Webex is one of the most used video conferencing tools in corporate environments — and one of the most complained about for audio quality on Mac. Low call volume, muffled voices, and audio that seems quieter than Zoom or Teams at the same system volume. If you can barely hear your Webex calls, you're not alone.
1. Check Webex audio settings
During a Webex meeting, click the audio menu (speaker icon or the three dots → Audio Settings):
- Make sure the correct Speaker device is selected
- Drag the speaker volume slider to maximum
- Click "Test" to play a test tone and verify the output
- Check if "Music Mode" is enabled — disable it unless you're specifically presenting music
- Check noise removal settings — "Remove Background Noise" on aggressive mode can reduce perceived voice volume
2. Check macOS output
System Settings → Sound → Output. Verify the correct device is selected and the volume is at maximum. After a macOS update or device switch, Webex might be using an unexpected output.
3. Bluetooth codec issue
Using AirPods or Bluetooth headphones? Webex activating your mic forces the AAC→SCO codec switch, reducing audio quality and volume. Use a separate microphone (built-in Mac mic or USB) and keep Bluetooth headphones as output only.
4. Webex-specific audio processing
Webex has aggressive audio processing that can reduce the apparent volume of call participants. Try these Webex settings:
- Set noise removal to "Low" instead of "High"
- Disable "Optimize for my voice" if enabled
- Try switching from "Computer Audio" to a specific device
5. The IT/admin problem
In corporate environments, Webex is often managed by IT with specific audio policies. Some settings may be locked or pre-configured. If basic fixes don't work, check with your IT department about Webex audio policies. Some organizations restrict maximum audio levels or enforce specific audio processing settings.
6. Boost Webex past 100%
If settings are maxed and participants are still too quiet, SoundDial lets you boost Webex to 200%. This amplifies the call audio beyond Webex's built-in maximum — useful when a participant has a bad mic or when Webex's audio processing reduces the signal too much.
SoundDial also helps during back-to-back Webex meetings: use auto-ducking to automatically lower your background music when each meeting starts, and restore it during the breaks. Save a "Meetings" volume profile to instantly set your preferred audio balance for the workday.
Get SoundDial on the Mac App Store — €14.99 one-time purchase, no subscription, macOS 14.2+.