Dear Readers,
I have been out for a while as I am caught up with lots of work. I did not have much time playing guitars or doing some self-created tech projects to write about it. So apologizes for the MIA me for the past few months.
Today I will be writing about the solution to fixing low microphone input from your earpiece or headset. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I do not know much about hardware stuff thus this solution is based on my observation.
Let’s dive straight into it.
Table of Content
1. Introduction
So recently, I purchased a new headset which is Fnatic React. However, it requires an audio port. My laptop contains two ports which one is for audio and another is for the microphone (see Figure 1a). Therefore, a splitter is required. Thankfully, Fnatic React provides me a splitter (see Figure 1b).
Figure 1a: Dual audio port
Figure 1b: Audio splitter
However, the volume for both the microphone input and music output played on the headset are lower than half. If the music is lower by half, it is fine because we can just increase the volume. However, it is an issue if the microphone input is lower. It will definitely affect audio chat with others, streaming, or recording videos.
2. Failed solutions
One of the methods I tried was to go into the device property settings to boost my microphone (see Figure 2a).
- It can be found in the volume icon on your Window’s panel by right-clicking on it > select “Open sound settings”.
- A window will pop up. Scroll down and look for “Device properties”.
Figure 2a: Boost microphone volume
This was suggested in many forums and YouTube videos. However, it will only cause the microphone to be oversensitive. Breathing can easily be heard which is not a good thing.
Another solution I tried was to use software recommended online called Voicemeeter (see Figure 2b).
Figure 2b: Voicemeeter software
However, it does not work as the boost seems to overwrite the “Device property” boost option. Moreover, the gain in Voicemeeter seems to be lower and is a worse solution compared to the previously failed solution which is to modify the setting in “Device property”.
3. Working Solution
Lastly, I read somewhere is a forum that talks about audio splitter splitting the power into half. Therefore, the volume will be lower by half. I am not sure if it the reason as I have no knowledge of signals or electrical stuff. Since audio splitter might reduce the volume, I decided to get audio to USB adapter which is also known as a sound card (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: An audio to USB adapter
To my surprise, it works. Both the volume output from my headset and my microphone input is now loud. When plugging in the sound card, it will automatically install a driver. After waiting for a short moment, you may test the volume and it should be working great. For those of you who are interested in what sound card I purchased, you may find it here.
I hope today’s post will be helpful for those who are facing the same issue as me and have not found a good solution yet. Feel free to leave any comments below. You may also send me some tips if you like my work and want to see more of such content. Funds will mostly be used for my boba milk tea addiction. The link is here. 🙂
Lamecarrot 