Reducing Echo

Under some conditions users may experience echo while using SecureGSM™ SP, which are related to the incorrect level settings of microphone sensitivity and speaker volume during a SecureGSM™ SP call.

It is important to understand that any echo you hear will primarily be the result of the settings of your called/calling party’s device. Therefore, it is important that all users of SecureGSM™ SP optimise settings for their device in particular.

When the microphone sensitivity and/or the speaker volume are at excessively high levels (and/or combination of the two) the SecureGSM™ SP application may experience difficulties providing effective echo suppression due to being outside its operating range.

If you are experiencing excessive levels of echo using the default settings, please follow the General instructions on how to optimise settings for your device below.

We have found that the default settings which are applied upon installation to be optimal for the majority of users. Please do not increase microphone sensitivity settings above the recommended default level, as this may cause drastically increased echo for your called/calling party. Generally speaking, it is much better for the other party to increase the “In call speaker volume” setting, rather than increasing the microphone sensitivity on your device.

The “In call microphone sensitivity” and “In call speaker volume” settings can be adjusted in real time during a SecureGSM™ SP call, if you find that an adjustment is needed, using the Advanced Audio Control.

Device Volume control

The Volume control on your device is always active during a SecureGSM™ SP call. Use this volume control at any time during a call to temporarily increase or decrease the speaker volume.

Unlike the Advanced Audio Control, this works as a temporary volume setting and is not memorised for future SecureGSM™ SP communications.

Essentially, the Advanced Audio Control “In call speaker volume” sets an optimal starting point for all SecureGSM™ SP communications, and any temporary volume adjustments you need to do during a call can be made using the device Volume control.

Note: If you find that you need to adjust the speaker volume for the majority of your SecureGSM™ SP calls, then you should adjust the “In call speaker volume” setting either using the Advanced Audio Control screen, or by using the SecureGSM™ SP Settings so as to memorise your optimal “In call speaker volume” for all SecureGSM™ SP calls, as per the General instructions on how to optimise settings for your device.

The Advanced Audio Control “In call speaker volume” is capable of making much finer adjustments to your “in call” speaker volume and should be used to set your optimum operating level.

General instructions on how to optimise settings for your device.

(Usually required upon first use only)

If you are experiencing excessive levels of echo, then the device of the other party (your called/calling party) requires adjustment.

You should ask the other party to:

1. Open the Advanced Audio Control screen and decrease the “In call microphone sensitivity” (mic) by five (5) increments.

If this does not solve the issue,

2. Adjust their “In call speaker volume” (vol) to the minimum level of comfort.

This should eliminate any problems with echo. If you are still experiencing echo then,

3. Ask the other party to further decrease the “In call microphone sensitivity” a further three (3) to five (5) increments.

4. Ask the other party if they are experiencing echo, if they are, then you should repeat steps 1 -3 above on your device. That is, you should now open the Advanced Audio Control on your device and decrease the “In call microphone sensitivity” (mic) and then adjust “In call speaker volume” (vol) to a comfortable minimum level.

Once these procedures have been followed, press “ok” (enter) to close the Advanced Audio Control screen.

Note: The changes which you make in the Advanced Audio Control are memorised for all future “in call” communications. It is recommended to keep these settings from that point on. If you find you need to further fine tune the settings, please follow the above instructions, and adjust the settings in smaller increments.

In the majority of cases decreasing “In call microphone sensitivity” 5-10 units down will improve and likely completely eliminate any echo effects. Please remember that keeping your microphone sensitivity level down at any time is a good idea to make conversations pleasurable for both yourself and other parties while in a SecureGSM™ SP call.