How can I find out what kind of microphone I have. How to check if the microphone is working. Skype test call
The microphone is extremely important for a modern computer. With it, we communicate using the Internet, as well as record various voice messages and files. Many laptops, tablets, and other similar devices already have them built in. But for PC you will need to purchase separately.
We will tell you how to check the microphone, including the functionality of the device in Skype.
Using Windows components to check the device is the easiest and fastest way. In the operating system, the ability to configure and test the microphone is provided by default. The check is carried out during the live broadcast, the sensitivity indicator and directly the sound recording.
How to check the microphone in Windows? To make sure that the device is in the on state, you must perform the following steps in sequence. The first thing to do is select the "Control Panel" section from the "Start" menu. In the section, select "Hardware and Sound", and already inside the folder we need a window called "Sound". There is a "Record" tab here, where data about the devices that are used to record and play sound are located.
We need a Microphone device to click on. A window with data about its parameters will immediately open. To start listening, you need to check the box next to "Listen to this device" and confirm the action. Saying something into the microphone, we will immediately hear our voice. To do this, do not forget to turn on the speakers.
There are situations when the speakers are not connected or they are simply not available. This does not mean that verification becomes unavailable. To do this, you will again need the "Record" tab. To the right of the Microphone equipment there is a special scale. If the device is working, then the sound is indicated using green bars. Otherwise, the stripes will remain gray. But in this mode, adjusting the sound to the optimal parameters becomes impossible.
Checking through sound recording in Windows
In addition to standard tools, any Windows operating system has an option such as sound recording. The option allows you to quickly check the microphone for performance. To do this, in the "Start" menu, go to the "All Programs" section. Then, in the "Standard" section, you need to select "Sound Recorder". There is a "Start Recording" button here. By clicking on it, you need to start talking.
After the phrase is finished, you must click "Stop Recording". The utility will prompt you to select the path you need to save the file. After following the specified path, you can open the audio recording and play it. So you can draw a conclusion about the sound quality and, consequently, the operation of the microphone on the computer.
Skype verification
Checking the operation of the device via Skype is one of the convenient ways to test. Moreover, it is appropriate if the microphone is needed directly for communication through this messenger.
Through Skype, you can test the work in two ways. For example, you can specify any contact from the list and click the "Data quality data" icon. This will reveal a window where the microphone options are located. From the list you need to specify your device, then click on the "Check" button. Skype will record a few seconds, after which the recording will be played back.
To check the microphone's performance, you can call a special service that checks the sound. To make a call, select the Echo/Sound Test Service contact. This contact is added automatically during the registration process.
After connecting, you will need to listen to a short instruction, after which it will be possible to make a recording lasting ten seconds. It will start playing automatically. For this method, you must have an active Internet connection. If you can clearly hear your voice, this means that the equipment is set up correctly and does not need to be adjusted.
Any of the above methods is suitable for checking and testing the microphone's performance on a computer in all versions of the Windows operating system and Skype.
The majority of desktop and laptop manufacturers now equip their models with built-in microphones, and users have the task of how to check the microphone on a computer. In the case when there is no built-in microphone or the quality of the recorded sound is not satisfactory, you can always connect an external device. This does not exclude the need to check the operation of the microphone, the settings of programs and utilities for sound recording.
How to check the microphone on a computer using WIndows
- You can check the presence of a built-in sound recording device in the "Control Panel" of any version of Windows OS. To do this, just find the heading "Equipment and Sound", where the sub-item "Sound" is located.
- In the “Sound” window that opens, you need to find the “Recording” tab, which displays both microphones available for use and previously installed microphones if drivers were installed for them. The system usually selects the built-in recorder for default operation. If there are no problems and the condition is operational, a green check mark is placed on the microphone. To view information about the microphone, use the "Properties" button. The lack of information about the built-in microphone is possible for two reasons:
- The physical absence of a microphone (a laptop or PC model is produced and shipped without it);
- There are no drivers that ensure the operation of the device.
- Checking the built-in sound recording device is performed through the "Listen" tab, which is located in the "Properties" section. When you select the item "Listen to this device" and confirm your decision by clicking on the "OK" button. Try to say a few phrases, with the right tuning you will hear your voice. To cancel the setting, remove the previously set checkmark and click "OK" again.
4. You can also check the operation of the microphone using the built-in Windows application "Record" or "Sound Record". To launch the application, you just need to follow the chain of clicks "Start" - "Programs" - "Accessories". To start recording, click "Start Recording", then say a few phrases. Click "Stop Recording" to end the process and save the file anywhere. Play the resulting audio track for playback. If the result is received and you heard your voice, the microphone is working.
5. The execution of an external device is performed a little differently. First, plug the device into the appropriate slot on the PC. Depending on the class and type of microphone, they can be used as Jack, Mini-Jack, USB connectors. If connected correctly, the operating system will inform you about the connection of the connector and the installation of drivers for the device. 
- Next, perform a health check using the previously described methods. To check an external device, in the “Recording” tab, already select not the built-in, but an external device.
How to check the microphone using third-party utilities
1.In addition to the built-in device checking and audio applications built into Windows, you can use third-party applications. For example, which is intended for professional use and is distributed free of charge. Check that you are recording sound not through the built-in microphone, but through an external microphone. If there is a physical connection of the microphone to the PC and there is no sound, you should check the position of the power button on the microphone body.
2. If you install an external microphone for use in Skype, we strongly recommend that you check the operation of the application through this application. Sign in to Skype and follow the chain of clicks "Tools" - "Settings" - "Sound settings", where in the "Microphone" list find the name of your device. When the microphone is working and set up correctly, the indication on the scale below will change its state in real time following your voice when dictating several phrases.
You can determine the performance of both the built-in and external microphone through the OS utilities and other software developers. To simplify the testing process, we suggest watching a video that clearly shows the process “how to check a microphone on a computer”.
Now many users use voice chat in games or communicate with other people using video calls. This requires a microphone, which can not only act as a separate device, but is also part of the headset. In this article, we will take a detailed look at several ways to check the microphone on headphones in the Windows 7 operating system.
First you need to connect your headphones to your computer. Most models use two Jack 3.5 outputs, separately for a microphone and headphones, they are connected to the corresponding connectors on the sound card. Less commonly, one USB output is used, respectively, it connects to any free USB connector.
Before checking, it is necessary to configure the microphone, since the absence of sound is often accompanied by incorrectly set parameters. To carry out this procedure is very simple, you just need to use one of the methods and follow a few simple steps.
After connecting and pre-configuring, you can proceed to check the microphone on the headphones, this is done using a few simple methods.
Method 1: Skype
Many people use Skype to make calls, so it will be easier for users to set up a connected device directly in this program. You always have in your contact lists Echo/Sound Test Service, where you need to call to check the quality of the microphone. The announcer will announce the instructions, after their announcement, the test will begin.
After checking, you can go straight to conversations or adjust unsatisfactory settings through system tools or directly through Skype settings.
Method 2: Online Services
There are many free online services on the Internet that allow you to record sound from a microphone and listen to it, or perform a real-time check. Usually you just need to go to the site and click the button "Check Microphone", then it will immediately start recording or streaming audio from the device to your speakers or headphones.
You can learn more about the best microphone testing services in our article.
Method 3: Programs for recording sound from a microphone
Windows 7 has a built-in utility "Sound Recorder", but there are no settings or additional functionality in it. Therefore, this program is not the best solution for recording sound.
In this case, it is better to install one of the special programs and perform testing. Let's see the whole process with an example:
If this program does not suit you, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of other similar software that can be used to record sound from a microphone on headphones.
Method 4: System Tools
Using the built-in features of Windows 7, devices are not only configured, but also tested. Checking is easy, you just need to follow a few simple steps:
If these funds are not enough to check the connected device, we recommend using other methods using additional software or online services.
In this article, we looked at four main ways to check the microphone on headphones in Windows 7. Each of them is quite simple and does not require specific skills or knowledge. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine. You can choose one of the methods that suits you best.
Computer peripherals include a huge number of modern gadgets that allow you to play, listen to music and communicate without leaving your home. Such devices include gaming headphones with microphone, headsets, which are "2 in 1" products. Due to the large selection of different models of accessories, many users often encounter fakes or gadgets that are simply incomprehensible to use. Most often, the problem is that the computer or laptop does not see the microphone from the headphones, although the “ears” themselves reproduce sound tracks well.
Before blaming the manufacturer for defective products, you should make sure that the headset really does not work. The easiest way to carry out such a check is to use an online service.
Checking headphones and microphone online
Before you get into the "wild" of the PC, you should check the headphones online using any free service. The best and simplest of them is the resource.
Once on the main page of the site, you can check for free any communication and playback devices connected to your computer or laptop. Here, not only headphones are checked online, but also webcams, as well as a microphone.
To check the recording device, just click on "Check Microphone" in the upper right part of the screen. After that, you need to press the green button in the center of the window and start talking. If you see sound fluctuations, then the device is working correctly and the problem lies in the settings of your PC.
Causes of a non-working microphone
There can be many reasons why the microphone may not work, ranging from the most trivial. For example, if before turning on the microphone on the headphones, you did not move the corresponding slider on the device itself. The fact is that now many models of headsets have begun to be made not only with a volume control, but also with a button responsible for the operation of the microphone.
It is also quite possible that:
Missing drivers
If you did the headphone settings, but after that you hear only silence, then most likely the problem is incorrectly installed or missing sound card drivers.
To check this "theory" you need to go to "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Device Manager". In the window that opens, find the line "Sound, game and video devices" and double-click on this inscription with the left mouse button to get a detailed list. If you did not find your video card in this list or it is displayed as an unknown device, then you need to download the drivers from the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard installed on your computer or laptop.
The microphone is not properly connected to the PC
If, after checking the headphones, you notice that they have sound, but the microphone does not work, then perhaps you just connected it to the wrong connector. If we are talking about a headset with a single plug or USB devices, then it is difficult to make a mistake. But, in the case of "ears" that are equipped with two plugs, you can get confused.
The microphone, like headphones, is always connected to the sound card in the appropriate jacks. "Ears" must be plugged into the green connector, and the microphone - into the pink "plug". As a rule, this color combination works on all portable computers.
Healthy! If you are connecting a headset to a laptop, there will be no such prompts, but next to each connector you will find a small icon representing a microphone or headphones.
Lost settings
Quite often, the microphone has to be connected independently in the settings of the Windows itself. If you do not know how to check the microphone on Windows 7 or XP headphones, then right-click on the image of a small speaker in the lower right corner of the screen and select "Recording devices" from the drop-down list.
In the window that opens, you should see a connected microphone and a “twitching” green equalizer that shows the sound level. If there is no device or the equalizer is not active, then first click anywhere in this window with the right mouse button and select "Show disabled devices". After that, you will see all disabled accessories. If your microphone is among them, then right-click on its name and select "Enable".
After that, you need to go to the "Properties" of the microphone and make sure that:
- In the "Listen" tab, the automatic mute of the microphone is not enabled if the laptop is running on battery power.
- In the Levels menu, the top slider is not set to the minimum value.
Microphone connected to the front of the PC
On many stationary computers on the front panel of the "system unit" there are duplicated headphone jacks and volume controls. However, these elements do not always work correctly, and in some situations, manufacturers even install them as a “decoration”.
To understand this problem, you need to open the settings of the installed video card and find the switch in them that is responsible for different modes of operation (for example: AC97 and HD Audio). Try to change these modes and check the microphone again, and then try switching it to the back panel and repeat the experience.
You can also make this setting through the BIOS. To do this, restart your computer and at this time press the Delete button several times (or another, depending on the laptop model). Once in the BIOS, go to the "Front panel" menu and change the AC97 and HD Audio values.
In custody
When using headphones with a microphone, try to turn off the device only by the plug, and not by pulling the wires. Do not let the headset get wet and update the drivers if you reinstall Windows. If none of the above methods for fixing the errors of a non-working microphone helped you, then it is quite possible that the device is out of order or completely defective.
Almost all modern laptops come with built-in microphones and webcams. The owner of ordinary desktop computers has to buy and configure these components separately in order to be able to fully implement video calls and participate in video chats. But even the owners of laptops are not so rosy. As a rule, the built-in microphone has a very mediocre quality, and its location inside the case makes it much more difficult to pick up sound waves. The only way to deal with this is to use an external microphone. After the device is purchased, you will only have to connect and test the microphone on the computer.
How to test the microphone on a computer
- Check if the microphone is connected correctly. Its connector is similar in size to the one used to connect headphones, but unlike it, it has a pink jack color.
- In Windows Vista or Windows 7, go to the following path "Start" - "Hardware and Sound" - "Sound".
Sound component of Control Panel - In the window that opens, go to the "Record" tab.
- If you have several microphones connected, then select one of them, which will be used by default. To do this, select the appropriate line with a microphone and click the "Set as default" button at the bottom of the window.
- Select the microphone assigned as default in the previous paragraph, which will be marked with a green checkmark and the inscription "Used by default" and click the "Properties" button.
- In the microphone properties window, make sure that "Use this device (on)" is selected in the "Device use" line.
- Go to the "Listen" tab in this window and check the box next to the line "listen to this device" and click the "OK" button. Try to say something into the microphone. If you hear the sound of your voice in the speakers, then the microphone has been successfully tested. Return to this window and uncheck the box. Press the "OK" button to turn off the sound coming from the microphone.
- If the sound is quiet, you can increase the sensitivity of the microphone. To do this, go to the "Sounds" tab and increase the values of the sensitivity and microphone gain parameters by moving the corresponding sliders to the right. Check the microphone again.
