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
    2014-05-13T17:25:24+00:00

    bull **** advice

    MICROSOFT, FIX GODDAMN PROBLEM - I CAN'T RECORD MUSIC ON MY NEW SYSTEM

    I PAY YOU MONEY, DO YOUR JOB!!!

    USB MICROPHONE LEVEL IS VERY LOW!!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-11T22:41:02+00:00

    I can confirm that this problem is still not fixed on Windows 8.1 with all updates installed.  Microsoft simply does not care about their pc customers anymore so until they stop being scumbags just stick to Windows 7 guys.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-27T16:39:51+00:00

    Hi,

    You may restore the Windows Firewall settings to default and check if this helps.

    -          Press Windows key + X and click on Control Panel.

    -          In the left pane, click Restore defaults.

    Note: Restoring the default settings removes all of the Windows Firewall settings that you've made for all network location types. This might cause some programs that you've previously allowed through the firewall to stop working.

    Thank you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-21T16:12:46+00:00

    Hi, I had the same issue and I tried the solution above but it still didn't work for me. I found on my computer it was a firewall issue - 

    see details here: Blog post - on windows 8 not compatible with USB mic

    I really hope that this helps as I was tearing my hair out with this issue! 

    This doesn't make any sense because the audio issue is present with all voice recording/communicating software including things like Skype which is already allowed through firewall.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-04-21T15:25:55+00:00

    That's strange... I'm glad your problem is resolved, but I don't see how this could possibly be caused by a firewall. Firewalls just block/allow network connections to and from programs. Microphones don't need a network connection to work properly, and even so this is a problem across the board, not just with Adobe Audition. I tried it anyway and it had no effect. If you test it again and it's still working, and then block Audition (changing nothing else) does it go back to being quiet again?

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