What would make the microphone too quiet?

I'm sure it's something software. This is because it's behaving weirdly and inconsistently across drivers.

I just installed the drivers Pyro is using, and right now, the microphone volume control and that speaker output-as-input are grayed out. In the Realtek app, the sliders aren't even there. Also, after I uninstalled whatever drivers I had (they were a little quiet), and installed the ones I've got currently, recording volumes fell through the floor.

I turned off some of the stuff Realtek was spawning at startup, but that didn't seem to help. Skytel.exe looked really suspicious to me... what purpose could that possibly serve? a "process associated with realtek voice manager" -- I don't want my voice managed. Why not just have a nice manual control instead?

Oh, and the levels are uniformly low across both Skype and that Sound Recorder app.

 

Make sure the input, microphone, and master volume dials are at a decent level. Make sure that you are using a good microphone as well.

 

Did you get that headset yet? I've never had good recording volume from the built in microphone.

 

The microphone volume is muted on the output, and grayed out on the input. The slider thing is unavailable in the Realtek software. I'm not sure what that reflects.

Yes. I like it, now that I've gotten used to adjusting the ear pieces. I imagine I'll use it fairly heavily once I can get this driver/software problem worked out.

Also, the volume got a lot lower once I installed your drivers. This convinces me it's not a problem with the microphone.

 

OK, I think I know what your problem is... it caught me as odd.. but thats ok

in the windows volume control thing... go to options, properties, and now the radio for recording is gone right? wrong.. its a unique device now.. Change the mixer device to Realtek HD audio input. Should give you the recording crap.

I've got my recording volume at about 33% + Mic Boost enabled. Send me a PM if you want my teamspeak info and I'll try to help you through it via voice since that is faster.. or feel free to IM me through on of the messengers in my under my name.

 

Yeah... the windows volume controls reflect the realtek volume controls. And in the realtek controls, you can't manipulate the microphone or "stereo mix" levels. there's no slider.

I've got mic boost enabled, and recording turned up to 100%, and it sounds about like I'd like it. That is, volume is roughly on par with the level that everything else is at. Without mic boost it's nearly silent. It seems like this didn't work yesterday, but I may have just not had the mic boost turned on.

Here's a screen clip of what I'm talking about with the grayed out control:

 

I've got the same thing. *shrug* Sounds like you got it figured out though?

 

Well, not so much figured out as having a microphone practically inside my mouth. (thanks for the suggestion)

The underlying problem is still there, as evidenced by the fact that your volume is at 33%, and mine is at 100%, for the same effect. I'll just keep my eyes out for a solution, I guess. It's fair to consider this issue closed.

 

Keep in mind that upper range is unusable by me because the Mic will get this horrible looping feedback sound that is heard both from the speakers on my machine, and remotely by whomever I'm talking to. It was the main reason I bought the headset. Without it and I basically get no recording ability.