Sager NP8130 weak microphone volume

Has anyone had problems with the microphone volume being very weak when using an external headset? I have tried with microphone boost maxed and while it does increase the mic volume, there is an extremely audible hiss that comes with it.

I've tested the mic on a different computer and it sounded fine, so I'm assuming it's a problem with the realtek soundcard. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Have you tried a different headset/mic? See if all mics plugged in give the issue?

 

I haven't tried a different headset, but I have tried my headset on other computers and it works fine. On the 8130 i have to shout for the mic to even pick up anything or eat my microphone if I want to talk normally. My friend and I have the same headset (Razer Carcharias) and Windows 7 64 bit, and his mic is crystal clear. So, it leads me to believe it's the sound card that's causing the problem.

Any other NP8130 owners having this problem as well or is it just me?

 

I don't own a P151HM1, but the reason I asked is because your mic jack may be the issue, rather than your sound card. If you could test even one other mic that exibits the same problems, then see if you can get it. If you have THX software you can enable, then try using that as well. I do remember something about Fn + 5 helping the audio quality a lot, but I have no clue if it'll work with microphones. Also, how does your integrated microphone work? The one built into the laptop? Another option to test if it's the sound card (rather than your mic jack) is to use a USB headset/mic. With a USB headset, it'll be using your sound card still, but with a different connector. This will help with RMA-ing, as I think if you RMA an integrated sound card they'll have to swap the motherboard, rather than just the front jacks. Might help you solve the issue faster.

 

Did you try increasing sensitivity from the sound panel?

 

I'll try the THX software, though I think that's only for audio output. Fn+5 doesn't seem to do anything. My integrated microphone works fine, it's actually the best one I've had yet out of my 3 Clevo laptops. If I can get a hold of a USB headset I'll test the microphone quality on that.

Yes, I have increased the microphone volume in recording options to 100 and microphone boost needs to be at +20 or +30 dB in order to be audible without having to scream. And even then it's still very quiet. Also the hissing from the mic boost comes through louder than my voice does.


Realtek in general seems to be a problem for a lot of people, and many other forums I have read are full of people with the same problem, where they all have to yell in order for their mic to pick up any sound. Kind of irritates me that Clevo laptops are so nice but they use such horrible integrated audio.


Update: As I suspected, THX didn't help the issue

 

Well then it probably is your mic jack. I wish you could test using another analogue headset, then with a USB one to be totally sure.

 

I have the same issue. I've tested it with two different headsets and the quality is low and terrible.

 

I don't suppose sending it in to Sager would help very much then. Argh

 

ive had problems with another computer where the mic volume was very low, so i soldered up a small preamp with adjustable gain and put it in my laptop. i was able to put it in the express port, but i don't know if there is enough room to do that in an 8130, or if you are willing or able to do such a thing.

 

Yea, that won't be a practical solution for me because I can't be without a laptop for, what I'm guessing, 3 weeks total for shipping and fixing.

But I am assuming that if we purchase a USB headset, it might work... Do you have a USB headset to try?

 

I don't at the moment, but I will probably have to end up getting one or just use the built in mic.

Would something like this work? Would like to not have my razer headset go to waste.
Amazon.com: Syba SD-CM-UAUD USB Stereo Audio Adapter, C-Media Chipset, RoHS: Electronics

 

I feel like an idiot. I was searching through amazon for a USB headset. It didnt even occur to me to look for the adapter that you had presented... I may need to go to BEST BUY and see if they have this adapter since it's cheaper than buying a USB headset or a bluetooth capable headset.