In today’s age of technology, a microphone is a necessary piece of equipment, allowing us to record music, talk to friends, and even work remotely. So, if it doesn’t seem to catch your voice and project it at the volume you need, it can definitely pose a problem.
Depending on the device, you can fix your microphone volume by adjusting the hardware and adjusting the microphone boost in the software’s audio settings. If your microphone is still too low, some downloadable apps work to raise the sensitivity of the input.
Audio software and hardware can be tricky to master, and when the equipment’s volume is faulty, quiet, or choppy, connecting with others becomes difficult. Read on to learn how to fix the volume on your microphone.
Table of Contents
- 1. Analyze Your Equipment Settings
- 2. Adjust Your Hardware
- 3. Turn On Mic Boost
- 4. Consider Downloading Apps To Improve Mic Volume
- Conclusion
1. Analyze Your Equipment Settings
The first step for troubleshooting external microphones (microphones that are not built into the device) is to check your equipment.
If you use an external microphone, you’ll likely need to look at the device’s settings in two places: on the equipment itself and in the software on the computer you’re using.
While your microphone’s hardware might be set to its maximum sensitivity, you may need to adjust settings within your audio processing application.
With these mics, the first step to try is always to ensure the equipment’s volume is turned up. Then, you’ll have to turn to your computer to look at how to boost your mic in the audio settings.
2. Adjust Your Hardware
To pinpoint the root of the problem, you’ll need to take a look at your hardware and ensure it is working properly.
Unplug and replug your cable, clean the microphone, and check the wiring. Faulty hardware will undoubtedly give you problems when you try to use it, so make sure this is the first thing you pay attention to.
If your microphone is built-in to your device and you aren’t using an external microphone, skip this step and move on to the next.
Consider Investing in a Reliable External Microphone
I recommend investing in an external microphone, especially if you plan to record regularly. You can find high-quality, durable microphones that can be plugged into your device with a USB port or a jack. For example, the Logitech Blue Snowball Ice Microphone (available on Amazon.com) is an affordable mic compatible with any computer that has a USB port.
Another top pick is the Joby Wave Pod Condenser Microphone (available on Amazon.com), which is compact and compatible with devices with a USB port. This mic is excellent for communicating, as it was designed with podcasters in mind.
3. Turn On Mic Boost
The name says it all. A mic boost is an extra setting that serves to increase the sensitivity of your equipment, thus improving the mic’s ability to catch sounds. If the mic’s sensitivity is low, it will bypass many noises you’d otherwise expect it to catch.
When this happens, your voice will sound lightyears away.
You can adjust the mic boost on computers and smartphones in a few easy steps, depending on the device.
Adjusting Mic Boost on Windows Devices
If the microphone on your Windows computer is too low and you’ve already turned up the volume on the mic, you’ll want to give your microphone a boost. Here’s how:
- Find the start button on the left of the screen, then navigate to settings, then system, and then sound.
- Click input. Under choose your input device, ensure your microphone is selected.
- Click on device properties. Here, you’ll want to find the levels tab and look for the microphone boost sliding scales. Adjust the slider as necessary.
Before you close the screen, make sure to test your microphone’s input. You should also ensure that no other computer applications are using the input device and that Bluetooth is disabled.
Adjusting Mic Boost Using Mac OS
On a Mac computer, you’ll follow a similar process:
- Choose the hallmark apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and then click on system preferences.
- Once in system preferences, look for the speaker icon, which symbolizes the sound settings.
- Once you’ve clicked on the sound tab, slide the input volume slider as far to the right as possible. If you speak normally while doing this, the mic test should show the computer catching your voice.
Like Windows, make sure your computer isn’t running an application that might use the mic and disconnect Bluetooth as well.
Mic Boost for Android and Apple Mobile Devices
Smartphones naturally have a microphone built into them. If you’re using external headphones with a microphone attached, check the equipment to make sure the hardware is set to full volume.
Depending on your device, you may be able to adjust the internal microphone’s settings:
- Android devices: Android devices do not have an option to boost the microphone, nor do they have any other adjustable audio options. So, if your microphone is too low and you’re using an Android phone, you may want to have it checked by tech support or simply download the Microphone Amplifier app.
- Apple devices: To adjust the internal microphone on an iPhone, navigate through settings to accessibility, where you’ll find the audio/visual tab. Turn on phone noise cancellation. This will change the microphone’s sensitivity. Other Apple devices, like the iPad, will have the same settings, assuming your software is updated to the newest version.
Mic boost is only one of the ways to improve your microphone quality. I talk about a few other techniques in my full guide. Microphone Quality Suddenly Bad? How to Fix It
4. Consider Downloading Apps To Improve Mic Volume
If you adjust the necessary settings and still have trouble with your microphone’s volume, don’t lose hope just yet. There are various apps that can improve your microphone’s volume. Below is a list of the best mic boost apps in most app stores:
- Audacity
- MicNote (for Windows and Mac)
- VB Audio VoiceMeeter
- Equalizer APO
- Hear Boost: Volume & Recording
These apps are available on different devices and work well to troubleshoot a mic that isn’t producing audio at the right volume.
Based on the current research, Audacity is the best mic-boosting app available right now. However, feel free to test out multiple apps to find out which one works best for you. Additional installation information can be found on each company’s website.
If you’re in the market for a new microphone, you need to consider polarity, frequency, and type among other things. The process is dizzying, but I’ve got you covered in my ultimate guide to buying a microphone. Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Microphone For You
Conclusion
If your microphone is too quiet even when set to the highest settings, it’s best to analyze your hardware and secondary settings to diagnose the issue.
Boosting the microphone on your software can help, and many apps can amplify your voice and increase the equipment’s sensitivity. With these tips, your mic should be working in no time.
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