How to Choose and Set Up an External Microphone Instead of Built-in?
Introduction
Built-in microphones in laptops often deliver mediocre quality — quiet sound, fan noise, echo. The solution is simple: connect an external microphone. In this article, we'll explain how to choose, connect, and properly configure it in Windows so your voice sounds clear and without distortion.
Quick Solution
- Connect the external microphone.
USB — simply plug it into a port; 3.5mm — connect to the jack with a 🎙️ icon. - Set it as default.
Control Panel → Sound → Recording → Right-click on device → "Set as Default Device". - Check volume and signal level.
Settings → System → Sound → Input → Test microphone. - Test on DoCam.io before a call or stream.
Detailed Guide
1. Types of External Microphones
| Type | Features | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Simple, suitable for video calls and podcasts | Direct USB port connection |
| Lavalier (3.5mm mini-jack) | Compact, can be clipped to clothing | Requires TRRS combo audio jack |
| XLR | Professional sound, requires audio interface | Connects via external sound card |
2. Connecting the Microphone
Connect the microphone and wait for Windows to install the driver. For USB devices, installation happens automatically. If Windows doesn't recognize the microphone — restart the computer or try a different port.
3. Setting Default Device
1️⃣ Press Win + R → type mmsys.cpl.
2️⃣ Open the Recording tab.
3️⃣ Find the external microphone (e.g., "USB Mic" or "Blue Yeti").
4️⃣ Right-click → Set as Default Device.
4. Adjusting Levels
1️⃣ Select the device → Properties → Levels.
2️⃣ Set volume to 90–100% and, if necessary, enable "Microphone Boost".
5. Checking in Applications
- Zoom: Settings → Audio → select your microphone from the list.
- Discord: User Settings → Voice & Video → select device manually.
- OBS: Add source "Audio Input Capture" → select external microphone.
6. Driver Check
If the microphone doesn't work, open Device Manager → Audio inputs and outputs and ensure the device appears without errors.
Error 0xA00F4288 — Microphone not found
(Microphone not detected by the system)7. Physical Setup Tips
- Position the microphone 15–20 cm from your mouth.
- Use a pop filter or windscreen for smoother sound.
- Don't aim the microphone directly at the keyboard or fan.
Tips
- Disable the built-in microphone to avoid dual signal.
- Regularly check volume on DoCam.io.
- If using XLR — adjust gain level on the audio interface.
- For USB microphones, no external drivers needed — just select the device.
Conclusion
Done! Now the external microphone fully replaces the built-in one and provides clear, rich sound. Before video calls and streams, don't forget to check the signal level — it's the key to making a good impression with your content.
Test your audio quality right now on DoCam.io.