Let's talk about what worries many users of a program such as Skype. Microphone gain "XP" - a sore problem for many. We will deal with the setup of AC 97 (compatible codec). Consider the algorithm of actions on an example with a built-in sound card "Intel". Although the principle of operation for other codecs is similar.
So, in order to perform microphone amplification, we need to open a standard sound mixer. This is done by double-clicking on the speaker icon, which is located in the tray. If you don’t see such an icon, open the start menu, from there go to the control panel, where you will need to select the section of sounds and audio devices. In the window that appears, check the box next to the icon on the taskbar.
Now, to make the microphone gain, you need to go to the options menu in the window of your mixer for volume. There you must definitely put a marker opposite the display of additional options. Without them, microphone amplification will not be possible.
After that, go to the mixer settings for recording. To do this, you must go to the parameters section, where click on the properties and select the entry. Next, in the list of inputs that will be reflected, there should be a “checkmark” opposite the microphone or microphone input.
After that, you click on the “OK” button and find your microphone input. Now there is the ability to adjust the input level, which is necessary to amplify the microphone. The item has different names, but the action is the same (your device is amplified after the indicated manipulations by twenty decibels).
It should be noted that some Rialtek drivers do not contain settings buttons in their software shells below the volume level of your microphone. There may be an erroneous impression that it is not provided. But this is not so. It is present (only in the mixer for volume settings).
If you did all this, but did not get the expected result, then in this case you need to install a webcam equipped with an integrated microphone. If your current camera is quite suitable for you, then, in any case, it is worth changing the microphone. As an option - you can buy a sound card that has a separate microphone input. I advise you to pay attention to microphones with a USB plug. There is also a certain program for amplifying the microphone, however, if your equipment is not of the best quality, then you cannot solve your problem with one software.
Finally, I’ll talk about how to check what your interlocutor hears. In Skype, a special service is provided for this, called the "Echo / Sound Verification Service". Each user who installed this program on their computer has it in the contact list initially. Therefore, to check the connection, just call this contact and follow the instructions that a cute female voice will tell you. If the quality of communication suits you, then we communicate, if not, we make the necessary settings and adjustments. If nothing happens at the software level, you need to, as mentioned above, change the equipment.