Parsec is a popular remote access application that allows users to stream their computer screens to friends. It has become widely used for co-op gaming sessions. However, a common issue that users face is echo or feedback sounds coming from the speaker output. This can make voice communication very difficult. Here are some effective ways to fix echo and feedback sounds in Parsec.
Table of Contents
Understand What Causes the Echo
When using Parsec with voice chat applications like Discord, echo occurs because the microphone is picking up audio coming from the speakers and sending it back to the other users. This creates a feedback loop that produces echo.
The main solutions involve preventing the microphone from picking up speaker audio. Parsec has a built-in “Echo Cancellation” feature that attempts to filter out the echo. However, it does not always work perfectly, so manual adjustments may be required.
Enable Parsec’s Echo Cancellation
As the host, open Parsec’s settings and go to the “Host” tab. Under the “Echo Cancellation” section, turn the setting “On”:
Enable Echo Cancellation in Parsec
This will activate Parsec’s echo cancellation algorithm. It works reasonably well in most cases, but you may still hear some echo. Proceed with the following steps if echo persists.
Mute Discord in Parsec
Since Discord is usually the source of the echo, you can specifically tell Parsec to mute Discord audio. This prevents the microphone from picking it up.
To do this:
- In Parsec’s Host settings, go to the Echo Cancellation section
- Click the drop-down menu next to “Echo Selection”
- Choose the “New” option
- Under the list, select the application name for Discord
Now when you enable echo cancellation, it will automatically mute any audio coming from Discord.
Turn Off Echo Cancellation in Other Apps
Make sure echo cancellation is only enabled in Parsec and turned off everywhere else.
For example, if you have echo cancellation enabled in Discord, turn it off. Having multiple echo cancellation algorithms running simultaneously can cause problems.
Use Push-to-Talk
With push-to-talk, your microphone is muted by default. You hold a hotkey to temporarily unmute and speak. This prevents the mic from picking up any background audio.
Enable push-to-talk in your voice chat application like Discord. Then remember to hold the hotkey whenever you speak. This essentially eliminates the possibility of echo.
Adjust Sound Device Settings
Sometimes the issue arises from your sound device settings rather than the apps themselves:
- Disable surround sound – Surround sound processing can interfere with echo cancellation
- Lower microphone boost – Too much microphone boost makes echo issues worse
- Check that stereo mix is disabled
- Ensure sound enhancements like “Acoustic Echo Cancellation” are off
After adjusting, test again in Parsec.
Use a Virtual Audio Cable
If the above tips don’t resolve echo, using something like VB-Audio Virtual Cable can fix it. This allows you to separate and isolate audio sources.
The steps would be:
- Install VB-Audio Virtual Cable
- Set Parsec’s audio output to the virtual cable
- Set your voice chat app’s input to the virtual cable
- Disable echo cancellation everywhere and test
This stops Parsec’s audio from reaching the microphone input. Completely eliminating any chance of echo.
Contact Parsec Support
If you still have persistent echo that you cannot resolve, contact Parsec’s support team. Provide detailed information about your setup, apps, and the troubleshooting steps you have tried.
They may be able to suggest a solution based on your specific configuration.
Conclusion
Echo can be frustrating to deal with but is usually fixable. Start by enabling Parsec’s built-in cancellation feature. Mute Discord specifically, disable surround processing, and try push-to-talk. If echo persists, use a virtual audio cable to isolate the audio streams. With some tweaking, you should be able to get crystal clear communication in Parsec.
