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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.
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.
Hello,
I've updated everything again but still no succes, guess the only option is to buy a soundcard instead of the onboard one, maybe I can boost the sound of the mic that way.
I'll let you know what the outcome is tomorrow, I'll buy one after work.
Hello same issue with AT2020 it wont load drivers just sit in in device manager, also Blue Snowball Ice, but that one get recognised however recording volume is low and almost unusable.
I have tested the both USB microphones on the same system in windows 7 where it works like charm, also Mac OS have no issues.
It is clearly Win 8 fault, which had royally screw up USB audio devices driver ( and this are not cheap micrphones 100+Eur ) note, this is happening to multiple people ( why is it not spread so much, becasue this devices are expensive ).
Would be nice if I could slam native USB drivers from Windows 7 to Windows 8 ( on second thought I'm going to try that in a minute )
I have the AT2020USB as well. Plug 'n' Play. Dual Boot Setup Win7/Win8. Win7 is crisp and clear, and Win8 is very quiet with the same volume settings. I use ACID Pro 7 as my main DAW. my only fix was to find a decent volume setting (35-45), and Normalize my Raw Recording before mixing/mastering any further... in ACID PRO 7 you right click on your waveform (your rough recording), Top option says Event Clip with a submenu that pops up, and in the middle you can click on Normalize to sort out any volume issues. Too much work TBH, I would stick with Windows 7 for now. But if you're stuck with Windows 8 i hope this helps in any way. Any other Recording Software should have a Normalize option on any audio that's inserted into the program.
I went back to windows 7, as nice and fast windows 8 was I need the microphone working... so win 8 is sadly out...
I have the same problem - with a different high quality USB Microphone on Windows 8 Pro:
others have it too:
These microphones are true plug and play - no firmware or device drivers to install.
Worked fine on Windows 7 but not Windows 8.
Has there been any progress on this issue???
