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Audio Issues

Check these first:

  1. Microphone permission — on macOS, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and verify Dusky is enabled. On Windows, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. See Permissions for details.
  2. Audio toggle — press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+A to make sure audio capture is turned on. A recording indicator should appear in the toolbar.
  3. Sign in — transcription requires an active Dusky account. Make sure you are signed in.
  • Use a headset or external microphone. Built-in laptop microphones pick up more background noise.
  • Reduce background noise. Close windows, mute notifications, and move away from noisy environments.
  • Speak clearly into the microphone. Transcription accuracy improves when audio is clean and direct.
  • Check microphone input level. On macOS, open System Settings > Sound > Input. On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound > Input. Make sure the correct device is selected and the level is not too low.

Dusky captures system audio — the sound coming through your speakers or headphones. For the interviewer’s voice to be transcribed:

  • Make sure your conferencing app (Zoom, Meet, Teams) audio output is routed through the same device Dusky is capturing.
  • If you are using Bluetooth headphones, ensure they are connected and selected as both input and output.
  • Speakerphone on a phone interview does not route audio through your computer. For phone interviews, consider joining the call on your computer instead.
  • Check your internet connection. Transcription requires a stable connection to the transcription service. A brief network interruption can stop the stream.
  • Restart audio capture by pressing Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+A twice (off, then on).
  • If the issue repeats, quit and relaunch Dusky.

Contact support@dusky.app with a description of what you are hearing (or not hearing) and which conferencing platform you are using.