Voice Echo using Steam Voice Chat

[Semperverus]

On four separate Steam Deck units, my friends and I all hear our own voices echoing back using the built-in Steam voice chat. This is while using the built-in speakers and microphone, and not an attached or Bluetooth headset.

We have not tested with Discord and don't intend to, so I am unsure if this is an issue with Steam Voice services, or with PipeWire/hardware/etc. and none of us have made any changes to system configurations via desktop mode or CLI.

[Semperverus]

Tried talking in vrchat and the echo cancellation failed there too.

[PISSEDOFF!!™]

Yes, this is an issue I have talk from Steam Deck to Steam Deck with my brother. ♥♥♥♥ sucks ass

[Siberus]

This issue still exists as of 9/27/2023, and I'm surprised to not see more complaints about it. Anyone know of a solution to this that isn't just "use headphones?" The mic and speakers are on the same device in a known configuration that's the same across all Steam Decks, so built in echo cancellation really should be possible.

[Taulo]

It exists for me too still, and I can't do much about it. Headphones shouldn't be the solution because other people have reported no problems using the speakers and mic when it comes to echoes. No one seems to have a real solution as far as I've looked.

[Semperverus]

Im honestly surprised Valve hasn't implemented Pipewire+EasyEffects with the echo cancellation/noise suppression plugins. I think its possible to do this manually if you disable filesystem read-only, but thats not ideal.

[Taulo]

I sent a ticket to Valve a while ago and after some troubleshooting (and some unrelated delivery troubles) they gave me a new Deck. You should just get in touch with them.

Do make sure you make photos of your box - inside and outside. Not doing that nearly screwed me over. I only got a replacement Deck because they were generous.

[Skye Joy]

What the heck still happening no one sees this ?

[SEF]

The bug has been long time, Still have this problem when using VRChat now.

[AdultVideoStar]

2024 and STILL terrible

[Taulo]

Good news! I got in touch with support again because the new Deck also had mic problems, and they're looking into providing a software fix!

Thanks for your patience while we looked into this matter a bit more.

A few audio hardware and software engineers over here reviewed your ticket and what you've shared with us about the issue (thank you for that, you had very comprehensive data on the topic which was helpful).

The good news is none of them believe there's a hardware fault here. However, the bad news is we do not have any recommendations at this time to reduce the echo you're experiencing. They are continuing to investigate and any fixes/updates will make their way to the SteamOS Preview branch, and ultimately the Stable version. I'd recommend to continue to keep your device updated with the latest OS and see if the problem gets better in one of these future updates.

Sorry I don't have anything more substantial to share with you at this time.

Regards,
Brian