Low USB microphone recording volume (AT2020)

Anonymous
2013-01-12T10:07:02+00:00

I've been using an AT2020 USB microphone for several years now, first on Vista and then on Windows 7, with no problems at all. After upgrading to Windows 8, I've found that the recording volume using this microphone is now very low. The hardware is all the same, as is all the configuration.

I usually have the volume set at ~30-40. On Windows 7 it's loud and clear, and there is no distortion. On Windows 8, even if I turn it all the way up to 100, the recording volume is way too low and the sound is distorted due to the volume being set so high.

There is clearly something wrong here and as of now Windows 8 is completely unusable to me because I need to be able to record. Any possible solutions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

(Also, there are no actual drivers for this device. I've always just plugged it in and it has worked right away.)

--

Update (7/29/15): This issue has not been fixed with Windows 10. I've started a new thread here for those who have updated. If you want this fixed, please continue to post about it. I doubt it will help, but the only other option is to stick with W7 or buy a new mic.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-01T20:38:39+00:00

    my honing up microphone level up to 90 and my recording was fine with no noise. Previously on 7 I had levels of 10 for the same with noise.

    If you right-click the "90" or "10" and change it to decibels, what does it say?

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-12-04T15:20:35+00:00

    Are there any updates to this situation?

    I recently purchased a HP Desktop with Windows 10 pre-installed and experiencing the low level microphone problem with both USB and Jack type mics. Everything was great on Windows XP. I am debating to make a clean install of Windows 7 instead to alleviate this problem.

    I hate doing this as I like Windows 10 so far but do I have a choice?

    Is it guaranteed that the Realtek mic levels on Windows 7 are working correctly?

    I did try multiple driver changes, sound level combinations, etc on this new Windows 10 system. Have also read all articles about this problem with John from Microsoft MSFT involved.

    Much appreciated,

    Norman

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-09-28T02:54:07+00:00

    I've given up waiting on them to fix it. It's never going to happen. All you get are replies form inhuman bots usually that reply with random FAQs that have nothing to do with the subject.

    GG Microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-09-28T02:47:46+00:00

    I am having the exact same problem with Samson Go mic. Since I have a dual operated system I am lucky enough to do all my recording first in windows 7 than I did some in windows 8 and phew when I listened to them, it's too low, used Camtasia to bring it up but still not to the same level. I thought it's me doing something wrong but then again I tried the same in windows 7 everything works fine. It works like a condensor in windows 7 picking up so much noise and like dynamic in windows 8 :) I acutally then used it to my advantage my honing up microphone level up to 90 and my recording was fine with no noise. Previously on 7 I had levels of 10 for the same with noise. In 8 actually sounded better since there was no noise :) but yeah for studio recording windows 8 is now ****. I should switch to MAC but macbook is so costly :(

    Think of it, if someone brought these high end mics and tries out them on condensor they will think it's what all they have to offer. How is one gonna know that's it's not the actual level. Windows is just **** man. 

    Totally frustrated with it, already so many settings, levels, mixers, amps, dynamic, condensor and when you think you figured it out all. The drivers and windows ****. 

    I need to concentrate on my recording just not this ****.

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-08-27T00:32:31+00:00

    It is so sad that 2 or maybe 3 if you include Windows 8.1, versions of Windows have not fixed this issue. If i was to copy the same driver file that i used in Windows 7 for my Mic and try to install it for Windows 10 will it work?

    But i shouldn't have to do that. Windows should be on to this.

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