Today, most people prefer communication over the Internet. This is mainly done through the Skype program. The trouble is that, despite the popularity of calls over the Web and improved technology, the audibility of the interlocutor still leaves much to be desired. And the point here is not in the program and not in the quality of the connection.
Cheap microphones that are built into the motherboard are not able to provide a comfortable volume level. How to set up a microphone on Windows 7?
Device selection
Among a large number of models there are several options:
- ordinary analog microphones;
- microphones integrated into the webcam;
- USB microphones.
Analog models
This type includes both ordinary leg-mounted microphones and more expensive ones. Among the inexpensive ones, you can find the most sensitive ones that are suitable for a larger number of sound solutions. All computer microphones have electret capsules, and using them without an amplifier will be difficult.
Analog microphones are connected to the system unit jack, which happens on the front or back panel and is usually painted pink. In order to have good audibility, you need a good input in the sound card. Without it, audibility will be below acceptable levels.
Built-in microphone and USB microphone
An analog type of microphone is often embedded in the camera. In this case, the connector will be standard - 3.5 mm or USB. The second type is better, since such models have a built-in amplifier that is powered by a USB bus. It is capable of providing in most cases a comfortable sound level.
But there is a nuance - you can’t just transmit sound on the bus, because before that you need to convert it to digital form. Cheap cameras have low-quality converters, which is why the voice of the interlocutor is heard poorly.
A USB microphone without a camera has better sound quality, but there are few such models on the market.
How to configure a microphone on Windows 7 using system tools?
For example, the widespread Realnek HD codec will be used. The device must be connected to the input before setting up the microphone. Windows 7, when connected, will launch the codec manager, which will ask about the type of device connected. Select "Microphone input". Now you can configure it.
To do this, you can use the Realtek sound manager or the sound control panel of the operating system, which is also called the volume mixer. To open the dispatcher, you need to click its icon in the tray, and to start the mixer, right-click on the corresponding icon and select "Recording devices".
If the microphone does not work, Windows 7 must first find it. Names may vary depending on the jack. But there must be something like a Mic. If the device is not connected, then it will not be displayed in the window. In order to see all inputs, including disabled ones, you need to right-click on an empty spot in the window and put the corresponding checkmarks. So, the microphone is connected.
Now you need to open the tab "Levels". The audio tuning program allows you to set the input signal level to "100", and the gain level - up to 20-30 dB. It is here that the main reason for the quiet operation of the device is concluded - a low gain level. For most models, 20 dB is enough. With a larger value, the volume will increase, but the noise will increase.
How to set up a microphone on Windows 7 without them? To combat noise, you will need to go to the "Improvements" tab and check the box responsible for their suppression. Immediately you need to uncheck the mute all sound effects. If there is an echo effect, you can also enable the corresponding setting.
After noise reduction has been turned on, the voice may change and become a rough tone. This happens due to the poor quality of the microphone.
How to configure a microphone on Windows 7 using Realtek?
To do this, the sound manager is launched. Next, you need to find the tab containing the name of the microphone. Here you can also adjust the input level, gain, if the microphone is quiet. The program is very convenient, and visually everything is clear in it. It is also possible to suppress the echo and noise in it without any problems. It is worth noting that this configuration method is equally suitable for all versions of the Windows operating system.
What more can be done?
If the above measures did not help to achieve a comfortable microphone volume level, then it is better to purchase a webcam with an integrated device. If you don’t want to do this for one reason or another, you need to change the microphone to a more expensive model or purchase a separate sound card with high-quality input. A good solution is to buy a USB microphone, as its quality is several times higher. Another option may be to purchase a microphone amplifier, but they cost a lot. Someone manages to find printed circuit boards in order to make an amplifier on their own and solve the question of how to set up a microphone on Windows 7. But in order to assemble such a device, you need to understand this at least at an amateur level.
Checking the quality of communication using Skype
For this purpose, a sound testing service was specially created. After installing the program, it is the default contact list. In order to check the connection, you need to call this service and do what they say in the instructions. If the sound quality is fine, you can use the microphone without any problems.