Fixing Audio Issues with Skype 2.1 for Linux

Problem:

* Massive audio delay (several seconds) / lag with Skype 2.1 (beta) for Linux

* Echo problem / echo cancellation not working

* Recording/microphone not working

My Setup:

* Ubuntu 9.04 (Netbook Remix)
* Acer Aspire One Netbook

* Static version of Skype 2.1 (beta) for Linux from Skype.com [2.1.0.81]

My simple fix / work-around - Initial steps:

- Install package: 'padevchooser'

- Run [from Sound & Video]: 'PulseAudio Device Chooser'

- Run [from Sound & Video]: 'PulseAudio Volume Control'

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- Verify settings: 'PulseAudio Volume Control' > 'Input Devices' tab > 'HDA Intel - ALC268 Analog'

* Channels unlocked/unlinked; Front Left @ 0%; Front Right @ ~99%

* Volume Meter should move to register sound levels being picked up live by microphone

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- Run: 'Skype 2.1 (beta)'

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- Verify settings: 'Skype 2.1 (beta)' > 'Options' > 'Sound Devices'

* 'Microphone' & 'Speakers' & 'Ringing' = 'PulseAudio server (local)'

* 'Allow Skype to automatically adjust my mixer levels' = Deselected/Off

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- Skype should now work as expected:

* Recording/microphone working

* No echo problem / echo cancellation working

* No noticeable audio delays/lag (not including delays due to poor network conditions)

Normal sequence for using Skype after following the above "Initial steps":

- Run [from Sound & Video]: 'PulseAudio Device Chooser'

- Run [from Sound & Video]: 'PulseAudio Volume Control'

- Run: 'Skype 2.1 (beta)'

Comments:

* Verifying the above settings under 'PulseAudio Volume Control' seems to make recording/microphone work as expected

* Preventing Skype from mucking with mixer settings should leave the desired 'PulseAudio Volume Control' settings unaltered

* When 'PulseAudio Device Chooser' & 'PulseAudio Volume Control' are running, one / both (neither / background process related to installing 'padevchooser' package?) solve the audio delays/lag

* While not fully understood, and potential for redundancy does exist, the relatively simple-to-implement solution of running the two PulseAudio utilities along with Skype offers an easy way to solve the maddening issues that made Skype practically unusable

To Do:

* Work out a solution to allow audio recording of live Skype conversations with Audacity

[Last modified: 9 June 2010]