If, at the beginning of a call, your interlocutors tell you that they cannot hear you well or that your voice is too faint 📢, here is a simple solution to apply in the Windows settings. ⚙
In the Windows "Sound" settings:
- Go to the "Communications" 💬 tab and select the "Do nothing" option.
In the "Recording" tab ⏺:
- Select your microphone, click on "Properties", and uncheck the two boxes in the "Exclusive Mode" section.
In the "Levels" tab 🔊:
- Set the microphone volume slider to 100.
Once these adjustments are made, your future calls should run smoothly, and your interlocutors will hear you clearly! 👌
Additional Options
1. Check the microphone hardware configuration
- Make sure the microphone is properly connected: test another USB port or cable if necessary.
- If you are using an external headset or microphone, ensure it is selected as the default device in the Windows settings.
2. Adjust the advanced microphone properties
- In your microphone properties, go to the "Advanced" tab:
- Audio quality: Ensure the default format is set to 44100 Hz (CD Quality) or 48000 Hz (Studio Quality).
- Uncheck "Enable audio enhancements" if this option is available, as it may cause interference.
3. Enable or disable automatic gain control
- If your microphone is too quiet, you can try enabling the microphone boost in the "Levels" tab by increasing the value to +10 dB or +20 dB, depending on your needs.
- ⚠️ Note: Settings that are too high may cause background noise or echo.
4. Use diagnostic and troubleshooting tools
- In Windows: Go to Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot audio problems to automatically identify and resolve common issues.
- In your communication software: Some platforms (like Teams, Zoom, or Discord) offer options to test and optimize your microphone directly in their audio settings. Activate features such as noise reduction or echo cancellation, if available.
5. Update your audio drivers
- Open the Device Manager, locate your microphone or sound card, and update the drivers. An outdated version may cause audio quality issues.
6. Test with another microphone or headset
- If the problem persists, your microphone might be defective. Try another device to see if it resolves the issue.