With the development of Internet technologies, the communication capabilities of the global network have become extremely diverse. Nevertheless, the most familiar and, so to speak, traditional form of communication is still the speech exchange of information. Thanks to such an electro-acoustic device as a microphone, a person will be heard even if he is on the opposite side of the moon. We exaggerate, of course, but the meaning is clear. Mentioned sound transducer is an important element of influence on the world around them. It is easy to imagine how important it will be for a PC user to have knowledge on how to connect a microphone to a computer (Windows 7 is installed on it or a different version doesn’t matter) when it is absolutely necessary for him to establish Skype video communication or set up karaoke. Perhaps you also experience some difficulties in solving these kinds of electronic problems. If so, then you just need to read this article, the recommendations of which will help you fix software problems and enjoy the correct operation of the installed electroacoustic device.
Such different microphones: not for fun, but an example for
Typically, the user acquires additional equipment (including pickups) in a computer store, where the seller will always tell you which model should be purchased for one or another purpose. If you bought, as it seems to you, not quite what you need, or gave you a negotiated device with an incomprehensible plug (as an option, you inherited it, so to speak, by inheritance - with the legendary inscription: “Made in the USSR”), then, it is likely that this may prompt a search for a solution to the question: “How to connect a microphone to a computer?” Windows 7 OS, as you know, is installed on modern computing devices. The latter circumstance provides for the use of relatively new interface standards. Therefore, “sticking in non-sticky things” (may the reader forgive us for such an absurd pun) you will not succeed. However, no one says that this is impossible to do in principle. After all, it is no secret that almost any connector provides for the use of various adapters and additional equipment, for example, an external mixer or amplifier. However, let's dwell on simpler connection options.
The purpose of the audio connectors, or where do the wires lead?
It is worth noting that for some users during the “audio upgrade” the question “how to connect a microphone to a computer” may not arise: Windows 7 works correctly with analog-type pickup devices. As a rule, when connecting a regular USB headset, the system automatically uses the necessary drivers. The user only needs to run specific software and enjoy the further operational process. However, the novice user does not always know which connector the microphone should be connected to. Perhaps you, dear reader, need the following information:
- main audio jacks are located behind the stationary unit;
- As a rule, the microphone input is pink;
- often the rear interface panel is provided with graphic icons that indicate the essence of their accessories.
So, before you panic, you need to make sure that the involved socket is appropriate. As you can see, everything is quite simple.
When you can not do without Skype: how to connect a microphone to a computer
Windows 7 for Skype is a perfectly suitable system. However, despite the functional self-sufficiency of the “seventh” OS, sometimes software conflicts do happen. This is often due to the mismatch of the audio driver used by the system, which monitors and controls the operation of the microphone. Some modifications of the device you know use sophisticated hardware; in such cases, you just can not do without the original (proprietary) software. If you do not have an installation disk from the microphone, then you should independently find the necessary driver on the Internet.
We make sure that the system sees the audio device that interests us
So how to connect a microphone to a computer? “Windows 7 Maximum” (like any other edition of the “seventh” OS) has a number of standard tools, their properly organized use is the answer to the question we are discussing.
- First of all, check if you have correctly connected the electro-acoustic device.
- Go to the control panel and go to the "Sound" section.
- Next, activate the “Record” tab.
- If you did not find the icon in the form of a microphone, then right-click on the free space of the working area of the service window.
- From the context menu, select "Show disconnected devices."
- After that, point the marker at the icon that appears and use the same right key of the manipulator to call up the drop-down list again.
- Now click on the “Properties” item and go to the “Levels” tab.
- Perhaps, after you drag the sliders in the direction of increasing the sound, the question of how to connect the microphone to the computer (Windows 7) will be removed from the agenda.
Practical example: customizing the voice functionality of a popular video messenger
After the initial launch of the Skype application, you will be asked to make some sound and video settings:
- Speak a phrase and pay attention to whether the signal indicator in the corresponding block of the working window responds.
- If not, make sure that the name of the microphone that you connected is indicated in the checkbox.
- Make a test call and check the operability of the device you are using.
How to set up a microphone in Realtek HD Sound Manager
- In the "Control Panel" menu, find the icon of the section of the same name.
- After you find yourself in the main window of the sound manager you are interested in, activate the microphone icon located in its upper part.
It is worth noting that in different versions of this sound card the interface may differ slightly in the location of the controls.
- Check “noise reduction” and “echo”.
- Move the recording volume slider up to an acceptable level.
- If necessary, you can increase the gain parameter of your sound transducer by specifying one of the three decibel values in the corresponding checkbox.
Now you know several ways to connect a microphone to a computer (Windows 7). Karaoke, by the way, can also be configured using the aforementioned dispatcher. Find the appropriate tab or icon in the form of the electro-acoustic device we are discussing and make the necessary changes to the device.
Final tip
Often, novice users ask: “How to connect a microphone to the computer (Windows 7) on the front panel?” Indeed, sometimes the system unit has a number of additional connectors, some of them are duplicated, located in the most accessible place. With this connection, you need to go to the “Sound Manager” and, activating the wrench icon (right, lower part of the control interface), go to the “Connector Settings” section. After you use the appropriate sound scheme, the problem will be solved. Good luck to you!