I can't use the microphone and audio output at the same time

Hi David.

Thanks for your post in Microsoft Community.

In your description, you are using the Behringer UMC202HD audio interface and have a problem with not being able to use the microphone at the same time as the audio output.

I note that you have tested the audio using different software and checked the drivers, and I appreciate the effort and attempts you have put into this issue, and I appreciate the annoyance and inconvenience of not being able to do both audio output and input at the same time at this time.

Based on the information you have so far, we are unable to accurately determine why the problem is occurring at this time. We are not sure if the problem comes from the settings of Windows itself, or from the UMC202HD audio interface itself.

Therefore, we hope that you can cooperate with us and perform some tests and checks to try to find out why the problem occurs.

Please try not connecting or using the UMC202HD audio interface for the time being, and use the audio output and input devices (e.g. speakers and microphone) directly, connected to the computer, to see if they can be used together while using just the speakers and microphone.

If it does, then the problem is most likely not from the Windows settings, but the UMC202HD audio interface itself.

The fact that the UMC202HD audio interface is not working properly at the same time is most likely related to its driver.

You mentioned that you checked the driver, so how did you check it? Was it in the Device Manager?

In order to rule out the possibility of a driver, we suggest you download and install the corresponding driver for the specific model of your audio interface via the link below.

https://www.behringer.com/downloads.html

Note: Please select the correct driver for Windows 11.

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Please try the above steps (these steps are only tests) without using the audio interface to determine the problem with Windows' own audio setup, and, at the same time, on Behringer's official website, download the driver, rule out the possibility of a driver, and then let me know the results. We will continue to help you based on the results.

It's my honor to provide you with some suggestions, and I hope my efforts can bring you some convenience.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Why would you even try this in the first place?

It would create huge feedback problems. That's why people always use headphones when they record in a recording studio with an audio interface.

Secondly, audio interfaces are better used for DAW recording as they are meant to be used with ASIO drivers. Audio interfaces don't really work well with normal windows os driver technology.

Thirdly, you may need loopback feature which your audio interface may not have.

Hi Zev,

Thank you once again for your continued support and assistance.

Following your suggestions, I conducted further tests and was able to get the Behringer UMC202HD to function correctly for both audio input and output simultaneously. Here’s a detailed recap of the steps I took:

Issue verification:

• I tested using a microphone and speakers connected directly to the PC without the UMC202HD interface, and in that case, both input and output worked without any issues.

Driver review:

• I checked the drivers in the Device Manager.

• I installed the latest version of ASIO4ALL (v2.15) from Behringer’s website.

• I also tried a previous version of the driver, but the problem persisted.

Windows settings adjustment:

• I ensured that the UMC202HD was set as the default input and output device in Windows.

• I disabled the option "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" in both the playback and recording tabs within the sound properties.

• I changed the sample rate to 24-bit, 192000 Hz (studio quality) for both input and output. This change was key to making the interface work correctly.

Restart and final adjustment:

• After applying these changes, I restarted the PC. Initially, the audio did not work correctly.

• I accessed the sound settings, went to the playback devices tab, selected the UMC202HD, and clicked "Configure." This refreshed the audio, and it started working correctly.

Since then, I have been able to use the interface without any issues in all applications, including Discord, browsers, and recording software. However, I’ve noticed something that still causes problems from time to time.

The issue that persists:

• Every time I start using the microphone or finish using it, I have to go into the Windows mixer and manually change the output device. I change it away from the UMC202HD and then back again, and this action refreshes the audio output, making it work properly. This happens consistently, and I was wondering if you could help me understand why this is occurring.

• I’ve tried all the steps you recommended, and the issue still persists, even after restarting the computer.

I’d really appreciate it if you could shed some light on why this happens and if there’s anything I can do to avoid this extra step of manually refreshing the output device every time I start or stop using the microphone.

Thank you again for all your help, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
David

Hi Joseph,

I have the speakers, microphone, and headphones all connected to the interface. When I want to listen to music, I don’t have the headphones activated, and when I need to talk or use the microphone, I put on the headphones and disable the speakers using the volume knob. This setup works fine for me as I’m able to easily switch between tasks without much hassle.

I am also a music producer, and I use the interface for recording and production. It has served me well in that regard, with the quality I need for my work.

As for the loopback feature, I haven’t found it necessary for my use. While it’s possible that my interface doesn’t have it, I haven’t run into any issues that require it up until now.

Thanks for your advice!

Best regards,
David

Hi David.

Thanks for your reply.

I understand that you have connected the speakers, headphones, and microphone to the interface and with some simple manipulation, it meets your needs for now.

The fact that you found a suitable and simple operation on your own shows that you deserve recognition for your hands-on skills.

And you deserve to be commended for your virtue in sharing the steps to the community. This will help other users with such problems.

I wish you have a wonderful day.

It's an honor to offer you some advice.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist