Background

An audio quality issue that disturbs some Skype users is static noise that appears during calls. Although this post discusses Skype, the same logic applies to any other softphone. The static can originate from different locations and the purpose of this blog post is to help you analyze the source of the problem.

Static noise possible originators

The first thing we want to do is to understand if the static is generated before the audio is captured by Skype. In order to do this analysis, the following test should be performed:
Install SoliCall Pro on your PC. Enable recording. Make few calls until your peer complains about static. If your peer does not complain about static any more it means that the static was originated before the audio reached Skype and SoliCall Pro was able to completely remove it thanks to its built-in noise reduction technology. If your peer complains about static, then listen to the recording to observe if the static could be heard. If the static is heard it means that the static was generated prior to Skype. In this case SoliCall Pro probably also attenuated the static. If you cannot hear the static in the recording, it means that the static was generated after the audio was received by Skype.

Pre-Skype Originators

If the above test proves that the static was generated prior to the audio reaching Skype, you have following ways to try fixing the problem:
• Replace your audio device.
• Update your audio driver and make sure it does not enable any automatic boost of the audio.
• Continue using SoliCall Pro so it will continue to attenuate or even completely remove the static.

All other originators

In all other cases, we suggest the following:
• Make sure you have the latest version of Skype installed.
• Read the latest Skype news/forums to see if there are any recommended steps for resolution.
• Ask your peer to install SoliCall Pro. In this case SoliCall Pro will cancel the incoming noise and remove the static before it reaches his/her ears.