Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where removing a noise after recording a new noise.
• Noises will now remain unchecked after the app reboots.
• Fixed a license activation issue that was affecting a small subset of users.
• Add more robust and resilient error handling if something goes wrong with the audio stream.

Improvements

• You can now boost or reduce the volume of the virtual microphone through the "Settings" tab.
• By default, the virtual microphone will no longer allow other applications to adjust its volume. Previously other applications with "automatic gain control" could sometimes (incorrectly) boost the system level volume of the virtual microphone causing loud, distorted audio. This setting can be disabled if required.
• Now if the application is re-launched, but is already running, the running application will be brought to the front and shown instead of displaying an error message.

Other changes

• When uninstalling the application, you can now optionally toggle if you want settings/recorded noises to be removed.

Bug fixes

• If the application unexpectedly crashes, it should correctly close all running processes. This could previously prevent the application from restarting after a crash.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where the app would sometimes not correctly resume after the PC was woke after being locked/slept.

Improvements

• You can now see if the virtual microphone is being used or not under the Settings tab.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue introduced in 2.0.2 that could crash the audio stream when switching input devices.

Improvements

• We've added the ability to report issues in-app. If you come across a bug, you can now submit a report via the 'Report Issue' button under the 'Settings' tab.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue with the virtual drivers when used by Kernel streaming application (like GeForce Shadowplay) that can cause audio glitches at certain sample rates.
• Fixed an issue where noises could not be recorded when the user's username contained non-ascii characters.
• Fixed an issue where the app could freeze when deselecting a noise.

Bug fixes

Fixed an issue where the new drivers would fail to load on certain machines

Major release

In this release, we have completely reworked the virtual microphone. The new and improved drivers should have lower audio delay and improved stability with prolonged use.

Other improvements

• Low power mode. When the app is minimized, it will now only process audio when the virtual microphone is in use. This should result in less CPU usage and works better with Bluetooth headsets.
• Smaller package size. Through some code clean up, we've managed to shrink the size of the application from 68 MB to 36 MB.

Changes and deprecations

Easier configuration!

• The ability to select which audio system to use is no more. The "Experimental" audio system introduced in 1.2.0 is now used by default.
• With the new drivers, you no longer have to select which "Output Device" to use, as such this option has been removed.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where newly added noises might not save between app reloads

Changes

• A small percentage of new users will be opt-ed in to use the new Experimental audio system by default.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where audio would play out via the default playback prior to virtual drivers being installed.
• Added extra checks to prevent settings from getting corrupted.
• Fixed an issue with the in-app update notification.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue with the latest Window's update and the 'Experimental' audio system where the virtual microphone audio could become delayed after extended use.
• Fixed an rare issue with the 'Experimental' audio system which prevented new noises being recorded.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue that prevented 'Start on boot' from being disabled (once enabled) on certain machines.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where Noise Blocker's virtual drivers could be incorrectly configured on install, resulting in excessively loud audio.

Improvements

• When the application is launched, it now ensures the volume of the virtual drivers is set correctly.
• Improved the robustness of the 'Experimental' audio system against any lag spikes from the input device.

Improvements

• Optimized the performance of the 'Experimental' audio system to use less CPU.
• Improved how the 'Standard' and 'Experimental' audio systems perform when the CPU is under heavy strain.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where the 'Experimental' audio system could start 'stuttering' after extended use.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue that stopped the application launching on boot.

Minor changes

• Reduced the total size of installer.

Bug fixes

• Fixed a memory leak that could occur when activating 'Listen To Input Device' with the 'Experimental' audio system.
• Improved the handling of 'Experimental' audio stream when the entire system is under heavy CPU usage.

Minor changes

• Made improvements to the application's internal logging and error tracking system.

Major release

In this upcoming release, we are rolling out a brand new audio system that should help reduce the latency of the virtual audio routing.

To enable it, first navigate to the "Settings" tab then under "Audio System" select "Experimental" from the drop down.

After a quick restart, Noise Blocker will boot with the new audio system enabled.

The previous audio system is still available and used by default. If you encounter any issues, you can switch back at anytime.
Once we are happy that the new audio system is fully stable (any bugs/issues discovered are resolved) in the next major version released it will become the default. However, we still plan to keep the legacy audio system around as a fallback option.

If you encounter any issues or bugs with the new audio system, reporting them to support@closedlooplabs.com would be greatly appreciated.

Other improvements

• Device disconnect warning dialogs can now be disabled.
• When minimized to the system tray for the first time, Noise Blocker will let you know it's still running in the background.
• You can no longer select the virtual speakers as your systems default playback device.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where the virtual audio devices would not be correctly configured on install in rare cases (causing deep voice/static noise).

Bug fixes

• Fixed a rare issue where the app would sometimes fail to launch on boot.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where a dialog screen would randomly flash open then immediately close for certain users.

Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where license activation would not work for certain users.