Adjust sound input on a Mac

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If 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.

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

Step by step

  1. In the menu at the top of the screen, click the Apple logo.
  2. Choose System Settings.
    NOTE:
    In older versions of macOS, choose System Preferences.
  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.
ventura-input-level-MU.png

IMPORTANT:
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 volume level that is recorded.

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