Lifecam HD-3000 bad audio

Are these VX-3000s or HD-3000s? These cameras are different. What is the hardware ID of these camera? Maybe they are something else?

The bold part needs to match.

HD-3000 - USB\VID_045E&PID_0779&REV_0106&MI_00

VX-3000 - USB\VID_045E&PID_00F5&MI_01

Thanks again for trying to help.

I got the pcdust download, 64 bit, but just get an error when I try and install - "the folder doesn't contain a compatible software driver"

The lifecam also hums the same on Ubuntu linux. I got a bunch of these webcams and they all do it.

So maybe it's not the software.

I own several LifeCams (HD-3000 not VX, HD-6000, Cinema and Studio) and do not have any noticeable hum on any of them. My logitech c920 has always had worse quality mic audio by comparison but no hum either. I tested with variable mic sensitivity levels and clearly picked up the TV audio from the other end of my house at the highest levels. Maybe there is an issue with quality control and shielding your level of EMI, newer revisions of the hardware or the drivers themselves.

You can try these older drivers that I have hosted that resolve dark issues with several LifeCams. I have no idea if they addressed all the issues in the latest releases of the drivers but these tend to be the most stable. Maybe they will address your hum issue. The LifeCam software with overlays should not be used on Windows 10. Either drivers issued by Windows Update or the generic UVC USB Video device/USB Audio device drivers should be used on Windows 10. You can also try changing any automatic video settings in the driver. There is always a possibility that one of those features are creating resource/latency issues generating your issue.

Excerpt from one of my other posts on camera issues:

These drivers are compatible with: 

HD-3000, HD-5000, HD-5001, HD-6000, Cinema, Studio, and Microsoft-based (not Intel) *Surface Pro Front and Rear cameras (*64-bit only).

LifeCam 4.25.532.0 64-bit \[pcdust.com\]

LifeCam 4.25.532.0 32-bit \[pcdust.com\]

Visual guidance on how to properly update/downgrade to these drivers.

Hi thank you for going to the trouble to do all that.

I've got all those settings. Like I said I tried it on other machines, and also different parts of house.

The software I am using is the Win 10 camera app.

So I tried voice recorder and it's the same problem.

I have the lifecam app but it doesn't detect the lifecam (!).

I also use a logitech webcam, and that doesn't have any audio interference or hum.

Which means it's got a better microphone or is better shielded.

There's always a whiny hum with the lifecam. When I adjust the microphone input level to 30% it's not badly intrusive, but everything is quiet.

Any more than 30% and it gets bad.

I should add that the microsoft online store has this lifecam for £39.99, and that's way overpriced for something with bad audio.

And, no, I'm not working for Logitech :-)

I could not replicate your issue. I took my hd-3000 out of my drawer and connected it to my external USB Hub. I tested with Voice Recorder and Audacity. I did not pick up any hum using the drivers I had installed or the alternate generic USB audio device driver I later changed to.  Maybe you are picking up some system/room/line noise from your AC, power supply, mainboard or other devices. Have you tried another Windows 10 machine, powered USB hub, less devices, no USB extension/replacement uplink cable (if used) or other physical location. You might want to try adjusting your mic levels or bit rate to see if that improves the condition. I did not make any adjustments to the default bit rate.