AudioDuck

Many Twitch streamers have music playing in the background, which can make it difficult for viewers to understand what they are saying. One option is to manage the volume manually, but there is an easier way.

AudioDuck is a small, open-source application that can detect microphone input and reduce the volume of various applications automatically in order to make speech clearer. It is very easy to configure and also offers support for user profiles.

The idea is quite simple: when the application detects microphone input that passes a certain threshold, it automatically lowers the output volume of all applications, apart from those that have been added to the exceptions list.

Once you stop speaking, the program reverts the volume to its initial state. This change does not have to be instant, as you can set an increase or decrease time, as well as add a delay.

First off, you will need to add your games to the exceptions list, as you probably don’t want them to be silenced as well. All you need to do is enter their process names and click Add, which isn’t too difficult, though a simpler method would certainly have been welcome.

Next, you may wish to play around with the audio settings to ensure everything is just right. For instance, you can set the minimum input volume that has any effect, as well as define the minimum and maximum sound level of affected applications. Note that these values represent a percentage of the current system volume.

In short, AudioDuck is a great tool for streamers who wish to make themselves easier to understand while playing music in the background. It can be set up in no time at all, and it did the job well during our tests.

In the future, however, we would like to have an easier way of adding exceptions, as well as the option to send the application to the system tray.