In order to improve the quality of audio input on your computer, for example for chatting or recording your own voice, you can attach an external microphone to the computer yourself. You can use a regular computer microphone or a more professional XLR microphone. If when you plug in your microphone you won't get a signal, find out why at the end of this article.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Installing a Regular Microphone
Step 1. Pay attention to the jack on the microphone
Generally, most regular computer microphones have one of two types of jacks: a 1/8-inch TRS jack which is essentially the same as a headphone jack, or a flat-ended USB jack. These two jack ports are compatible with most computers.
If you're using an XLR mic, quarter-inch jack, or some other variation of microphone, skip to the next section
Step 2. Determine the port that is compatible with the computer
Most desktop computers have a visible microphone port on the front or back of the CPU. Usually, this port is pink and has an image of a microphone on it. For an eight-inch jack, simply insert the jack into this port and start the sound test.
- As for the USB jack, most computers have two or more USB ports on the side or back of the computer. Just plug the USB jack into one of these ports.
- Laptops and some more modern computers don't have a microphone port because they are usually equipped with a built-in microphone. On most computers, the microphone can usually also be plugged into the headphone port. Then you can adjust the sound settings.
Step 3. Test the microphone with the recording program
The easiest and fastest way to test levels and check microphone settings is to open input sound options. Make sure you can see which microphone is plugged in, and that it has been selected for use. Open a recording program, then try to use the microphone and adjust the level.
- On Windows, you can use Sound Recorder. On a Mac, use Quicktime or GarageBand.
- If you're not getting a microphone signal, skip to the last section to resolve the microphone issue.
Method 2 of 3: Installing a Professional Microphone
Step 1. Pay attention to the jack on the end of the microphone
Higher-quality music microphones, condenser microphones and other professional microphones generally require a converter adapter or cable before they can be plugged into a computer. Prices and types of microphones vary.
- If you see a fork triangle on the end of the microphone, that's an XLR microphone. You'll need to use a cable that will convert the XLR jack to an eight-inch port, or a converter box that will convert it to USB, or a mixer.
- If the jack is a quarter inch, the size of a guitar cable, use an adapter cable that will convert to USB or (usually) to an eight inch size, then plug it into the microphone port or the headphone port. The price of this cable is usually quite cheap, only a few tens of thousands of rupiah.
Step 2. Get the appropriate converter
Both types of microphones must be connected to a certain type of adapter before they can be plugged into a computer. Since the quality of these microphones is usually higher, we recommend using well-adapted equipment to keep the signal at its maximum.
- XLR microphones can be customized relatively inexpensively using a USB converter cable or box. However, some users report that the sound is "intermittent" thereby reducing microphone quality. For the best sound quality, buy a mixing board with a USB output.
- Quarter to eight-inch converter cables are widely sold. The price is also quite cheap. You can buy it at electronics stores.
Step 3. Test the microphone with the recording program
The easiest and fastest way to test levels and check microphone settings is to open input sound options. Make sure that you can see which microphone is plugged in, and that it has been selected for use. Open the recording program, then try to use the microphone and adjust the level
- On Windows, you can use Sound Recorder. On a Mac, use Quicktime or GarageBand.
- If you're not getting a microphone signal, skip to the last section to resolve the microphone issue.
Method 3 of 3: Common Troubleshooting
Step 1. Check the voice input settings
If you are not getting a microphone signal, go to the sound settings on your computer and make sure you have selected the correct microphone, and the appropriate level.
- On Mac there are no drivers to check. You can simply open System Settings, click Sound, then select Input. Make sure the microphone you plugged in is checked, not the Mac's built-in microphone.
- On PC, open Control Panel then click Hardware and Sound. Then click Sound. A window will appear. At the top, click recording, and you should see your microphone there. If there is no green check mark next to it, it means that the microphone is not selected. Click the microphone, then click properties. You can change the setting at the bottom to Use this Device. The microphone will be automatically used the next time it is plugged into your computer.
Step 2. Set the input level
You can control the input volume level on most computers. For lower quality microphones, you'll usually need to set it a little higher to get enough signal, but be careful not to overdo it. The best settings are usually in the default range, around 50%.
- On a Mac, do this from System Settings, under Sound.
- On a PC, do this from Hardware and Sound, under Sound.
Step 3. Check speaker and computer volume
If you are using external speakers or headphones, double check and make sure that the volume level is adjusted correctly, as well as the settings on the desktop. Otherwise, you may not hear any sound.
Step 4. Check the microphone settings
Obviously, the microphone must be on, the cables are securely connected, and the other settings properly adjusted depending on the microphone.
Some condenser microphones, and speech microphones have a variety of custom settings, some of which sound louder or have more features. Adjust it to produce the best sound quality for your purposes
Step 5. Check the settings of the program you are using
Audio processing programs have different input settings. Check this setting. The recording program settings may still pick up the built-in microphone or audio from other sources, even if you have changed computer settings.
For example, if you use Skype, go to Tools > Options > Audio settings and select your microphone. If your microphone is not listed or is still not working, check to see if it requires a specific program or driver
Step 6. Try restarting the computer
Sometimes, you have to close the program you are currently open. Restarting the computer is also sometimes used to recognize a newly installed microphone.
If the microphone still doesn't work, try using a different microphone, or try using it on a different computer. This will help you figure out if the computer or microphone is at fault
Tips
- Make sure you've plugged in the microphone before testing/setting it up.
- If the sound is too low, try increasing the microphone volume.
- The sound recorder on a Windows computer can be opened by typing "sndrec32" into the Run dialog box.
- GarageBand on Mac can be opened either from the Dock, or in "/Applications". If GarageBand isn't already installed, take the additional MAC installation disc, which is sometimes labeled "Disc 2".
- Record conversations.
- Make sure the microphone has the correct connector.
