[SOLVED] Microphone always too quiet + loads of static?

[FatheredPuma81]

When I listen to my microphone the only way I can hear myself at moderate volumes is to make the boost 30db in Windows. Issue is it adds tons of static (even with the microphone unplugged) and even with it at 30db I can tell it's still not loud enough (even with Discord also being at 200 input volume) when talking to friends who don't have their microphones so high.

Any solutions? I can only think to find a program that can boost it to 40db or

Microphone is a Massdrop Minimic (have tried others) plugged directly into my MOBO (MSI Z97 PC MATE).

Edit: Should probably clarify that the static is louder than my talking.

Edit 2: https://youtu.be/xkkrBUYpgb4 video of the noise.

 

[SkyBill40]

Your mic itself could be the problem. Do you have a front panel input? Try switching from the one on the mobo to the front panel (if this is an option) and see if the issue persists; further, if you have an alternative mic or headset, try it and see if the issue continues.

 

[FatheredPuma81]

Your mic itself could be the problem. Do you have a front panel input? Try switching from the one on the mobo to the front panel (if this is an option) and see if the issue persists; further, if you have an alternative mic or headset, try it and see if the issue continues.

There is a different actually. My front audio connector makes an incredibly loud buzzing sound when my cord is plugged in but microphone isn't. Other than that once I plug in the microphone it sounds just like the back port. I also tried 1/2 microphones I have been using for the past 3-4 years that I got on Amazon for $1 and other than it picking up audio from my room the sound is still there.
Video:
https://youtu.be/xkkrBUYpgb4

 

[SkyBill40]

As I'm not in a position to watch the video right now, it's going to have to wait a while unless someone else chimes in to assist you. My apologies. :/

 

[FatheredPuma81]

As I'm not in a position to watch the video right now, it's going to have to wait a while unless someone else chimes in to assist you. My apologies. :/

It was just a video of the noise static it creates without the microphone being plugged in.

I have heard that it could be caused from my computer not being grounded (properly). My computer is plugged into a box which isn't plugged into a grounded plug as our house is too old and has not been updated with many ground plugins.

I guess my only real option at this point could be to get a DAC?

 

[rissky92]

Bad mic maybe

 

[SkyBill40]

As I'm not in a position to watch the video right now, it's going to have to wait a while unless someone else chimes in to assist you. My apologies. :/

It was just a video of the noise static it creates without the microphone being plugged in.

I have heard that it could be caused from my computer not being grounded (properly). My computer is plugged into a box which isn't plugged into a grounded plug as our house is too old and has not been updated with many ground plugins.

I guess my only real option at this point could be to get a DAC?

Oh. Well that certainly adds a different dynamic to it. Electrical interference due to improper (or no) grounding may not be helped much by a DAC. So that I'm on the same page with you... your grounded PC plug from the PSU is being plugged into a power strip which is then connected, ungrounded, to the wall plug?

As a side question, is it important for you to listen to and hear your own voice in the mic rather than it just being silent and with just the end recipient hearing it?

 

[FatheredPuma81]

Bad mic maybe

Mic isn't plugged in though is the problem.. and I've tested it with multiple mics...

 

[FatheredPuma81]

As I'm not in a position to watch the video right now, it's going to have to wait a while unless someone else chimes in to assist you. My apologies. :/

It was just a video of the noise static it creates without the microphone being plugged in.

I have heard that it could be caused from my computer not being grounded (properly). My computer is plugged into a box which isn't plugged into a grounded plug as our house is too old and has not been updated with many ground plugins.

I guess my only real option at this point could be to get a DAC?

Oh. Well that certainly adds a different dynamic to it. Electrical interference due to improper (or no) grounding may not be helped much by a DAC. So that I'm on the same page with you... your grounded PC plug from the PSU is being plugged into a power strip which is then connected, ungrounded, to the wall plug?

As a side question, is it important for you to listen to and hear your own voice in the mic rather than it just being silent and with just the end recipient hearing it?

Well I mean my headphones don't have any interference such as that and if it goes through USB that might solve the issue.
The wall plug itsself doesn't have a ground and it is not in easy reach of any wall plugs that do (old house).

From what I understand you're asking if I listen to my microphone while talking to friends? No I don't I just listen to it every time I plug it in to make sure it's working properly and i'd like to use my microphone with other programs other than Discord without having to use Windows fairly bad "Noise Suppression". Also if i were to find a program that allows me to boost my microphone past 30db it's likely most "Noise suppression" will eventually get to the point it won't work.

 

[SkyBill40]

Going through USB may be a solution but isn't a guarantee. It's something else to try for sure, but that would require you to get a USB mic.

As for the "listening" part, what I meant by that is do you hear the sound of your voice through the headphones when it's active? I have the ability to listen on my Kraken 7.1 v2 and don't use it all the time. I don't really see a need for that unless you are trying to gauge the sound of your own voice being broadcast. No matter.

I'm not aware of any programs you can use to boost the volume any further than what you've got. If your mic record volume as already at 100% in the sound control panel and isn't being overridden by the mobo's audio driver control panel, I'm at a loss here.

 

[FatheredPuma81]

Going through USB may be a solution but isn't a guarantee. It's something else to try for sure, but that would require you to get a USB mic.

As for the "listening" part, what I meant by that is do you hear the sound of your voice through the headphones when it's active? I have the ability to listen on my Kraken 7.1 v2 and don't use it all the time. I don't really see a need for that unless you are trying to gauge the sound of your own voice being broadcast. No matter.

I'm not aware of any programs you can use to boost the volume any further than what you've got. If your mic record volume as already at 100% in the sound control panel and isn't being overridden by the mobo's audio driver control panel, I'm at a loss here.

Ah no I don't hear any noise that comes through my headphones unless I specifically tell Windows to allow me to listen to it in real time.
Well there is the ability to get a DAC or a 3.5mm jack to USB converter.

 

[SkyBill40]

I don't think a DAC is going to help you with your mic issue. It would likely improve your sound quality to your headphones, but that's about it.

 

[FatheredPuma81]

Quick necro on an ancient thread that apparently still receives traction. Solved the issue by purchasing this 3.5mm to USB adapter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRVQ0F8
Then I used this tutorial How to. Fix. Boost USB microphone input level. Too quiet - YouTube to fit the microphone volume.
Thread I made recently about this issue: [SOLVED] - How to Remove Microphone Hiss/Static caused by PC not being grounded? | Tom's Hardware Forum

So the previous solution was actually incorrect. Buying a DAC would have fixed my issue.