A variety of programs in a modern computer use the power of a microphone, from messaging programs to special online communication services. And of course, just like any other device, the microphone needs tuning for optimal performance.
Instructions
Step 1
Check the jack to which your microphone is connected. Often the connectors on the front panel are incorrectly connected during assembly. It is best to use the back panel. The microphone input is marked with a red tint; different manufacturers may vary the color from light pink to almost brown.
Step 2
Open the computer control panel. To do this, left-click the "Start" menu in the lower left corner of the screen, then click "Settings" or "Control Panel", depending on the settings, the name may differ.
Step 3
If you have Windows XP, find the Sound, Speech and Audio Devices label and click it. A window will open in which you need to select the "Sounds and Audio Devices" item. You will see a properties panel with five tabs. Select the "Audio" tab with the left mouse button. In the central part of the window, under the Sound Recording heading, select the microphone marked USB from the drop-down list if it is built into the webcam. If not, then leave it unchanged. Click on the "Volume" button, which is located immediately below the drop-down list.
Step 4
A small window will open with three columns of volume controls. Check the box above which it says "Microphone" and set the desired volume level. Then press the "Setup" button below the slider. Check the box next to "Microphone Gain" and click "OK". Done, microphone setup is complete.
Step 5
If you are using Windows 7 or Vista, select Hardware and Sound in Control Panel. When the next page of settings opens, click on the link "Manage audio devices". Select the "Recording" tab with the left mouse button. A window will open in which once click on the Microphone label, and then activate the "Properties" button.
Step 6
On the "General" tab at the bottom, under the "Device Application" mark, select the "Use" item from the drop-down list and click the "Apply" button.
Step 7
Go to the "Special" tab and put a tick in front of the Microphone +20 dB Boost label. Apply changes.
Step 8
Next, switch to the section with the heading "Levels". You will see a slider and a volume indicator. Increase the volume by moving the slider to the right. Note that the button with the loudspeaker pattern is not marked with a red crossed out circle. Click on it if so. Click the OK button at the bottom of the window to close and save your changes.
