How to get started using Discord for voice calls
Discord is a very popular, cross-platform communication tool, in part because it’s free to use, and just about anyone can create a server. A lot of it is text-based chat, but it’s also got a pretty solid voice chat feature as well.
With more people working from home than ever, remote communication has never been more critical, and Discord is a brilliant tool to do that with. It’s incredibly user friendly and a service many of your friends, family, and colleagues may already be familiar with using. If you’re looking for a way to do group voice calls, here’s how to get set up.
Sign up and get a server going
The first thing you need is an account and a Discord server for everyone to meet up in. Think of it as a giant group chat, only with different channels, both text and voice, all available to help organize your communications.
Fortunately, we’ve got a full guide for you to follow that will walk you through getting your server up and running first.
How to set up a voice channel
If you want to create a new channel simply:
- Next to voice channels in the sidebar, click the + button.
- Select voice channel.
- Name the channel.
- Click create.
Just like that, you’ll have a new voice channel created for anyone to join. If you have categories set up within your server for better organization, you can simply drag and drop the voice channel into any of them. Alternatively, follow the step above, but instead of clicking next to voice channels click the add button next to the category name.
Basic audio settings
It’s also a good idea to check your levels. Discord allows you to adjust input and output levels and has a handy meter to enable you to check your microphone settings won’t deafen anyone you jump into a call with.
There are also some more advanced features which you may want to play about with, including echo cancellation and noise reduction, which can be turned on or off as required, as well as Discord being able to tell your router that its data packets are high priority.
Sound quality is generally pretty good, too, and Discord also has some pretty granular permissions settings. If you leave a voice channel open, anyone in your server can join it at any time. So if you don’t want certain people using specific channels, tweaking permissions is a good idea, and this guide is an excellent place to start.
Take a load off with some good news as we head into the weekend
We’re headed into the weekend, so why not kick it off with some good news? Today, we’ve got stories of trees planted, masks delivered, and esports taking over ESPN (for a little while, anyway).
Join us for the latest Windows Central Video Podcast
We’re live with the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 2:30pm ET, make sure you’re there!
Review: Kensington’s SD5500T dock works with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 PCs
The SD5500T docking station is compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, opening it up to use with more devices. It’s similar to some other great docks out there, so how does it measure up?
These work-at-home essentials are all still available from Dell
Getting equipment to work from home is getting tough with the sudden massive demand. Fortunately, Dell’s store is currently fairly well stocked and not just with Dell products, either. Here are 9 things you can buy from there that’ll make your new home working life a little better.