How To Use Your Computer as an Amplifier for Your Microphone
By C. Taylor
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.
References
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to Windows 7. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
C. Taylor embarked on a professional writing career in 2009 and frequently writes about technology, science, business, finance, martial arts and the great outdoors. He writes for both online and offline publications, including the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Samsung, Radio Shack, Motley Fool, Chron, Synonym and more. He received a Master of Science degree in wildlife biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences at College of Charleston. He also holds minors in statistics, physics and visual arts.