Problem with microphone using skype

[TGTheProdigy]

Every time I use skype, users on the other end complain that I am hard to hear or that the quality is low. Any solutions to this or do I just have a bad microphone?

Computer is brand new, Thinkpad x220t.

[toivotoivo]

1) Update Conexant audio driver. Out-of-box driver simply does not work properly. Update is available both on lenovo support&downloads and via System Update.
2) Open audio/video settings wizard with Fn-F6, go to ManageSettings and VOIPcallSettings. Try to change settings there manually, by default they are set ib autodetection [if you are in conf room with number of people far from mike vs you alone in front of it] and all bells&whistles turned on. Im not too sure that echo cancellation and noise reduction logic in conexant driver would not produce funny audio artifacts running in parallel with skype's similar components, so I try to turn all of these driver enhancements off.
3) It *always* improves your sound quality if you for headset (single user) or simple directional-mike/EC speakers conference device (when you have multiple people with varying distance around the table). If you have background noise (street, office, nature, etc) dedicated hw will bring major improvements.


BR,

Toivo