The audio setup you need depends on how you connect to the call session. The dialer gives you three ways to join: through your browser, by having the dialer call your phone, or by dialing in from your phone. Only one of these uses your computer's microphone. This article walks through each option and what hardware you need for it.
The three ways to connect
When you open a call session, a "Connect to dialer session" window appears with these options:
Call me - the dialer calls a phone number you enter, and you talk on that phone.
Join via browser - you talk through your computer's microphone and speakers (or a headset). No separate phone needed.
Join without audio - you watch and take notes in the session but cannot place calls or hear audio.
On a phone or tablet, you also get a "Dial into..." link that opens your phone dialer with the session number filled in, and on a desktop you can scan a QR code to connect from your phone.
If you join via browser
This is the only option that uses your computer's microphone, so it has the most setup.
What you need:
A working microphone and a way to hear audio. A wired or USB headset with a microphone is the most reliable. Built-in laptop mics and speakers work but can cause echo for the person on the other end.
A modern browser with microphone access allowed for Raise More.
Steps:
Open the call session and click Join via browser.
The first time, your browser asks for permission to use your microphone. Click to allow it.
Once connected, the status bar at the top shows you are in a browser dialer session, and a Mute button appears.
Use the Mute button to mute and unmute yourself during calls. When muted, the button reads Muted.
If you blocked the microphone earlier, the button shows Blocked instead, with a tooltip that reads "Microphone blocked — allow access in your browser or system settings." You have to re-enable microphone access for Raise More in your browser settings, then try Join via browser again.
If you click Join via browser while microphone access is blocked, the window shows: "Microphone is blocked. Enable it in your browser settings to join via browser."
If you use "Call me"
With this option, all your audio happens on the phone you choose. Your computer's microphone is not used at all.
Steps:
In the connect window, your phone number may already be filled in. Type a different number if you want the dialer to call a different phone.
Click Call me.
The button changes to Pick up and dial 0 to connect. Answer the call on your phone and press any key to join the session.
For this option you only need a working phone. A headset on the phone is optional but recommended if you will be on calls for a long time, so your hands stay free for notes.
If you dial in from your phone
You can also connect by calling the dialer number directly from any phone.
On a phone, tap the Dial into... link in the connect window. It opens your phone dialer with the number and session code already entered.
On a desktop, scan the QR code with your phone, or call the dialer number shown and enter the session code followed by
*.
As with "Call me," all audio is on your phone, so no computer microphone is needed.
Switching between phone and browser audio
If you are connected by phone and then click Join via browser, you will see this prompt: "You're currently connected via phone. Switching to browser will hang up your phone call. Continue?" Confirming hangs up the phone leg and moves your audio to the browser.
If you are connected via browser audio and then call your own number to add yourself as a participant, your browser audio will be disconnected. The add-participant window warns you about this.
When browser audio is not available
Browser calling needs a voice-capable caller ID on the session. If the session does not have one, you will see a warning that the session needs a voice-capable caller ID before calls can be placed, and that temporary texting-only caller IDs cannot be used for dialer calls. If you click Join via browser in that case, you may see "Browser calling is not available for this caller ID." Use Call me or dial in by phone instead, or have an admin set a voice-capable caller ID on the session.
Quick recommendations
For the best browser-audio quality, use a wired or USB headset with a microphone and grant microphone access when prompted.
If you cannot get a microphone working in the browser, use Call me or dial in from your phone. These do not touch your computer's microphone at all.
Use Join without audio only when you want to follow along and take notes without being on the calls.