About 15 years ago one could only dream of using an ordinary home computer as a means of video communication. Now, indeed, before our eyes the predictions of science fiction writers have become a reality. You will not surprise anyone anymore with the kind of microphone connected to the computer - this rather specific device. For a long time, the ability to connect it was in demand by various musical groups of amateur enthusiasts (which is worth supporting the ASIO protocol), but gradually the situation changed.
Currently, every self-respecting laptop manufacturer is obligatory to integrate a microphone and a video camera into the product. The reason was a significant reduction in the cost of computer equipment, which made it available to everyone, as well as attractive price offers from Internet providers. The appearance of the famous Skype (Skype), which supports full-fledged video communication, and in the future, other similar programs, created the necessary software basis.
It is not surprising that many users of such applications, and concurrently, owners of video cameras and microphones, so want to learn how to increase the microphone volume. The problem of the interlocutor’s hearing has been around for quite some time. Developers of programs that interact with the microphone are constantly improving the mechanisms for capturing and transmitting sound, so there are usually no problems with how to increase the microphone volume. Increasing it is one of the easiest ways to increase audibility.
Why is it good to hear from one microphone and bad from another? It's all about sensitivity. It is she who determines how quiet the device can catch. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the conversion of sound pressure into electric current, which is subsequently amplified.
Obviously, “increasing the microphone volume” means increasing the gain. But there is one feature. It is very familiar to owners of digital cameras with high sensitivity (ISO 1600 and more): with an increase in gain, the amount of spurious noise increases. So is the case with the microphone: excessive signal amplification leads to wheezing and frequency disruption. That's why when buying this device, you should choose a model with maximum sensitivity, and not then look for a way to increase the microphone volume. Unfortunately, judging by the questions on the forums, not all owners of a personal computer follow this.
There is nothing complicated about how to increase the microphone volume . If the sound card drivers are installed correctly, then in the taskbar of the Windows operating system, next to the clock, the speaker icon that is not crossed out is displayed. Having set the cursor on it, you need to press the right mouse button and select “Recording Devices” in the menu that appears. From the displayed list of devices supporting recording, you must select "Microphone", usually it is the topmost. Select it and click the "Properties" button. Next, follow the menu "Levels". Moving the slider left-right, you can accordingly decrease-increase the gain, increasing the audibility of the sound transmitted by the microphone. Please note that Microsoft intentionally set the gain to 66%. Too high a value will result in wheezing, and a low value will result in poor hearing.
Here you can select the “+ 20dB Boost” parameter. This is a decibel programmed gain that complements the above adjustment with the slider. It is recommended to turn on “boost”, and reduce the volume.
Now any user can figure out how to increase the microphone volume. However, despite this opportunity, when buying a separate device, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing too cheap models.