> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://altostrat.io/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Calls and Audio Use > Place and receive Studio calls, use dedicated call workspaces, transcribe live audio, and capture external call audio with Audio Use. Studio supports built-in calls and a separate **Audio Use** capture workflow. * Use a Studio call when participants are joining through Studio or a Studio guest link, or when you are placing a configured SIP call. * Use Audio Use when the call is happening in another application and you want Studio to transcribe your microphone and system output into a Studio session. Both surfaces can create sensitive transcripts. Tell participants when transcription or recording is active and follow local consent requirements. ## Studio call workspace When a call connects, Studio can open a dedicated workspace tab with controls, participants, transcript, and live diagnostics. The tab opens after connection, so a failed ringing or dialing attempt does not leave an empty call workspace. In **Settings → Calls**, configure: * **Open call workspace automatically** — opens the tab as soon as a call connects. * **Transcribe calls by default** — starts real-time transcription when the connected call workspace opens. You can still open the workspace or toggle transcription manually during a call. ## Place, receive, and join calls Studio can surface incoming-call notifications, call history, device selection, participant controls, and guest invitation links. For built-in team calls, choose the microphone, speaker, and camera before joining when the preview is available. For SIP work, Studio provides dialing, incoming-call handling, DTMF, WebRTC connection status, live quality statistics, transcript controls, and a persistent call workspace. Confirm the number, trunk, and external destination before placing a call. Guest links let someone join the specific call without becoming an organization member. Share them only with intended participants and end the call when guest access should end. ## Audio Use Audio Use captures two local sources: * **Microphone** — your side of the conversation. * **System audio** — remote speakers or application output from Zoom, Slack, SIP applications, and other call surfaces. Start Audio Use from Copilot or the Studio surface that offers it. Studio opens an Audio Use tab with live transcript state and controls to pause, resume, or terminate the listening session. Pausing releases local audio capture while retaining the transcript tab and session history. Ask Copilot to summarize, extract decisions, create a follow-up list, or turn the transcript into a durable artifact. Verify names, numbers, and commands against the audio before treating the transcript as authoritative. ## Grant Audio Use permissions Open **Settings → Audio Use**. ### macOS * Grant **Microphone** for your local side. * Grant **Screen Recording** for system audio from other applications. * Select **Re-check** after changing permissions. * Restart Studio if macOS still reports a granted permission as blocked. ### Windows * Grant microphone access. * Enable **Stereo Mix** or route call audio through a virtual audio device if remote output is not captured. * Use the **Sound settings** action in Studio to inspect the active source. On platforms where system audio needs no separate setting, Studio reports that no additional permission is required. ## Transcription and usage Transcription is metered separately from AI chat. Open **Usage → Transcription** for daily minutes and **Usage → Calls** for call consumption. Limits can be set for transcription seconds, transcription sessions, and other supported call metrics. The transcript is context, not live proof. Audio can be missed, speakers can overlap, and technical terms can be misheard. Confirm operational instructions before executing them. ## Troubleshooting | Symptom | What to check | | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | No microphone audio | Check the selected input device and OS microphone permission. | | Only your voice is transcribed | Grant system-audio permission on macOS or configure Stereo Mix/virtual audio on Windows. | | A connected call has no workspace tab | Enable automatic opening in **Settings → Calls** or open the call workspace manually. | | Transcript starts too late | Enable **Transcribe calls by default** and verify usage is not limited. | | Permission still shows blocked | Select **Re-check**, then restart Studio. | | Call quality is poor | Inspect the call workspace diagnostics, device choice, and WebRTC network state before redialing. | ## Related Bring a teammate or guest into an operational session. Inspect call and transcription consumption and configure limits.