If you have decided to implement the features of your computer by adding a microphone that allows you to record audio or chat with friends using your voice, this article will show you how to connect it to the system and how to configure it, whether the chosen microphone is standard or professional. Also, if you don't know why you are not receiving any signal from the microphone, you can use the helpful section dedicated to troubleshooting common problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Connect a Standard Microphone
Step 1. Look at the microphone connection jack
Normally, most standard computer microphones are equipped with two types of jacks: a 1/8 TRS, basically the classic jack that also includes headphones and earphones, or a USB connector. Both connectors find the own entry ports on most modern computers.
If you have a microphone with a 1/4 "XLR jack or a different type of connector, go directly to the next section of this guide
Step 2. Find the corresponding input port on your computer
Almost all desktop systems are equipped with an input port for connecting a microphone, usually placed - always clearly visible - on the front or rear of the processing unit. Commonly the input jack reserved for the microphone is pink and features a miniature image of a microphone. If your microphone has a 1/8-inch jack, you just have to plug it into its input port and run a functional test right away.
- If, on the other hand, you have a microphone with a USB connector, note that all computers nowadays have USB connection ports, often on both the front and rear of the processing unit. Simply plug the microphone connector into a free USB port on your computer.
- Having a built-in internal microphone, laptops and some more modern computers may not have a jack for connecting an external microphone. However, it is often possible to connect this device to the headphone input jack and then proceed to configure the audio settings.
Step 3. Test the operation of the microphone using your favorite audio recording software
The quickest and easiest way to check your microphone settings and volume is to access your system's audio options, making sure it is properly detected and ready to use. Open an audio capture program and try using the microphone by adjusting its volume.
- On Windows systems you can use the "Sound Recorder" program, while on Mac you can use "Quicktime" or "GarageBand".
- If you are not receiving any signal from the microphone, skip to the troubleshooting section.
Method 2 of 3: Connect a Professional Microphone
Step 1. Look at the microphone connection jack
To be connected to a computer, high-quality microphones, condenser microphones or other professional devices usually require the use of an adapter or special cable that acts as a converter. There is a wide availability of such tools, the choice of which varies according to the price and the type of microphone you want to connect to your computer.
- A round connector with three metal terminals positioned to form a triangle characterizes an XLR microphone model. In this case you will have to buy one of the following tools: a special connection cable with an XLR connector for connecting the microphone and a classic 1/8 inch jack for connecting to the computer, a USB converter or a mixer.
- For a 1/4 inch jack, the same size as the guitar jacks, you just need to buy an adapter that allows you to connect it to a USB port or the 1/8 inch jack for the microphone or microphone input port. computer headphones. Such adapters or cables are usually very cheap (they shouldn't cost more than a few euros).
Step 2. Get the right converter
In order to connect them to the computer, both types of microphones require the use of an adapter. Since these are high quality microphones it is advisable to invest in an equally valid adapter, in order to best preserve the power and purity of the signal.
- XLR microphones are the cheapest because their USB adapters or converters are reasonably low priced. However, some users do not consider it a correct choice, arguing that adapters of this type introduce a disturbance that causes the loss of some of the advantages acquired by using a professional microphone. For optimal sound quality, invest in a mixer with a USB out connection port.
- In any online or physical electronics store, the availability of 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch jack adapters is very wide and inexpensive.
Step 3. Test the operation of the microphone using your favorite audio capture software
The quickest and easiest way to check your microphone settings and volume is to access your system's audio options, making sure it is properly detected and ready to use. Open an audio capture program and try to use the microphone by adjusting its volume according to your needs.
- On Windows systems you can use the "Sound Recorder" program, while on Mac you can use "Quicktime" or "GarageBand".
- If you are not receiving any signal from the microphone, read the troubleshooting section below.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting Common Problems
Step 1. Check your recording related audio settings
If you are not receiving any signal from the microphone, go to your computer's audio settings to make sure the correct capture device is selected and its volume is set to an appropriate level.
- On Mac you simply need to access the "System Preferences", choose the "Sound" icon and finally select the "Input" tab. Make sure that the external microphone is selected and not the system integrated one.
- On Windows, go to the "Control Panel", select the "Hardware and Sound" category and choose the "Audio" icon. A new window will appear in which you will need to click on the "Registration" tab in order to view your microphone. If the device does not have a green check mark, it is not selected for use. Choose the microphone you want to use, then hit the "Properties" button. Change the "Device usage" option at the bottom of the new window that appears, so that it assumes the value "Use this device (active)". In doing so, each time the microphone is connected to the computer, it will be automatically selected for use.
Step 2. Set the recording volume
Most computers allow you to adjust the input volume. If you are using a standard microphone, set a very high recording volume to get sufficient sound quality, but try to keep the signal from saturating. An optimal configuration is to adjust the recording volume to a value close to 50%.
- On a Mac, you can do this by going to the "Sound" section of the "System Preferences".
- On Windows, go to the "Audio" section located in the "Hardware and Sound" category.
Step 3. Check the volume of your computer and speakers
If you're using headphones or external powered speakers, you need to check the volume adjustment, both on individual devices and on your computer. Otherwise you may not hear any sound.
Step 4. Check your microphone settings
You will obviously need to make sure that the microphone is switched on, that the connecting cable is firmly fixed in place, and that all related settings are properly adjusted. This step may vary depending on the microphone used.
Some vocal recording-specific condenser microphones have multiple operating configurations, some of which may generate a stronger signal than others or provide a wider range of sounds. Try the different settings to find the one that best suits the sound you want to record
Step 5. Check the settings of the specific program you are using
Different software for capturing and processing audio tracks have their own configuration options, which you will need to check. Some audio recording software may be configured to use the computer's built-in system microphone or another external source, even if this option has already been changed in the system settings.
For example, if you are using Skype, you need to access the "Tools" menu, select the "Options" item and finally choose the "Audio Settings" item. From the appeared window you can then choose which microphone to use. If your audio capture device is not listed in the selectable ones or is not working properly, find out if it requires the installation of specific software or drivers
Step 6. Try restarting your computer
Sometimes, for the microphone to be detected correctly, you may have to restart the program you are using using or even the entire system.
If your device still doesn't work, try using another microphone or connect it to a second computer. You will then be able to understand if the problem lies with the microphone or the computer
Advice
- Make sure you have connected the microphone correctly before trying it out and configuring its settings.
- If your voice seems to be too low, try turning up the microphone.
- The Windows "Sound Recorder" program can be started using the "Run" window and typing the command "sndrec32" (without quotes).
- Mac software "GarageBand" is selectable from the Dock or the "Applications" folder. If "GarageBand" has not yet been installed on your system, you can install it using the OS X installation disc.
- Using a microphone you can record conversations.
- Make sure your microphone has a jack that is compatible with the one on the computer you want to connect it to. If not, you will simply have to buy an adapter.
