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
    2014-11-30T16:20:40+00:00

    Hi, I have also had this problem with:

    • Blue yeti
    • Samson CO1U
    • AT2020 USB+

    This is not a fix but I think something that may help towards fixing it possibly or show what the microphone should actually sound like?

    Right click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select 'Playback Devices'. Left click the default device once to highlight it ( it's usually 'speakers & headphones' ) then click the Properties button. Click the Enhancements tab and put a tick in the box next to 'Loudness Equalization'.

    Listen to your microphone with that now enabled...and it is much louder and actually acts like windows 7, can anyone else also verify? This is NOT a fix as it does not change the actual input strength of the microphone.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-01-08T05:13:45+00:00

    Hello All, I am having this very problem with our Windows 7 computer.  What happened to the boost check box?  Is there any way to roll back to an older driver that had the boost check box?  It is an Audio Technica ATR2100 USB mic.  It all works but mic level is very low.  Any assistance or advice would be appreciated.  It's a little disappointing that stuff like this should still be an issue.  Having older windows drivers to try would be helpful.

    Thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-01-10T09:17:37+00:00

    Hi,

    Sorry to know that you are facing this issue.

    Please answer these questions to get more clarity on this issue:

    • Did you make any changes to the computer prior to this issue?
    • Do you have the latest Windows Updates installed on the computer?
    • Do you have the latest software installed for the mic?

    Reply with more information to help you further.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-01-31T00:03:55+00:00

    As is now abundantly clear with posts spanning one year, this is clearly an issue with Windows 8.

    I had the same problem as all of the other posters here so I reverted back to Windows 7 from Windows 8: problem solved.

    I suspect that the MS "support engineer" is simply an automated, templated reply to which they have attached a fictitious name and photo to make it appear human(oid).

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-02-09T02:56:25+00:00

    Hi,

    As with all other posters here I have the exact same problem.  I am using an M-Audio M-one USB mic and have not been able to get anything other than whisper quiet recording levels since I installed windows 8.  It's quite ridiculous that nothing has been done about this over more than 1 full year, especially where there are so many people reporting the same problem.

    The software I am using is all up-to-date.  Windows is fully updated.  Please don't just brush off this many customers and address the problem in a timely fashion.

    James

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