What to do if the microphone is quiet
Despite the constant development of advanced technologies and the widespread use of calls made via the Internet, the audibility of the interlocutor is often very far from ideal. And the reason for this is not the quality of the connection itself, not the VoIP digital audio technology, and not such popular communication programs as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp. Inexpensive headsets and microphones made in China, coupled with the poor quality of the audio input built into laptops and computers, most often an XLR connector, are unable to provide the required volume level and decent call quality.
The content of the article
What types of microphones are there?
According to the principle of operation, microphones are:
- dynamic - budget, but not sensitive enough option;
- condenser - have a rather limited range, sensitivity leaves much to be desired;
- electret - a type of condenser (they are compact, affordable and have an acceptable level of sensitivity).
Based on the type of connection, all such devices are usually divided into the following types:
- mounted directly into the webcam;
- ordinary analog with a mini-Jack connector (connected via a standard audio input connector);
- USB microphones do not have the inherent flexibility of analogue microphones, but the functionality of some (expensive) models is quite capable of meeting the expectations of most modern users.
Devices with analog input are the most common type. They are now available in a wide variety of configurations. You can find models “on a stick”, on a convenient stand, and also combined with headphones.
Among microphones with a 3.5 mini-Jack connector, you can find relatively sensitive models that are suitable for most built-in inputs. Devices of this type are connected through the corresponding socket on the computer. The required level of audibility can be provided by a good audio input in a laptop or sound card. Insufficient sensitivity or a significant level of self-noise will negatively affect the sound of the device.
Many USB microphones (especially expensive models) have a built-in preamplifier that fits under the microphone capsule and provides sufficient sound level. Similar devices are also built into webcams, when the latter do not have a wire with a mini-Jack connector. The best option to ensure good sound is a USB microphone. In order for a device with a mini-Jack connector to work efficiently, it is necessary to make more careful settings.
Reasons for a quiet microphone sound
The main reasons why the microphone began to work quietly include:
- poor contact between the speakers (headphones) and the sound card;
- incorrect driver version or its complete absence;
- Incorrect playback volume setting.
How to enhance sound using programs
If your computer has a good sound card, turning on the appropriate device will help increase the volume to the required level. To use this method, you need to right-click on the speaker icon, which can be found on the taskbar, and select the “Recording devices” section. Or you can also go by right-clicking on the “Start” button (or pressing the Win + X combination) in the “Control Panel”, then in “Hardware and Sound”, after which you need to select “Sound” (the “Recording” tab) . Next, in the properties you need to select the “Levels” tab (there are sound amplification settings).
The Microphone slider is the main sensitivity control for such a device. Using the “Microphone Gain” slider, you can increase the volume of the sound already received through the sound card to the required level. It is recommended to set both sliders to maximum and click “Ok”.
ATTENTION! In some cases, it is advisable to make corrections exclusively using the “Microphone” slider. This will avoid additional software amplification of existing noise.
In some cases, the “Mic Boost” option may be an alternative to the usual sliders. Sometimes both of these options are missing. It all depends on the sound card driver.
It must be taken into account that along with useful sound there will also be an increase in noise. This will not particularly affect the quality of communication via Skype, but it will create significant problems in the process of recording vocals, podcasts and video lessons. It is unlikely that anyone would want to hear incessant hissing, even along with a very pleasant voice.
You can also use the Sound Booster utility to increase the sound volume in the operating system.Its main advantages:
- after installation it will start every time you turn on your laptop or computer;
- with its help you can increase the volume by 500% (when compared with the usual sound);
- supports the most popular programs, games and players.
IMPORTANT! Increasing microphone sensitivity does not guarantee high-quality recording. The more clearly background sounds are heard, the stronger they will sound in the recording. It is important to find a balance between microphone sensitivity, interference noise and ambient sounds so that unnecessary elements can be easily eliminated during recording processing.
Other Ways to Boost Microphone Sound
Sometimes the audio card supports the application of filters directly when receiving sound. Such filters can be found in the microphone properties on the “Enhancements” tab.
IMPORTANT! The prerequisites for displaying the “Enhancements” tab are a connected microphone and support for filters on the sound card.
The main sound processing filters found on most modern sound cards include the following:
- “Noise reduction” - helps reduce the noise level in the presence of extraneous noise interference during a conversation. Useful when communicating via Skype, but not recommended for use when recording speech.
- "Echo Cancellation" - is supposed to reduce echo in cases where amplified sound from a microphone is played through the speakers, but in practice, as a rule, does not function very well.
- “Removing a constant component” - will help if the sound is “choked” due to an overly sensitive microphone. When reading text and recording podcasts, it is better not to use this filter.
The set of filters may vary depending on the installed driver and sound card model.
If none of the above methods succeeded in adjusting the volume of such a device to the desired level, you can purchase a webcam with a microphone already built into it. Or purchase a separate sound card with a microphone input of acceptable quality.
