Microphone detected but no sound being picked up

Dec 11, 2017
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Hello!

I recently upgraded my computer's motherboard, CPU, and operating system (from Win 7 to Win 10). Everything's been working smoothly and I've been enjoying the upgrades. However, today I tried to chat with a friend online and realized the microphone is not working. It's a separate mod mic that I attach to my headphones and plug into the front audio jack. I opened the sound options and noticed Windows can see my microphone, it's set to default, but it's not picking up any sound. Additionally, the Realtek software pops up and asks me to specify what I plugged into the jack, and says it's connected properly. I tried the mic on my phone and it works perfectly fine. My headphones have no issues on the computer either.

I have a Asus STRIX B350-F motherboard. I just tried reinstalling the audio drivers and still have the same issue. I tried plugging the microphone directly into the motherboard in the back and still the same issues. I've rebooted 1000 with the mic plugged in and pulled out, still the same issue.

I did notice one strange thing. When I flip the mute switch on my mic back and forth, Windows registers some sound and the green bars flicker for a moment. Same thing happens when I pull the mic jack out of the computer; a bunch of static which is registered as green bars. These sounds can be heard in the speakers and my friend I was chatting to head them too.

This is a weird problem that I can't seem to figure out. Any advice or suggestions?

Thank you!
 
Solution
Solved the issue! In case anyone else has this issue here's what to try:

- Boost the gain on the microphone in the Realtek app (This is what worked for me. Not sure why it's so quiet without the gain but sliding it to max fixed everything)

- Reinstall Realtek drivers
- Plug microphone in the back directly into the motherboard
- Test the mic on something else (like your phone) to see if the issue is your comp or mic
- Boost the mic in the audio settings (right click the microphone in system try > recording devices > right click mic > properties > enhancements > microphone boost)
Solved the issue! In case anyone else has this issue here's what to try:

- Boost the gain on the microphone in the Realtek app (This is what worked for me. Not sure why it's so quiet without the gain but sliding it to max fixed everything)

- Reinstall Realtek drivers
- Plug microphone in the back directly into the motherboard
- Test the mic on something else (like your phone) to see if the issue is your comp or mic
- Boost the mic in the audio settings (right click the microphone in system try > recording devices > right click mic > properties > enhancements > microphone boost)
 
Solution