Windows 8.1 USB microphone volume is extremely low

Anonymous
2014-03-14T02:41:12+00:00

I have a Samson C01U USB mic. It is a plug-and-play microphone. There are no drivers for it. There is no firmware for it. You just plug it in, and it works.

This mic has always worked perfectly. When I used Windows 7, I set the volume level of it to about 40-50% and everything sounded crisp, clear, and loud. On Windows 8, it is inaudible unless I set the volume to 90% but even at that point it is not loud enough. Setting it to 100% results in a lot of noise in the background.

This is not the first time someone has brought this issue up as it is extremely common to everyone owning a USB plug-and-play mic:

http://www.overclock.net/t/1323451/windows-8-mic-issue

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/2da97f80-f58b-4635-acbf-9dd7292ed752/microphone-very-low-volume?forum=w8itprohardware

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_8-hardware/low-usb-microphone-recording-volume-at2020/9528f797-65c8-4033-a4d6-39995cd0d074

Has there ever been a fix for this issue?

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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Anonymous
2014-07-31T00:46:56+00:00

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.

As you have mentioned that you have checked the issue with other microphone but you still face this issue. We have already tried to uninstall and reinstall the drivers. I suspect this issue to be a hardware issue. Check the issue with a local technician.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-12T22:16:11+00:00

    Been about a week and nothing, no solution yet Pranav? 

    Microsoft, how about you send us someone who actually knows something and can fix this problem?!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-11-05T21:05:02+00:00

    Hi,

    I have changed the settings for the device and done everything that you have suggested in this thread.

    My audio guy (the technician you mentioned other people should call) looked over the microphone, an AT2020 and concluded that it was in complete and perfect working order. Upon seeing that I use Windows 8.1 he said, "Ahh there is your problem." He continued to tell me that he has been working over time at QA with many people trying to get their usb PLUG AND PLAY microphones working with Windows 8 and 8.1.

    He then told me that the only "solution" was either downgrade to Windows 7, have Microsoft fix the driver or MS has a secret "work-around" he is unaware of...or only buy microphones that come with their own drivers, or switch to an XLR mic and forsake USB audio on Windows 8.1 entirely.

    What is your next suggestion/guess/shot-in-the-dark solution?

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-11-05T16:26:32+00:00

    Microsoft personnel listen up, it's windows 8 or 8.1 or whatever the latest version that is the major problem of the microphone issue. Because I have heard and seen too many person that had the same problem with this joke system, even though they tried everything but without any result. And even if there maybe someone who got their mic work, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! Tons of people are still suffering this issue without exception.

    What's of any good use of a system if it doesn't automatically get our microphone sounded when plugged in, and require you to boost level or reinstall drivers or anything that actually don't work(even if it works for that matter, how inconvenient just for a use of a microphone)?

    If only I could spit fire so that I can get your attention for this entire huge system flaw.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-11-05T15:31:41+00:00

    How many times is it necessary to tell Microsoft personnel that THERE ARE NO MANUFACTURER'S DRIVERS? The different microphones are all Plug and Play and use the MICROSOFT DRIVER.  It is this MICROSOFT DRIVER that is the problem.

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