Sony SRG X110 webcam microphone produces clicks during Zoom

When you log into a Zoom meeting and hear a series of short, popping sounds that feel like tiny clicks, your mind usually jumps straight to the mic. If you own a Sony SRG X110 webcam and have been encountering this issue, you’re not alone. The clicks can be disruptive, especially in professional or educational settings, and figuring out why they happen can feel like chasing a moving target. This article walks through the most common reasons why the SRG X110 might be clicking in Zoom, and it offers a step‑by‑step guide to diagnosing and fixing the problem.

What Are These Clicks Like?

• Popping: A quick, audible click that is usually brief.
• Consistent or Sporadic: They can appear at regular intervals or just randomly.
• Occur During Conversation: Typically triggered when you speak or when the computer is under load.

Even a single click can make the meeting feel unprofessional, so it’s worth taking the time to isolate the cause.

Why Might a Sony SRG X110 Click in Zoom?

1. Electrical Noise from USB Ports

The SRG X110 draws power and data from a USB port. Some computer configurations, especially those that share a USB hub or use older USB ports, can introduce electrical noise that the microphone interprets as sound.

2. Driver Conflicts or Out‑of‑Date Drivers

Zoom relies on the operating system’s audio drivers to handle input. If the drivers are outdated or conflicting, they can produce artifacts such as clicks.

3. Software Interference

Other applications that also use the microphone (like voice‑changing software, screen recorders, or other video conferencing tools) can interfere with Zoom’s audio capture path.

4. Power‑Saving Features

Many laptops turn off or throttle USB ports when in low‑power mode. This throttling can lead to intermittent clicks.

5. Zoom Settings Misconfigured

Zoom offers a range of audio options—automatic gain control, noise suppression, echo cancellation. Misconfigured settings can unintentionally amplify clicks.

6. Firmware Bugs

Manufacturers sometimes release firmware updates that contain bugs. If the SRG X110 firmware is not current, certain audio handling bugs might still be present.

How to Isolate the Problem

Before you dive into a full fix, narrow down the cause. This makes the troubleshooting faster and reduces the risk of introducing new problems.

A. Test on Another Computer

• Plug the SRG X110 into a different laptop or desktop.
• Open Zoom and start a test call.
• If the clicks disappear, the problem lies with the original computer’s configuration.

B. Use a Different USB Port

• Try a USB 3.0 port instead of 2.0, or vice versa.
• Avoid using USB hubs unless absolutely necessary.

C. Check for Background Applications

• Close all other apps that might access the mic.
• Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to confirm the mic is free.

D. Verify Zoom Audio Settings

• Go to Settings → Audio.
• Disable Automatically adjust microphone volume.
• Disable Enable echo cancellation and Noise suppression temporarily to test if they are the source.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

Below is a thorough checklist that covers the most common fixes. Work through them in order; usually one step will solve the problem.

1. Update the USB Drivers

Windows

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right‑click each USB Root Hub, choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

macOS

1. Open System Preferences → Software Update.
2. Install any available macOS updates.

Why it matters: Modern USB drivers better handle power management and signal integrity, reducing electrical noise.

2. Update the Microphone Firmware

Sony occasionally releases firmware updates for the SRG X110 that fix bugs.

1. Download the latest firmware from Sony’s support site.
2. Run the installer, following on‑screen instructions.
3. Restart your computer.

Tip: Verify the firmware version by checking Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers after installation.

3. Switch to a Dedicated USB Port

• Use a port directly on the laptop or desktop rather than a front panel or USB hub.
• Prefer a USB 3.0 port if your device supports it; it offers better power stability.

4. Disable USB Power Management

Windows

1. In Device Manager, right‑click the USB Root Hub, select Properties.
2. Go to the Power Management tab.
3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

macOS

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1 to keep USB powered during sleep (optional).

5. Reconfigure Zoom Audio Settings

• Turn Off Automatic Gain Control: Manual control prevents Zoom from unintentionally amplifying the clicks.
• Set Microphone Volume to 50%: Too high a level can cause distortion; too low, and clicks may become noticeable.
• Use "Original Sound": Disable all audio enhancements to see if the clicks persist.

6. Check for Interfering Software

• Stop Any Audio‑Related Background Services: Voice‑changing apps, game capture software, or streaming overlays can grab the mic.
• Temporarily Disable Antivirus Scanners: Some antivirus utilities scan audio streams.

7. Test with a Different Audio Application

• Open Audacity (free audio editor) and record a short clip.
• Play back to see if the clicks are present.
• If the clicks are only in Zoom, the issue lies with Zoom’s handling, not the mic itself.

8. Reset Zoom to Default Settings

Sometimes a corrupted Zoom profile causes audio glitches.

1. Exit Zoom completely.
2. Delete the Zoom folder from AppData/Local (Windows) or Library/Application Support (macOS).
3. Re‑install Zoom from the official website.

9. Try a Different Microphone

• Connect a generic USB microphone and check if the clicks vanish.
• If the generic mic works fine, the problem is specific to the SRG X110.

Advanced Fixes

If basic steps fail, the issue may be deeper. These solutions involve more technical changes.

A. Use a Powered USB Hub

A powered hub supplies steady voltage, mitigating electrical noise.

• Connect the hub to a wall charger.
• Plug the SRG X110 into the hub.

B. Adjust System Audio Format

Sometimes the OS sets the default audio sample rate to a format the mic cannot handle well.

Windows

1. Right‑click the speaker icon → Open Sound settings.
2. Under Input, click Device properties → Additional device properties.
3. On the Advanced tab, set Default Format to 24 bit, 48 kHz.

macOS

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup.
2. Select the SRG X110.
3. Choose 48,000 Hz and 24‑bit.

C. Disable Background Noise Cancellation on the Mic Itself

Some mic firmware includes built‑in noise cancellation. If it’s incompatible with Zoom’s own algorithms, it can create clicks.

• Use the Sony mic configuration tool (if available) to toggle built‑in noise cancellation off.

D. Inspect Physical Connections

• Inspect the USB cable for damage or bent pins.
• Clean any dust from the USB port and the mic connector.

E. Check for Firmware Compatibility

If you recently updated your OS or Zoom, the mic firmware might not be fully compatible.

• Roll back to a previous mic firmware if available.
• Or wait for Sony to release a compatible update.

When All Else Fails: Consider a Replacement

If the clicks persist after all troubleshooting, the SRG X110 may have a defective unit. Contact Sony support for warranty service or consider a different webcam. Many users report excellent performance with the Logitech C920 or the Razer Kiyo, both of which are known for clean audio and robust driver support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A clicking microphone can feel like an annoying glitch, but in most cases it’s a manageable issue. By systematically checking the hardware, drivers, power settings, and Zoom’s own audio options, you can usually pinpoint the source and eliminate the clicks. Keep your firmware and drivers up to date, avoid unnecessary software that competes for the mic, and remember that the simplest change—moving the mic to a different USB port—often does the trick.

If you’ve followed every step above and still hear clicks, it’s time to reach out to Sony support or consider an alternate webcam. A quiet, clear mic can transform the experience of any Zoom meeting, turning a simple video call into a professional and distraction‑free conversation.