> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hermesvoice.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Audio Issues

> Fixing microphone and audio problems with Hermes.

## Microphone not detected

### Symptoms

* No audio input shown in Hermes
* "No microphone found" message
* Audio meter shows no activity

### Fixes

**Check system audio settings:**

1. Go to **System Settings → Sound → Input**
2. Make sure a microphone is selected
3. Speak and verify the input level meter moves

**Check Hermes microphone settings:**

1. Go to **Settings → Dictation → Microphone**
2. Try setting to **Auto** first
3. If Auto doesn't work, manually select your microphone

**Check physical connection:**

* USB microphones: Try a different port
* Bluetooth: Make sure it's connected and selected
* Built-in: Make sure nothing is covering the mic

***

## Wrong microphone being used

### Symptoms

* Hermes uses built-in mic instead of external
* Audio quality is poor
* Picks up background noise

### Fixes

**Set preferred microphone:**

1. Go to **Settings → Dictation → Microphone**
2. Change **Preferred Mode** to **Manual**
3. Select your preferred microphone

**Microphone modes:**

| Mode       | Behavior                        |
| ---------- | ------------------------------- |
| Auto       | Hermes picks the best available |
| AirPods    | Prefer AirPods when connected   |
| Headphones | Prefer any connected headphones |
| Built-in   | Always use Mac's built-in mic   |
| Manual     | Use the specific mic you select |

***

## Audio is too quiet

### Symptoms

* Hermes can't hear you
* Only picks up when you speak loudly
* Misses words frequently

### Fixes

**Increase input volume:**

1. Go to **System Settings → Sound → Input**
2. Increase the **Input volume** slider
3. Speak at normal volume and check the level meter

**Speak closer to microphone:**

* Position mic closer to your mouth
* External mics typically work better

***

## Audio is too sensitive

### Symptoms

* Picks up background noise
* Triggers on non-speech sounds
* Records when you're not speaking

### Fixes

**Use a directional microphone:**

* Cardioid mics pick up sound from one direction
* Reduces background noise

**Reduce ambient noise:**

* Close windows
* Turn off fans/AC if possible
* Use noise-canceling microphones

***

## Bluetooth microphone issues

### Symptoms

* AirPods or Bluetooth headset not working
* Audio cuts out
* Delay in transcription

### Fixes

**Check connection:**

1. Go to **System Settings → Bluetooth**
2. Make sure your device is connected
3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting

**Select as input:**

1. Go to **System Settings → Sound → Input**
2. Select your Bluetooth device as input

**Configure Hermes:**

1. Go to **Settings → Dictation → Microphone**
2. Set Preferred Mode to **AirPods** or **Headphones**

**Bluetooth audio quirks:**

* Bluetooth may add slight latency
* Audio quality may be lower than wired
* Some devices have separate call vs media modes

***

## Audio feedback or echo

### Symptoms

* Hermes picks up its own output
* Echo in transcription
* Looping audio

### Fixes

**Mute speakers during dictation:**

1. Go to **Settings → Dictation**
2. Enable **Mute Speakers During Dictation**

**Use headphones:**

* Prevents mic from picking up speaker output
* Better quality overall

**Reduce speaker volume:**

* Lower system volume when dictating
* Use headphones for audio playback

***

## Recording cuts off too early

### Symptoms

* Dictation ends before you finish speaking
* Only captures first few words
* Stops during pauses

### Fixes

**Use double-tap:**

* Double-tap your hotkey for hands-free mode
* Tap once to stop instead of releasing

***

## Still having audio issues?

1. **Test in other apps** — Try Voice Memos or QuickTime to verify mic works
2. **Try a different microphone** — Rule out hardware issues
3. **Restart Hermes** — Clears audio session state
4. **Restart your Mac** — Resets system audio

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Permissions issues" icon="lock" href="/troubleshooting/permissions">
    Check microphone permission.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Common issues" icon="circle-exclamation" href="/troubleshooting/common-issues">
    Other common problems.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>