This paper discusses common causes of problems encountered with audio systems in distance learning networks and offers practical suggestions for correcting the problems. Problems and discussions are divided into nine categories: (1) acoustics, including reverberant classrooms leading to distorted or garbled voices, as well as one-dimensional audio output; (2) correct microphone usage, including creating a natural sound environment with carefully placed microphones; (3) correct loudspeaker usage, including "zoning" loudspeakers and balancing speaker output; (4) acoustic echo, including microphone pick-up of received audio off loudspeakers and re-transmission of audio back to the originating site; (5) outside noises, including blower/fan noises, buzz from fluorescent lighting, noises from outside the room, and paper shuffling; (6) sound system problems, including electronic and acoustic feedback; (7) telephone system feedback, including squealing and howling whenever a phone line is introduced and phone coupler problems; (8) other telephone system concerns, including listener fatigue from processing out line noise and compensating for thin, tinny audio; and (9) satellite echo, i.e., delayed repetition of voices over the satellite. Three diagrams are included to illustrate reverberation and its effects on transmitted audio, acoustic coupling generated by an open microphone and speaker, and the use of an acoustic echo canceller. (DLS)