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Win 11 - Microphone input volume / Sensitivity

Anonymous
2024-01-31T19:46:58+00:00

Hi,

I'm having some microphone issues. the input volume is VERY quiet, i have to shout in order for the mini mixer bar next to the microphone (in more sound options) to even pick up that I'm speaking, using the 'Test' your microphone" within 'Sound properties' gets back a “1% of total volume at normal talking”  

Strangely when using the ‘listen to this device’ option against microphone properties what I hear back is louder than when recording, but the volume mixed bar next to the mic still doesn’t move, and the ‘Test your microphone’ doesn't go above 1% still.

I’m able to get it to pick up higher volume but i have to have the microphone less than a cm away from my mouse and this has only worked when using 1 of the headsets, for the other two i can’t get it above 1-2.% 

To note I've used the ‘life chat’ headsets for years without issue until the last few months when this started.

i’m assuming it’s a sensitivity type issue or how the sound is being processed.  After a week of trying everything i can think of and looking online i’m at a loss of what else to try.

General information

  • Desktop PC
  • Windows 11 Pro Version 10.0.22621 Build 22621
  • Mobo: AsusTUF Z390-PLUS GAMING (WI-FI)
  • CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9700K CPU @ 3.60GHz, 3600 Mhz, 8 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)
  • RAM: 32.0 GB

What I've tried so far:

  • 3 different microphones (one at a time)
    • Microsoft lifechat LX-3000 (3 separate ones as i have spares) (USB),
    • EKSA E900 (3.5mm)
    • Generic 'call centre' type headset (USB)
  • Microphone settings (Properties)
    • Default (and only Microphone)
    • Microphone level to 100%
    • Microphone Boot
    • 3 channel, 16 bit, 480000HZ (DVD Quality)
    • Exclusive mode (Both options on and off)
    • Enable audio enhancements (on and off)
    • Using the listen to this device option
      • Can hear self, but it is still quieter than it should be though it is louder than when recording self slightly.
  • Disconnecting all other devices
  • Using the 'Troubleshoot common sound problems' setting
    • "Result "Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem"
  • enabling and disabling other Devices and these devices
  • Update, and reinstall Drivers
    • Using alternative ‘generic’ drivers
  • Connection direction to USB ports and with extensions ( USB 2,0 and 3,0)
  • Disconnecting all other devices
  • Booting in safe mode
    • No audio input or output from headset
  • Speech recognition setup
    • Setup Microphone
      • When reading the sentence ”Peter dictates to his computer…” the bar doesn’t get past the yellow.
  • Recording Self via OBS studio
    • Can barely hear self at all (Even when volume is set high)
  • Speaking on discord
    • (Everyone has to turn me up alot)
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-01T23:40:43+00:00

    Hi, good day! I'm Jerico T., I understand that you're having some issues right now, I'll do my best to help you with your concern.

    Prior to the issue, are there any recent changes on your computer? Please try to perform the troubleshooting methods below and check if any of the resolves fixes the issue.

    Method 1: Roll-back driver

    1. Open run box by pressing Windows Key + R and type devmgmt.msc then hit enter
    2. Locate and expand Audio inputs and outputs (do this also to Sound, video and game controllers)
    3. Right-click on the driver and select Update driver
    4. Select Browse my computer for drivers
    5. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer
    6. Select any older driver from the list and click next
    7. Wait for the process to complete, once completed, restart your computer and check if it resolves your issue.

    Method 2: Go to your manufacturer's website

    1. Open run-box by pressing windows key + R, type msinfo32 and hit enter.
    2. Look for your System Model and System Manufacturer, take note of them.
    3. Go to your manufacturer's website and search for your driver using the information that you noted.
    4. Download and install the driver, restart your computer and check if the issue still persists.

    Please do let me know how it goes.

    Regards,
    Jerico T.

    Hi Jerico,

    I've not made any recent changes to the computer that have impacted this, the issue started months ago but i didn't need to record any audio at the time and it was resolved by having people increase my volume in calls instead. The last time i can recall it working was prior to upgrading to windows 11. However it may have worked to begin with on windows 11, i can't recall.

    Method 1)

    When Following the instructions for the microphone listed under Audio inputs and outputs I get two options 'Audio endpoint' & 'Generic software Device'. I've previously tried both of these as well as uninstalling the existing driver . I've redone this but this has not resolved the issue entirely,

     it has improved the issue for the USB microphone. I’m now able to register up to 20%  when using the ‘test your microphone’ option in settings and am record at a reasonable volume.

    It hasn’t made a difference to the 3.5m

    Method 2)

    I’m not entirely sure what you meant for me to do here, but following instructions This is what is listed under system information for Model and Manufacturer.

    If you meant for me to download the driver for the headset, it is no longer available (See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/firmware-drivers-and-software-for-microsoft-lifechat-headsets-5ceeb582-45a4-fbb7-3c63-e24730b2ee29)

    (Headset in question is a Microsoft lifechat x3000.  But as mentioned i’ve tried it with two other microphones and has same issues.)

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-01T23:50:28+00:00

    Thank you for the detailed response and I apologize but it seems that I ran out of ideas. Maybe someone has a better resolve.

    Regards,

    Jerico T.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-31T21:24:39+00:00

    Hi, good day! I'm Jerico T., I understand that you're having some issues right now, I'll do my best to help you with your concern.

    Prior to the issue, are there any recent changes on your computer? Please try to perform the troubleshooting methods below and check if any of the resolves fixes the issue.

    Method 1: Roll-back driver

    1. Open run box by pressing Windows Key + R and type devmgmt.msc then hit enter
    2. Locate and expand Audio inputs and outputs (do this also to Sound, video and game controllers)
    3. Right-click on the driver and select Update driver
    4. Select Browse my computer for drivers
    5. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer
    6. Select any older driver from the list and click next
    7. Wait for the process to complete, once completed, restart your computer and check if it resolves your issue.

    Method 2: Go to your manufacturer's website

    1. Open run-box by pressing windows key + R, type msinfo32 and hit enter.
    2. Look for your System Model and System Manufacturer, take note of them.
    3. Go to your manufacturer's website and search for your driver using the information that you noted.
    4. Download and install the driver, restart your computer and check if the issue still persists.

    Please do let me know how it goes.

    Regards,

    Jerico T.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments