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    XPS 15 (L502X) low microphone volume?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by zzmaster, Sep 15, 2011.

  1. zzmaster

    zzmaster Notebook Enthusiast

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    When I plug in a microphone or even when using the built-in mic, the volume level is extremely low, to the point that the other party has to turn the volume way up. I've installed the latest Realtek drivers, enabled +30db boost and must turn on noise reduction. If I don't turn on noise reduction, the amount of static is incredible. I'm using Window's Sound Recorder for my testing.

    Is this a fault of this model or do I just have a bad sound chip? Hardware BIOS diagnostics passes but the volume is concerning as I don't have this problem with my Thinkpad. Now I'm wondering if I should just return the laptop.
     
    zzmaster, Sep 15, 2011
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  2. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    It's pretty normal, I have to do this on my desktop which uses a Realtek chip, and my friend does too (also Realtek). I use a USB headset with this system or the mike array, so I haven't tried the ports, but imagine having to boost the volume to 100% and +30db boost would be needed. Needing noise reduction IS normal, boosting gain by 30dB is massive and will always lead to increased static.
     
    madmattd, Sep 15, 2011
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  3. zzmaster

    zzmaster Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the information. I've replace the headset with a USB version and the microphone is clear now by bypassing the audio port. Just make sure to configure the headset as a the default in Window's sound settings.
     
    zzmaster, Sep 16, 2011
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  4. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Yea, you do have to watch the default device, Windows loves to think the mike array should be default...
     
    madmattd, Sep 16, 2011
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