Web conferences provide the capability for audio communication among the presenter and the participants. Making that experience as conversational as possible requires presenters and participants to effectively use of the available audio technology. At the least, to just hear, participants need speakers connected to, or in their computers. But, using open speakers is not recommended. Instead, everyone should use headphones or earbuds. Best, headphones with a microphone is optimal. To be able to talk and listen in an Elluminate/ClassLive session, participants need to be equipped with microphone and speaker capability for voice over IP (VoIP) communication. A USB-connected microphone headset is highly recommended. UW Outreach does not recommend a particular brand or model of headset, but we have found the Logitech Premium Notebook Headset to be effective. Similar types of headset microphones are commonly available. The important requirements are that the device be a combined microphone and earphones headset with a USB connector.

Audio speakers and microphones, either built into the computer, or external, do not work well in a group web conference. The problem of open microphones and speakers is the echo they create. When audio is received by a participant with speakers and an open microphone, the sound loops back through the participant's open microphone, then broadcast back again to the web conference, creating a disruptive echo. Participants with open microphones can still participate, but must mute their microphone whenever not speaking.