Quest 2 standalone mic issue

I tried the free version and want to buy the full combat Vail except Vail is the only app that my built-in mic won't work. I've checked permissions and it's enabled for Vail; I've checked to make sure it's not muted in settings. And the mic works in every other app I have (I can even record my Vail session and hear myself talk in the recording, but other players can't hear me) so I think this has to be a software issue.

I've updated to the most recent Meta software, as well as the most recent version of vail; I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling; and of course, rebooting in that process multiple times.

I love the game - but before I purchase would like to know I'll be able talk to other players (who I can hear fine - but they can't hear me). Also when I check in the lobby, everyone else has a mic icon next to their name, but mine does not.

Is it possible that the mic is disabled in the free version of this game or is it something else?