Microphone Recording Surrounding Sound Instead of Voice [Troubleshooting Guide]

 

Microphone Recording Surrounding Sound Instead of Voice [Troubleshooting Guide]

 

 

Having a microphone that records surrounding sounds instead of capturing your voice can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to address this issue. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying and resolving the problem.

Check the microphone settings:
The first step is to ensure that the microphone is selected as the default recording device on your computer. On Windows, right-click on the volume icon in the taskbar, select "Sounds," go to the "Recording" tab, and verify that the correct microphone is set as the default device. On a Mac, navigate to "System Preferences," choose "Sound," and select the appropriate input device.

Adjust microphone levels:
Incorrect input volume levels can prevent your microphone from properly capturing your voice. Open the microphone properties on your computer and check the input volume levels. If the levels are too low, increase the input volume and test the microphone again.

Test the microphone on another device:
To determine if the issue lies with the microphone or your computer, connect the microphone to another device such as a different computer or a smartphone. If the microphone works fine on another device, it indicates that the problem is likely related to your computer's settings or hardware.

Check for driver updates:
Outdated or incompatible microphone drivers can cause recording issues. Visit the manufacturer's website and check for driver updates for your specific microphone model. Install any available updates and test the microphone again.

Reduce background noise:
If your microphone is picking up excessive surrounding sounds, you can try reducing background noise. Consider using a microphone with noise-cancelling capabilities or adjusting the microphone's settings to filter out noise. Some audio software and recording applications also offer noise reduction features.

Consider an external USB microphone:
If your built-in microphone continues to have issues, you might want to try using an external USB microphone. These microphones often offer better audio quality and can be connected directly to your computer's USB port.

Conclusion:
Troubleshooting a microphone that records surrounding sounds instead of capturing your voice requires a systematic approach. By checking the microphone settings, adjusting volume levels, testing the microphone on another device, updating drivers, reducing background noise, and considering an external USB microphone, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the issue. If the problem persists, contacting the manufacturer for further assistance or considering a replacement microphone may be necessary.