How To Use Your Computer as an Amplifier for Your Microphone

By C. Taylor

Windows 7's Microphone Boost increases recording volume.
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Windows 7 includes a Microphone Boost feature that amplifies the sensitivity on your microphone to record faint sounds. This feature is useful when using microphones that do not have high native recording volumes or you need to drown out loud background noises on directional microphones. You need to experiment with the settings to achieve optimal results, because too much boost can produce distortion and degrade recording performance.

Step 1

Click Start, type "mmsys.cpl" and press "Enter." Alternatively, right-click the speaker icon from the Windows 7 Notification area and select "Recording Devices."

Step 2

Click the "Recording" tab, if it is not already selected.

Step 3

Right-click your microphone and select "Set As Default." If it has a green check mark in front of it, it's already selected as the default microphone.

Step 4

Double-click your microphone to open its properties.

Step 5

Click the "Levels" tab.

Step 6

Move the "Microphone Boost" slider to the right to amplify your microphone. The Microphone slider also controls recording volume, but it does not amplify the volume beyond its normal capabilities.

Step 7

Click "OK" to accept your new settings.

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