Microphone Cutting Out & Huge Ping Spikes

[Jyces]

just for testing, is it possible to hook the pc directly to the modem (if it's separate from the router)

Both computers are actually hooked directed into the modem (wired connection).

or to configure the router to put your pc into the DMZ section in order to bypass any router protocols?

Yes, I could set my modem to DMZ mode via modem configuration (192.168.21). I'll try this out and update you.

Edit: My modem only allows me to set DMZ mode for one of my computers at a time. Should I just try it on both?