Talk mode

talk mode
Use the drop-down arrow in the 'audio toolbar' to select different 'talk modes.  You can also select 'talk modes' from the IM window settings menu or from a chat room settings menu.

- voice activated
voice activated mode means you do not need to press any keys to speak.  Just speak in a normal tone when it is your turn to 'take the mic'

Voice activated mode is best used with headsets on both ends.  It allows you to speak to your pals just as if you were using a regular telephone.  Your voice will automatically open the microphone and allow you to speak without holding the 'ctrl' key down.

If you do not have a headset, hands free mode can accidentally open  your microphone while receiving audio or from background noise, causing you to 'talk over' other users.  This can cause various problems such as "echo back" of your  audio, choppiness from constant 'key ups', and sometimes loss of audio.

It is normal to see 'transmitting' go on when you speak, and return to 'voice activated' when you are finished speaking.

If you experience problems with your audio try switching to 'push to talk' mode.  You will now have to  use the 'ctrl' key on your keyboard to talk.  Press the 'ctrl' key and  hold it the entire time you are speaking.  Be sure to release it when you are finished.  Think of it as a walkie-talkie where one person at a time can speak.  Just take  turns and you should have no problems talking to your pals.

- push to talk
push to talk mode is the normal option that everyone is used to.  Press and hold the 'ctrl' key on the keyboard while speaking, release it when you are finished

note:  you can set a 'hot key' to use instead of the 'ctrl' key

- open mic (locked)
when selected locks the microphone 'open' so you can speak without pressing any keys on your keyboard

This mode is usually used when doing presentations or playing pre-recorded audio or video clips.  Once you 'lock the mic', you hold it until you switch talk modes again.

note:  you can tap the 'ctrl key' or your selected 'global hot key' to release the microphone once it is 'locked'