Sound Levels Fluctuate on Loom and Sendspark

HOW TO FIX IT

Have you noticed the audio levels going up and down rapidly when you’re recording on Loom or Sendspark?

I did.

So I asked Sendspark what was causing it.

And I even recorded a video to ask them – and to capture the annoying effect.

Here’s a short clip from it, where my voice goes loud and quiet several times within a few seconds.

So what’s the cause?

And is there a fix?

Well, at the time of writing this, Sendspark hasn’t told me.

But I have fixed it!

I discovered it’s caused by the Automatic Gain Control on the Chrome browser.

The AGC adjusts the volume as it sees fit.

Yep. Chrome itself causes the problem.

So, how can you fix it?

Well, I found two solutions.

Here they are…

When I used Firefox, the problem disappeared.

However, I’m aware that many apps are designed around Chrome.

So here’s a Chrome solution:

How do you do that, David?

Well, I came across this clever Chrome extension which disables the Chrome AGC.

And it does it on a site-by-site basis.

In other words, you can choose to switch it on for Loom and Sendspark – but leave it switched off for everything else.

If you pin the icon to the front screen, you can see when it’s switched on for any page.

And easily switch it on if you need to.

Yes. It did work for me.

However, it only works on the browser.

When I tried it with Sendspark’s Chrome extension, it made no difference.

So there’s a challenge for the developers at Sendspark and Loom.

To make something that prevents the Chrome AGC from spoiling the audio whilst using the extension.

Are you listening, guys?