Why Is My Microphone Too Quiet and How to Boost It Programmatically?

Introduction

Can others barely hear your voice, and they constantly ask you to speak louder? Most likely, your microphone is working, but its signal level is too low. This can be caused by reduced volume in Windows settings, driver peculiarities, or incorrect noise cancellation. Let's explore how to boost your microphone programmatically without purchasing additional equipment.

Quick Solution

  1. Check the volume level in Windows.
    Settings → System → Sound → Input → Device Properties.
  2. Disable automatic volume adjustment in Zoom, Discord, or Skype.
  3. Enable Boost in Windows microphone properties.
  4. Use the "Compressor" filter in OBS to level out volume.
  5. Test the results on DoCam.io.

Detailed Guide

1. Checking Microphone Level in Windows

1️⃣ Press Win + I → System → Sound → Input.
2️⃣ Select your microphone and speak a few words — the indicator should move.
3️⃣ Click Device Properties → Levels → set the value to 90–100%.

If the voice is still too quiet, enable software boost:

  • Open Control Panel → Sound → Recording.
  • Select microphone → Properties → Levels.
  • Increase the Microphone Boost (+10…+20 dB) parameter.

2. Checking Drivers

1️⃣ Press Win + X → Device Manager.
2️⃣ Expand Audio inputs and audio outputs.
3️⃣ Right-click on microphone → Update driver.
4️⃣ If using Realtek — download the driver from your laptop manufacturer's website.

Error 0x8007001f — Audio device not responding
(Audio driver problem)

3. Boosting Microphone in OBS Studio

OBS allows you to programmatically increase volume without quality loss:

  1. Add Audio Input Capture source.
  2. Right-click → Filters.
  3. Add Gain filter → increase level by +5…+10 dB.
  4. Add Compressor filter so voice doesn't clip.

Recommended Values

FilterParameterValue
GainBoost+6 dB
CompressorThreshold-10 dB
CompressorRatio3:1

4. Setup in Zoom and Discord

Zoom

  • Settings → Audio → Microphone
  • Uncheck Automatically adjust volume.
  • Move the volume slider manually to maximum.

Discord

  • User Settings → Voice & Video
  • Disable "Automatically determine input sensitivity".
  • Move the input level slider to the right (up to +10 dB).

5. Alternative Boost Methods

  • Use Voicemeeter Banana — a virtual mixer for Windows.
  • Add Equalizer APO and boost the 2–4 kHz range (where speech is located).
  • Use NVIDIA Broadcast for AI-powered audio processing and noise cancellation.

Tips

  • Don't increase boost above +20 dB — background noise will appear.
  • If using a built-in microphone — keep a distance of 15–25 cm from the sound source.
  • After boosting, always check recording volume on DoCam.io.
  • Regularly update Realtek or USB Audio drivers.

Conclusion

Done! Now your microphone sounds louder and clearer. Remember that excessive boost can lead to noise — find a balance between volume and quality.

Check your audio level after setup on DoCam.io.