Quiet sound in the microphone interferes with comfortable conversation with interlocutors and recording audio or video files. Sometimes even using the mixer and moving the sliders cannot fix the problem. However, you should not immediately return the device to the store or recycle it, since you can increase the microphone volume through the built-in Windows tools. If other methods are ineffective, the use of amplifiers is allowed.
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Reasons for quiet sound in the microphone
The main reasons why sound is recorded too quietly:
- In the sound settings, the volume level for the microphone is set to very low.
- Incorrect audio recording device drivers are installed.
- The device is of too low quality, or the microphone does not work at all.
- The built-in battery is low. Relevant for wireless microphone models, that is, those that have a radio module.
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Select your default microphone.
The first thing on this list is also the most important. If you're having problems with your microphone where it doesn't seem to work in some programs but works in others, this could potentially fix it for you. Setting a default microphone ensures that Windows knows which microphone you want to use in all programs.
To set your default microphone, follow this simple guide below.
Right-click the Speakers icon on the taskbar and select Open Sound Settings.
In the right pane, click Sound Control Panel.
In the new window, select the "Recording" tab on the top panel. Now right-click on the microphone you want to set as your default microphone and select “Set as default device.”
How to increase microphone volume
Microphone volume in Windows is controlled by the following components:
- Built-in volume indicator. The one located in the tray. In Windows 10, it has been “moved” to the Settings menu.
- Sound card driver. This is relevant for cases where the microphone is connected specifically to it (as a rule, this is a pink 3.5 mm jack).
- Additionally, the volume of the device can be controlled by the program used in which the sound is recorded. Most often, these are special audio players or instant messengers (Skype, Viber).
Accordingly, if microphone amplification is required, then you need to check the volume settings in both the Windows settings themselves, the driver, and the application used.
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Correct microphone connection
Computers and laptops have 3 connectors:
- For connecting storage media. The connector equipped with an amplifier is supplied with a voltage of 3 to 5 V. The incoming power creates noise, which is picked up by the sound card and becomes louder.
- For connecting speakers or headphones.
- Line input. There is no voltage supplied to this input and there is no built-in amplifier. Recording sound requires a strong signal; when digitized, it contains virtually no noise. The power connector is not suitable for connecting condenser and electret microphones. Without power, such devices produce too little sound.
Increase microphone volume in settings on Windows 10 and 7
In both Windows 10 and 7, you can adjust the microphone volume through the Control Panel.
- Login to “Control Panel”
- In the window that opens, you will need to go to the “Sound” tab.
- Then go to “Recording” and double-click on the microphone to go to “Properties”
- In the next window, go to the “Levels” tab and set the slider to 100%.
- Then click "OK".
In Windows 10, you can also adjust the microphone volume through the Settings menu.
- Press the keyboard shortcut Win + R
- Go to the "System" section
- Next you need to select “Sound”
- Then, on the right side of the window, find the “Input” item and click “Device Properties.” And there will be a corresponding slider.
You can also make the microphone louder in Windows 8 in the same way.
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Use a third party app.
If the above settings just don't work for you, you can go ahead and install an app that will allow you to boost your microphone beyond what Windows allows you to do. However, it should be noted that these apps can only boost your microphone to the level that the microphone allows. If you don't see any change in your mic level, it probably means your mic can't be boosted further.
The app we will be using is called APO Equalizer . It's free and easy to use. Download the application to your computer. Launch the application as usual. When you reach the “Configurator”, you will be asked to select the device on which you want to install the application. Select "Capture Devices" from the top bar, then select the microphone you want to amplify. If you're not sure, select them all. You will need to reboot your system for the changes to take effect. Be sure to save all your work before restarting your computer.
Now run the application by specifying "Configuration Editor" in "Program Files" (default). From the Device drop-down menu, select your microphone.
The Preamp should be loaded by default, but if not, click the green + symbol and go to Basic Filters > Preamp.
Continue and increase the gain on the knob until you are satisfied with the level. You will see that this matches the graph below.
How to increase microphone volume on headphones
To increase the volume of the headphone microphone, it is recommended to do the following:
- If there is a regulator, set it to the maximum value.
- Remove the foam pad (“wind protection”). Better yet, replace it. Over time, the pores in it become clogged, which impairs sound conductivity.
- Wipe the connection plug. Oxides often form there, which interfere with normal signal transmission.
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Tips and tricks
Perhaps a small selection of our tips for solving problems with sound and recording will help you:
1) If you do not use the sound built into the motherboard, but a separate sound card, you may need to update the drivers and additional settings in the proprietary control panel. Go to the manufacturer's website or search by device name. By the way, reinstalling drivers is sometimes necessary in the case of built-in sound.
2) When all else fails, try using your headphones with microphone on another PC or laptop. This way you will know if they are working properly.
3) Sometimes the headphones themselves, their cable or microphone may have power and volume controls - don’t forget about them.
4) If the device stops working after a fall or a sharp pull on the cable, most likely it is due to mechanical damage, and software settings will not help.
5) In difficult cases, try asking for advice on thematic forums. Please indicate your PC configuration, headphone model, driver version and operating system.
Don't know how to properly connect headphones and a microphone to a computer/laptop and configure them on Windows 7/8.1? Or have you encountered difficulties in configuring your audio devices?
Choose the step you're stuck on or start from scratch if you can't figure out the connectors. All information is given step by step in the content.
How to increase microphone volume in Skype
Skype automatically adjusts the microphone volume by default. But often it does not work correctly, the recording is set too quietly or, on the contrary, too loud. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the volume manually. This is done like this:
- Go to "Settings" of the application.
- Open the “Sound and Video” tab. Disable the indicator “automatically”, and then use the slider to set the desired value.
- Next, you can use a test call to check the current microphone volume and whether it suits the user.
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What to do if you can’t programmatically increase the sound
You can improve the signal not only with the help of programs, but also by using an amplifier. There are 2 options: purchasing ready-made equipment or making the device yourself. Most often, purchasing factory-made devices is impractical, because their cost is comparable to the price of a new good microphone. However, the option is well suited for people who do not know how to handle a soldering iron and often record video: in this case, the sound quality should be professional.
Using ready-made amplifiers
The finished amplifiers are placed between the PC and the recording device. The output is connected to the computer, and the input is connected to the microphone. The only drawback of such equipment is the inability to work with the built-in components of a laptop. Owners of laptop computers will have to connect an external device. The cost of budget amplifiers starts from 1.5–2 thousand rubles. Such devices are sufficient for everyday tasks, but for professional activities you will have to consider more expensive options.
Increase microphone volume via module on max9812 board
MAX9812 is a module compatible with Arduino controller. That is, programmable. But it doesn't have to be used in conjunction with Arduino. By default, it just performs the functionality of a microphone amplifier. You need to do the following:
- Solder the microphone contacts to the MAX8912 GDP and MIN outputs (in any order).
- To OUT and GND - wires from the audio plug.
- Connect 3V power to positive and ground (minus to ground).
This “amplifier” also suppresses third-party noise in the range of up to 100 dB. Its only drawback is that you cannot precisely adjust the microphone volume.
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Ready amplifiers
When choosing a device, remember that models designed for speakers are not suitable for microphones. They have low sensitivity and cannot transmit phantom voltage.
The cheapest Chinese amps are designed for karaoke, but you can connect them to the line input if you set the volume to minimum. Some models allow you to connect a musical instrument, such as a guitar.
Other sound amplification methods
Some audio cards support the use of filters when receiving voice. The necessary settings can be found in the microphone properties, in the “Improvements” section. This tab appears only after connecting an audio device. Here are the options:
- "Noise suppression". Used to reduce noise when picking up extraneous signals during a conversation. It is recommended to enable this function when communicating via Skype. However, it is not advisable to use it during voice recording.
- "Echo suppression." When this feature is enabled, noise should disappear even when amplified sound is played through speakers. In practice, this setting does not always give a positive result.
- "Elimination of the constant component." Used when the microphone sensitivity is too high. When reading texts and recording voices, this option is not recommended.
Depending on the sound card model and the type of driver installed, the filter set may include additional functions.
