   • Use wired microphone instead

3. Use same timecode settings

   • All streams should use same frame rate
   • Enable embedded timecode

Audio offset in NLE

If audio is consistently offset:

1. In DaVinci Resolve: Edit > Timecode Offset
2. In Premiere: Modify > Audio Channels
3. In Final Cut Pro: Modify > Adjust Content Timing

Audio Quality Issues

Crackling or popping

1. Increase buffer size

   • Settings > Advanced > Buffer Size
   • Larger buffer = more latency but fewer pops

2. Close other audio apps

   • Audio apps may conflict
   • Music production software especially

3. Check CPU usage

   • High CPU can cause audio issues
   • Lower video resolution or frame rate

Audio too quiet

1. Check input gain

   • System Settings > Sound > Input
   • Increase input volume

2. Check microphone distance

   • Move closer to microphone
   • Check microphone orientation

3. Use external preamp

   • Built-in gain may be insufficient
   • Audio interface provides better quality

Audio too loud / clipping

1. Lower input gain

   • System Settings > Sound > Input
   • Reduce input volume

2. Move away from microphone

   • Increase distance
   • Use pop filter for vocals

Bluetooth Audio Issues

Bluetooth microphone not working

Bluetooth audio has limitations:

1. High latency

   • 100-200ms delay
   • Not suitable for sync-critical recording

2. Quality reduction

   • macOS may switch to lower quality mode
   • HFP mode reduces quality significantly

3. Recommendation

   • Use wired microphone
   • USB or audio interface preferred

Audio Device Not Appearing

Microphone not in source list

1. Check connection

   • Reconnect USB microphone
   • Try different USB port

2. Check system recognition

   • Open System Settings > Sound > Input
   • Device should appear there first

3. Refresh sources

   • In PixelRecorder: Cmd + Shift + R
   • Or restart the app

4. Driver issues

   • Some devices need drivers
   • Check manufacturer website

Multi-Stream Audio

Different audio on each stream

Each stream can have independent audio:

1. Select stream
2. Open stream settings
3. Choose audio source for that stream

Same audio on all streams

To record same audio on all streams:

1. Select same audio source for each stream
2. Or use audio-only stream for master audio