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.)

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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
    2013-01-13T07:06:56+00:00

    Hi,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community where you can find all the answers related to Windows.

    As per the description provided, it looks like you have issues with AT2020 USB audio when used in Windows 8.

    I have these steps which should assist you with this issue.

    Method 1: a. Press "win key+ w" and type troubleshooting in the search box.

    b. Select troubleshooting from the left side and click on view all, at the left side of the screen.

    c. Click and run the recording audio troubleshooter and check.

    Method 2:

    If this fails to fix the issue, I would suggest you to contact technica for better assistance.

    http://www.audio-technica.com/world_map/no_flash/

    Hope this information helps. In case you have any questions with Windows, post here at Microsoft Community.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-13T09:57:41+00:00

    The recording audio troubleshooter did not solve the problem. I don't see how it would as I'm pretty sure all it does is check to see if the microphone is detected and makes sure the audio services are running. This wouldn't address my recording volume issue.

    Audio Technica cannot help with this, as all they do is supply the microphone itself. They have nothing to do with the drivers or software, which are causing this to happen. The microphone has no problems at all on Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. I've tested it on all three using the exact same hardware and software configurations. On all three, recordings were loud and clear. On Windows 8, they're practically inaudible.

    This is an issue with Windows 8 itself. Something has changed within the OS regarding USB audio, and now I'm not able to use my microphone. I don't think fixing this is as simple as running a troubleshooter or changing a setting somewhere.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-02-04T17:27:04+00:00

    I am having EXACTLY the same problems. I have a USB microphone attached. With Windows 7, no problems. With Windows 8 it is barely audible. I have tried all the fixes mentioned here and on other sites and nothing improves.

    Surely teh Windows * drivers can be altered to get a better sound....any idea when this will happen?

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-02-28T00:28:42+00:00

    I'm having the exact same issue, only I am using a Samson C01U(USB MIC). I've never had any troubles with it on Windows 7, and even when I use it on my neighbours laptop today It's working properly. But somehow since I installed windows 8 on my computer I can barely get any audio it, only with the settings at 100, which results in bad sound quality like roryt2000 said. I hope this can be fixed. Because throwing away a 200 Euro microphone is not an option.

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