If you're a singer who uses Zoom, you may have noticed that your high notes or sustained tones sometimes disappear or get cut off. This happens because Zoom’s default audio settings are designed for speech, not music. But don’t worry! By tweaking a few settings, you can improve your audio quality and ensure that your full vocal range is heard clearly.
📌 Table of Contents
🎶 What’s the Problem with Zoom Audio for Singing?
If you've ever tried singing over Zoom, you’ve probably experienced sound dropouts, distortion, or Zoom cutting off your high notes entirely. That’s because Zoom’s default audio settings are optimised for speech, not music. It actively removes background noise, which includes the resonance and overtones that make your voice sound full and rich.
The result? Zoom thinks your high notes are unwanted noise and filters them out!
But don’t worry—by tweaking a few settings, you can ensure that your singing comes through clearly, whether you're teaching a lesson, leading a choir, or performing for friends.
❓ Why Does Zoom Cut Off High Notes?
Zoom uses background noise suppression and auto gain control to improve speech clarity. These features work well for business meetings but are disastrous for musicians. Here’s why:
Background noise suppression removes sustained tones, mistaking them for background hum or fan noise.
Auto gain control lowers your volume if it detects sudden increases in loudness, meaning your high notes might sound weak or fade out.
Echo cancellation alters the way your voice is picked up, which can make your singing sound unnatural.
To fix this, you need to manually adjust Zoom’s settings to allow for professional-quality audio transmission.
⚙️ How to Adjust Zoom Audio Settings for Singing
Follow these steps to optimise your Zoom audio for singing:
🎼 Step 1: Enable Original Sound
Open Zoom and go to Settings (click the gear icon in the top right).
Navigate to Audio in the left-hand menu.
Under Music and Professional Audio, check the box for Show in-meeting option to enable "Original Sound".
Check the options for High fidelity music mode, Echo cancellation, and Stereo audio if available.
📌 Pro Tip: When you start a Zoom meeting, click "Turn on Original Sound" in the top-left corner to activate these settings.
🔕 Step 2: Disable Background Noise Suppression
In the Audio settings, scroll down to Suppress background noise.
Set this to Low or Disable (if available).
This prevents Zoom from mistaking your high notes for unwanted noise and cutting them out.
🎙 Step 3: Use an External Microphone
Your built-in laptop microphone isn’t designed for professional-quality singing. A good external microphone will capture your full vocal range more accurately.
Recommended microphones for singing on Zoom:
These microphones provide better clarity, reduce background noise, and make your voice sound richer and more natural.
🎧 Step 4: Wear Headphones
Using headphones prevents feedback and echo, ensuring a clearer sound for your audience.
🔹 Wired Headphones (Best for zero latency)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X – Crystal-clear sound.
Sony MDR-7506 – Industry standard.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO – Excellent comfort and accuracy.
🔹 Wireless Headphones (Best for convenience, but may have latency)
Apple AirPods Pro – Good for casual practice.
Sony WH-1000XM5 – Great noise-canceling feature.
Bose QuietComfort 45 – Comfortable with balanced sound.
💡 Bonus Tips for the Best Zoom Audio Quality
✔ Use a wired internet connection – A stable connection prevents audio lag and glitches.
✔ Close other apps – This frees up processing power for better sound.
✔ Warm up your mic – Do a quick sound test before starting your session.
❔ FAQs: Common Questions About Zoom Audio for Singing
Q: Why does Zoom cut off my high notes when I sing?
A: Zoom’s noise suppression settings mistake sustained high notes for background noise. Adjusting the settings (as shown above) allows your full vocal range to come through clearly.
Q: What is the best microphone for singing on Zoom?
A: A USB condenser microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or Blue Yeti is ideal for online singing sessions.
Q: Should I use wired or wireless headphones for singing on Zoom?
A: Wired headphones (like the Sony MDR-7506) are recommended since wireless headphones can introduce latency.
Q: Can I use Zoom for online singing lessons?
A: Yes! By using Original Sound mode, an external mic, and wired headphones, you can create a great setup for singing lessons over Zoom.
Q: How can I prevent audio lag or delay on Zoom?
A: Use a wired internet connection, close unnecessary apps, and make sure your microphone and Zoom settings are optimised for music performance.
🔚 Final Thoughts
By making these small adjustments, you can transform your Zoom singing experience and ensure your voice comes through beautifully. Try these settings today and let your voice be heard—without Zoom cutting out your high notes!
💬 Have you tried these settings? Let me know your experience in the comments below!