Heart sounds, particularly certain murmurs, contain low frequencies that standard computer speakers and classroom audio systems may struggle to reproduce. The correct audio configuration helps preserve sound quality during teaching sessions.
1. Requirements
Before your session, make sure you have the following:
Computer
Windows 10/11 or macOS computer.
A supported browser for accessing VCE.
Access to your computer's audio output settings.
Audio output supporting 48,000 Hz (48 kHz), recommended.
Audio equipment
External speakers or a classroom sound system with good low-frequency reproduction.
A suitable connection between your computer and the classroom sound system.
High-quality headphones with good bass response, recommended for testing.
Important: Built-in laptop speakers are generally not recommended for classroom auscultation. Some classroom sound systems are optimised for speech and may not reproduce low-frequency heart sounds adequately.
2. Configure Your Computer Audio
Windows
Step 1. Select your audio output
Open Settings → System → Sound.
Under Output, select your classroom speakers or external audio system.
Adjust the output volume.
Step 2. Set the audio format to 48,000 Hz
Under Output, click your selected audio device.
Find Format.
Select 24-bit, 48000 Hz, if available.
Alternatively, select 16-bit, 48000 Hz.
Step 3. Disable audio enhancements
Return to Settings → System → Sound.
Select your output device.
Set Audio enhancements to Off.
Set Spatial sound to Off, if available.
If your computer has additional audio software, disable unnecessary voice enhancement, automatic volume levelling or speech-focused audio effects.
macOS
Step 1. Select your audio output
Open System Settings → Sound.
Under Output, select your classroom speakers or external audio system.
Adjust the output volume.
Step 2. Set the audio format to 48,000 Hz
Open Finder → Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup.
Select your audio output device.
Under Output, find Format.
Select 48,000 Hz.
Keep the supported bit-depth setting.
Step 3. Check audio processing
If you are using external audio software or an equaliser:
Disable unnecessary voice enhancement or audio effects.
Use a neutral or flat equaliser setting.
Avoid speech-focused presets that reduce low frequencies.
Note: If your audio device does not support 48,000 Hz, use its supported default format. Changing the sample rate alone will not restore frequencies lost during transmission.
3. Configure Your Classroom Sound System
The VCE Stethoscope can capture low-frequency clinical sounds that may not be reproduced accurately by standard speakers.
For the best results:
Lecture theatres: Use a sound system with good low-frequency reproduction. A subwoofer may help where the main speakers lack sufficient bass response.
Smaller classrooms: Use external speakers capable of reproducing low-frequency sounds.
Individual listening: Use high-quality headphones with good bass response.
If your sound system has an equaliser:
Start with a neutral or flat setting.
Avoid speech enhancement presets.
Check whether high-pass filters are reducing low frequencies.
Avoid excessive bass boost, which may introduce distortion.
Important: Increasing the volume does not compensate for speakers that cannot reproduce low-frequency sounds.
If you are unsure whether your classroom system is suitable, consult your audiovisual support team.
4. Test Your Audio Before Teaching
We recommend testing the complete audio setup before your first session.
Step 1. Test through classroom speakers
Connect your computer to the classroom sound system.
Join a VCE test session.
Ask the clinician to activate the VCE Stethoscope.
Ask them to demonstrate normal heart sounds.
Check that the sounds are audible throughout the room.
Where possible, also test the specific clinical sounds or murmurs you intend to demonstrate.
Step 2. Compare with headphones
If the sound is difficult to hear:
Connect high-quality headphones to the receiving computer.
Select the headphones as your audio output.
Ask the clinician to repeat the demonstration.
Compare the sound with the classroom speakers.
If the sound is clear through headphones but difficult to hear through the classroom speakers, the classroom sound system may be limiting audio quality.
If the sound is poor through both, check the configuration at the clinical site.
5. Troubleshooting
The stethoscope sound is too quiet
Check your computer's output volume.
On Windows, check that your browser volume is not reduced in Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer.
Check the classroom amplifier volume.
Ask the clinician to verify their stethoscope input settings.
Heart sounds are audible, but some murmurs are difficult to hear
Check that audio enhancements are disabled.
Confirm that your equaliser is not reducing low frequencies.
Compare the sound through headphones.
Ask the clinician to verify the frequency filter settings.
The sound is distorted or crackling
Reduce the playback volume.
Disable audio enhancements.
Check whether the distortion is also present through headphones.
Ask the clinician to check their input levels if the problem persists.
The sound is clear through headphones but not through classroom speakers
Check the classroom amplifier and speaker settings.
Disable speech-focused equaliser presets.
Contact your audiovisual support team to review the speaker frequency response.
Related Articles
Managing Computer Audio for the VCE Stethoscope (Thinklabs One)
This article explains how to configure the clinician's computer to transmit stethoscope audio through VCE.
For stethoscope controls please review:
Need help?
If you experience difficulties hearing stethoscope sounds, contact VCE Support. Please include your operating system, classroom audio setup and whether the sound is clearer through headphones.