USB Microphones don't work on Windows 7, is there a fix?

[Armonster]

I've read a tons of threads about people USB microphone's being extremely quiet. It seems to be a problem with windows 7. It still occurs with sound drivers updated, and with all volume boosts turned up. It's only USB mics, not mics that plug into the 3.5mm jack for microphones.

Every thread or forum I find just suggests to try these two things, as well as unchecking something, and that doesn't work either. And all the threads just end abruptly with no fix.

So does anyone know a workaround or fix to this? It's definitely just Windows 7 and just USB mics. They're insanely quiet.

 

[fireberd]

This is not an "all USB mic's with Win 7" problem. There are many that work OK. As the USB mic input is digital, it isn't using the sound module's preamp, thus its not a problem with the PC's sound card.

One problem that I've seen with mic's in general is if you have a web cam attached (which is normally a USB connection), the web cam can interfere with other mic inputs.

 

[Johnthefast]

Hey, when using a usb microphone or headset make sure there placed a reasonable distance from you so it will pick you up properly.

To set it up properly go into control panel - sound. find your device in the recording tab and right click on it. make sure it is the default sound device and default communication device. right click it and click properties, on the levels page increase the value to make it more sensitive and lower it to make it less sensitive.

To test the audio levels use a program like Skype or windows audio recorder to hear how loud and clear you are using the microphone test or recording yourself and playing it back.

Also there is a setting you may need to disable with windows. in control panel - sound - communications there are 4 radio buttons. these adjust the sound levels you hear whenever you start a 'phone call' setting it to 'do nothing' will make sure your audio quality / level isn't interrupted when using a voice chat program.

The Main reasons I know of that usb mics have issues are secondary listening devices like webcams taking priority and they are actually recording your voice, not the microphone near you and low listening levels set in sound control.

Also take into account that although you set the settings correctly in windows you may also have to set it per application.

My two cents from using usb headsets/mics for 5 years +.

Hope the info is useful

 

[LookinAround]

Verify the driver installed for your sound. It may be using the generic driver that comes as part of Win7. You want the hardware specific driver installed.

In DevMgr, look for you sound card, right click Properties->Driver Tab. If Microsoft if the driver provider, you're running the generic