# Windows Media Center XP & Microphone Volume **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 19, 2006, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-media-center-xp-microphone-volume/349002 "2006-03-19T15:32:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-media-center-xp-microphone-volume/349002/1 "2006-03-19T15:32:21Z")
I have a new HP Media Center computer running Windows XP, and would like to record with the microphone. However, no matter how much I fiddle with the infinite volume settings, it stills sounds muffled and far away even if I shout. I’ve plugged it in the back, the front, used an amplified mike and still can’t get any volume. I would greatly appreciate any help with this annoying issue. These same mikes worked fine on the old HP running windows 98. I want to mix voice and tracks in Audacity. In windows 98, it sounded fine but the program would crash. Now the program runs fine but it sounds like I’m singing through a pillow. I would greatly appreciate any help with this annoying issue. Thanking some knowledgable person in advance, Pohjonen ---
**Author:** ![Caractacus\_Pott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@Caractacus\_Pott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caractacus_Pott)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-media-center-xp-microphone-volume/349002/2 "2006-03-19T18:41:55Z")
Pohjonen, I just bought an HP a1319h. Boy, does it have a lot of connectors! Try this: Open the Control Panel, then choose the _Realtek HD Sound Effects Manager_. Click on _Microphone_ tab and play with the 2 choices to see if they’re causing the problem. I’ll bet that’s it. Only after you’ve tested sound recording and it works properly should you close this dialog box. Below are further troubleshooting ideas if you need. Please perform each paragraph in order, testing recording between paragraphs. Go back to the Control Panel and choose _Sounds and Audio Devices_. In the “Device Volume” area click on the _Advanced_ button. If you can’t see the microphone volume control, on the Main Menu click _Options_ then _Properties_. Scroll down then click the tickbox next to _Microphone_. Set the volume to the maximum setting and uncheck _Mute_. On the Main Menu click _Options_ then _Advanced Controls_. Click on the _Advanced_ button. Click the tickbox next to _1 Microphone Boost_. If it’s checked, it’ll uncheck; if it’s unchecked, check it. Close the Advanced dialog box and the Master Volume dialog box. Don’t close the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties if the sound recording test fails (muffled sound). Go back to the _Sounds and Audio Devices Properties_ dialog box. Click on _Audio_ tab. In the center of the dialog box is “Sound Recording.” Make sure the _Default device:_ is “Line in/Mic in”. Click on the _Volume_ button and make sure the Microphone volume level is not muted. If you can change the volume here (I can’t), set it to the highest setting. Close this dialog box and the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box. Go back to the _Realtek HD Sound Effects Manager_.Click on _Mixer_ tab. The bottom half of the dialog box is for recording. Make sure the _Microphone_ isn’t muted, the record volume is set to 12 o’clock, and the balance is set to the middle. To use the front panel microphone jack, go back to the Realtek control panel, click on _Audio I/O_ tab then the _Settings_ button (crescent wrench icon) just above the green headphone icon. Click the checkbox if it’s not already checked. I’m still not sure exactly what that does (or why a single checkbox has to be behind a button.). If all these are set appropriately, try the microphones in a friend’s PC to see how they sound. I know, I know, the microphones should work but to troubleshoot we have to look at everything. Other than that I have no clue. Keep us informed of your progress, including the model number of the machine and how long you’ve had it.