Windows 10: Microphone input level very low

My W10 PC is bang up to date, all updates installed. I decided to set up a mic for Zoom/Skype, but...


I followed a very long post now locked on the subject of low input levels for microphones in Windows 10. Most helpful was the final post which suggested changing the channel rate setting - which did improve things in my own case. However, the volume setting for playback to approximate anywhere near 'normal' still has to be right at the top, with input and boost levels at max, when all other PC sounds music, videos are far too loud and distorted at the same setting.


I have tried two different microphones, both connecting via 3.5 jack to onboard Realtek audio: one new but fairly cheap from Amazon, unnamed condenser type which just creates a horrible noise at any setting; then an old 21 years! condenser type, make unknown, which does at least produce the audible result referred to above.


My question: do I have to keep buying microphones until I find one that works efficiently? In other words, is the problem with Windows or with the mic? What sort of mic should I buy? And how do I choose the sample rate and bit depth?


I would be really grateful if you knowlegeable types could give me a lead on this. All the puff from sellers/manufacturers is no help. I should say I am reasonably familiar with sound and device settings on Windows and have checked that I have the latest drivers.


The coming 'lockdown' in UK makes this really important for me.

:)

 

Applications have very low microphone input level?

I've got a 32-bit Windows machine that I've been using for several years now with devices on the microphone port for input. I've not used that feature for the last few months though (I mostly do that kind of work in the Winter), and now I find it's not working.

The device is definitely supplying signal at the cord end that goes into the PC microphone jack. The microphone control panel level meter is showing good input signal. If I "Listen" to loopback the microphone to the speakers in the PC, I have a good volume level signal.

However, in my applications (I've tried 4 different ones so far) the signal being input is unusably low. Like barely detectable. I tried increasing the microphone level and gain. That has no impact on what the applications are seeing (but will peg the control panel meter easily and seriously distort the loopback output).

I'm at a loss on how to continue debugging. The sound is definitely coming in to the system. It's on the input side, so I don't have application specific sliders that could have become mis-set like the output side has. Just somehow it's no longer being delivered to applications.

 

Microphone Input Extremely Low

Hi AustinAtlantis,

I’m Mario an Independent Advisor. I’m here to work with you on this problem.

Considering that you executed the troubleshooting and updated the drivers, I suggest, reviewing some definitions on your laptop:

The basic is to review the sound but you explained that is on 100%, this way we skipped this point and go to try to boost your microphone levels, starting on the screen that allows you adjust the volume (on 100%), please follow the next steps:

- Click on “Additional device properties.” Doing so will open a window labelled “Microphone Properties.”

- Click on the “Levels” tab. Here you should see two sliders, one for your microphone’s volume, and one called Microphone Boost.

- Your microphone’s volume should already be at 100 percent. If for some reason it is not, go ahead and move the slider up to 100 percent. The Microphone Boost slider can be found directly underneath the volume slider. The Microphone Boost option can be used
to increase your microphone’s output volume an additional 30 decibels. I recommend that you increase the boost incrementally (e.g. +10 dB) and then test your microphone levels before increasing it further.

Alternatives to find Microphone Boost Level option:

Alternatively, you can adjust your microphone’s volume and boost its output via the Control Panel. Simply type “control panel” in the Windows taskbar search field and click on “Control Panel.” From there, select “Sound.”

This will prompt a new window to open that is labeled “Sound.” In the tabs at the top of the window, click on the one that says “Recording.” Here you will see the microphones that are connected to your PC. Highlight the one you are using and click on “Properties.”

This will open a new window labeled “Microphone Properties.” Here, select the “Levels” tab. You should be presented with two sliders: one for your microphone’s volume and one that will allow you to boost its output.

Please, I found some links that add below for your review, with more details about particular headsets that I think could be helpful:

-
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

-
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

I hope to help you. Please, tell us the results.

 

htc hd7 microphone level to low!

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