• What do I need to run Voice Communication?
• How do I set it up?
• How do I bind Voice to a key?
• Now that I use Windows XP: My Voice in Voice Communication is unclear to others.

In the 1108 patch, Valve added voice communication via users microphones. If you plan on using this feature we strongly suggest that you buy a headset with a drop down microphone. We recommend headset. If you want to use a desktop mic, it will work with a few adjustments. With a desktop microphone you have to make sure that your speakers are far enough away from the microphone. If they are too close, you will get horrible feedback. How do you know if you are experiencing feedback? You can tell when you get this very loud noise out of your speakers. If you cannot adjust the desk microphone, you will probably need a headset setup.

How do I set it up?

Once you have purchased your microphone, you will need to run voice_tweak.exe (found in the Half-Life directory, or also in your Start menu (in the Half-Life folder) Most users will need the +20dB hardware gain enabled, if you are unsure what that is, make sure it is checked. Start speaking in the microphone, the blue bar on the left of the Voice Configuration should move up and down. You want to have the blue bar just barely touch the top when talking. I set mine up so when I talk the blue bar is always in the top 90% of the blue bar readout. You do not want the blue bar constantly at the top. Adjust the slide bar until you are happy with the readout. What you hear is what you will sound like to others. So go with what sounds good at the volume you expect to be speaking.

How do I bind Voice to a key?

Like all other commands, you can bind any key to record voice communication in the Half-Life menu (Open Half-Life (switch to TFC menu), click: Configuration, Controls). For the config editors (use our Configs Section to learn how, it's easy) use:

bind x "+voicerecord"