Enable mic boost in Windows 8
These steps will work in Windows 7 and 8 and on any type of microphone you utilize, including standalone, built-in and Bluetooth-based hardware. Minimize whatever program you’re using to voice chat and head to the Windows 8 desktop. Right-click on your Sound icon, then click on “Recording devices.”
Depending on your setup, you may have multiple mics present. Right-click on the active mic, usually denoted by a green check mark next to it.
Click on “Properties” to open the sound settings for your microphone.
Open the “Levels” tab in Microphone Properties.
From here, you can adjust the Microphone boost to the desired level. By default, this will be set at 0.0 dB. You can adjust it to +40 dB. The slider adjusts the boost immediately. You should adjust the boost on your microphone while talking to someone. This way they can give you feedback as to how adjusting the mic boost makes you sound.
What if enabling mic boost doesn’t work?
It’s possible that mic boost may not solve your volume issues. If this is the case, follow the steps above to open the Microphone Properties and click “Advanced.”
Uncheck the box that says “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.” Many programs that take control of your mic force you to use its settings to determine the outgoing volume. If boosting your mic doesn’t work in Windows, try this solution and repeat the steps for boosting it again. Chances are this will correct any roadblocks in increasing your microphone volume.
Conclusion
Voice chat has quickly become the norm for those online. If you’re not being heard over Skype, Google Voice or other chat services, try boosting your mic in Windows to solve the problem. Image Credit: Microphone_studio by Zzubnik
