Adjust microphone input volume

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If your audio sounds too quiet or loud, or you're having difficulty accessing microphone permissions on your device, explore the tabs below to adjust your audio input, allow the necessary permissions, and generally adjust your microphone settings to get the best sound from your recording.

• Adjust mic input volume on your PC

  If your computer has its microphone sensitivity too low or too high, the recording will sound too quiet or too loud.

  Adjust the audio input settings on your PC so your voice will sound clear on the final recorded track.

  1. Click the Start menu or press the Windows key.
  2. Open Settings, click System, and then click Sound.
  3. Under Input, click the microphone or another input device.
  4. Click Device Properties.
     To check the new mic levels, close the Device Properties window and click Start test.
  5. Under Related Settings, click Additional device properties.
  6. Under the Levels tab, adjust the mic sensitivity with the slider.
  7. On the Levels tab of the Microphone Properties window, adjust the settings as needed, and select OK.

• Adjust mic input volume on your Mac

  I f your computer's microphone sensitivity is too low or too high, you may sound too quiet or too loud on the recording.

  Adjust the sound input settings on your Mac so your voice will sound clear on the final recorded track.

  Note: These steps adjust an external mic without volume controls or the Mac's built-in mic. If you connect a microphone or mixer, adjust the sound using those controls.

  1. In the menu at the top of the screen, click the Apple logo.
  2. Choose System Settings.
  3. Click Sound.
  4. Click the Input tab.
  5. On the list of sound inputs, select an audio device.
  6. Adjust the Input volume slider.
  7. Speak into the microphone to test the new input volume level.

  If your audio input still sounds muted, check the Audio Midi Setup app on your Mac to confirm.

  When speaking, a reasonable Input level range should be on the right side of the meter between halfway and 2/3rds.
  

Good to know

• A host or producer can adjust a participant's output volume to balance the sound during the live call, but this does not change the recorded audio signal.

Learn more

• Audio is loud, distorted, or clipping
• I can't hear the other person in the Studio
• Change audio output on a PC
• Connect external mic to your mobile device: Overview
• Recommended microphones