Solved My solution for microphone not loud enough

[BogdanH]

My specs: Win7-SP1-64bit, Asus P8P67 motherboard

I didn't use/need headset on Win7 till now. I used it successfully on WinXP years ago, though. Ok, so I bough some cheap headset just to use it now and then. I plugged them in into rear panel (yes, into right holes!) and, as we can read many times in forums, microphone was not loud enough. Needless to say I tried all settings (there aren't that many, after all), all I could get is increased noise.
As I only had default MS audio drivers installed, I went to Asus web pages and downloaded latest Audio driver for my mobo. It was about 5yrs old.. which is about the age of my mobo. In short, result was the same (mic too quiet) no matter what settings. Darn cheapo headset, I though... need better ones...
I decided for Logitech G230.. and as you maybe guess: same result again!
Desperate and frustrated, I visited Realtek web pages. Not many stuff there, so downloads was easy to find:
High Definition Audio Codecs R2.79 released few days ago!
Download.. install.. Control panel.. Realtek HD Audio Manager..open.. let's see settings...
YES -it works now!!

I know, I should look at Realtek pages first (is easy to be smart after the fact). Still, I'm kinda dissappointed by Asus for not providing up-to-date software for their products.

Hope above will be of some help to some of you

 

[fireberd]

Many PC vendors tend to not issue new drivers, unless a device is not meeting their published specs. My ASRock Z77 motherboard is an example of old (but working) drivers. Realtek is an exception to the hardware vendors issuing drivers. Many other PC on-board audio chip manufacturers do not issue drivers to the public like Realtek.

OTOH I've fixed a lot of user problems by having them install the correct sound hardware drivers. Many are only using the generic, basic function, Windows installed High Definition Audio Drivers. Installing the correct hardware drivers, e.g. Realtek, fixes a lot of problems.