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
    2015-04-10T02:28:47+00:00

    Lets get things straight.

    USB microphones DO NOT have manufacturer drivers. They use windows usb generic audio drivers.

    I've tried my AT2020 and many more usb mics, on different computers and:

    Windows 7: No issues, very sensitive on every single PC (also my pc), at 30% of sensitivity its perfect.

    Windows 8: Issue with volume level of recorded sound on every single pc (included my pc), even on 100%

    Windows 8.1: As above

    Windows 10: As above

    So please - dear microsoft support team, 1) just fix your built in, god damn windows usb audio driver, 2) Just fix this. 3) Do I said "Fix the driver" already ? 4) STOP with Ctrl+c Ctrl+V answers from "manual". 5 FIX THIS PLEASE - 8.1 cost me REAL MONEY, and I stuck with windows 7 because of this stupid issue!!!!

    knock knock...

     - who's there?

    -FIXXXXX THIIISSS

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-04-10T02:26:59+00:00

    Lets get things straight.

    USB microphones DO NOT have manufacturer drivers. They use windows usb generic audio drivers.

    I've tried my AT2020 and many more usb mics, on different computers and:

    Windows 7: No issues, very sensitive on every single PC (also my pc), at 30% of sensitivity its perfect.

    Windows 8: Issue with volume level of recorded sound on every single pc (included my pc), even on 100%

    Windows 8.1: As above

    Windows 10: As above

    So please - dear microsoft support team, 1) just fix your built in, god damn windows usb audio driver, 2) Just fix this. 3) Do I said "Fix the driver" already ? 4) STOP with Ctrl+c Ctrl+V answers from "manual". 5 FIX THIS PLEASE - 8.1 cost me REAL MONEY, and I stuck with windows 7 because of this stupid issue!!!!

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  3. 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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  4. Anonymous
    2013-04-20T08:22:12+00:00

    Probably not, nor it will be. Microsoft have hands full with next release of Windows and nobody give a **** about win 8 usb drivers sadly. We need to wait for the next Windows release, but I fear that it will be just 8.1 ( called something else to mask it as brand new release ) with exact the same USB drivers just start button added... So in conclusion windows 7 is where we should stay..

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  5. 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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