Why Is My Microphone So Quiet on Discord?

Does your voice on Discord sound like you're trying to talk through a pillow? A quiet microphone can make conversations awkward, disrupt gaming sessions, or worse. It can even cause miscommunication during important calls. In such conditions, you may end up wondering, "Why is my microphone so quiet on Discord?". 

This is a common issue, and it can happen for several reasons, such as a Discord setting or update or a faulty microphone. The good news is that you can easily fix these issues. 

In this article, we will discuss some causes and fixes for a quiet microphone on Discord.

Common Causes of a Quiet Microphone on Discord

If your friends keep asking you to 'speak up,' it's time to figure out why your mic is so quiet on Discord. Here are some of the causes that affect your Microphone's voice:

1. Low Input Volume Settings in Discord

Most users of Discord have probably encountered this issue. Discord has an Input Volume setting that controls how loud your Microphone sounds to others. If this setting is too low, your voice may sound faint, distant, or barely audible, even if your mic is working fine.

2. Windows or Mac Sound Settings

If you accidentally turn your Windows or Mac's volume on low, it can also affect how you sound on your Discord call. If your input volume is set too low, Discord will receive a weak signal, which will muffle your voice.

3. Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Suppression Issues

Another reason why you might be facing these issues is noise suppression. AGC can lower your mic volume unexpectedly by adjusting mic sensitivity, while noise suppression may mistake your voice for background noise, which makes it too quiet. This leads to inconsistent volume, making conversations frustrating in games, meetings, or calls.

4. Hardware Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn't in the settings—it's the hardware itself. A faulty or loose microphone can mess with your audio quality. In fact, if you use a built-in microphone, you are likely to experience low sensitivity and pickup issues.

For this problem, external mics like Hollyland Lark M2S can be very reliable. It's due to the fact that these mics provide a minimalist, logo-less look and a high-end titanium clip-on, which means it's not only stylish but also convenient. The clip-on mechanism provides a secure fit so that you do not need to bother adjusting it.

It also includes an enhanced noise cancellation system that keeps your voice clear, even during a conference or stream.

How to Fix a Quiet Microphone on Discord

Now that we know about the common issues of why your Microphone sounds quiet on Discord, it's time to find the solutions to these problems, one by one:

Checking System Audio Settings

Before fixing the audio on Discord, it's wise to check your system's configuration and make the required tweaks. Here's how you can do it:

1. Go to the bottom right corner of the screen and click on the Arrow button.

2. Choose the "Sound" option from the menu; there, you will see a microphone symbol.

3. Right-click that icon and move to properties. Set the volume of the Microphone to 100%.

4. It is time now to alter the sample rate by clicking on "Advanced."

5. Select the sample rate under the option "Default Format" as 48000 Hz and check both the check boxes.

6. Press Apply, followed by "OK."

Fixing Microphone Settings on Discord

Once you have set up the system settings, you can now proceed with Discord's settings. Here is a step-by-step guide for that:

1. Open Discord, go to the bottom left of your username, and press "User settings."

2. Scroll down to "Voice and Video Settings". Under this drag, the volume slider is set to 100%.

3. Click on "Let's check" to make sure your sound is set to an optimal level.

4. Now, look for the voice processing module and disable echo cancellation, noise cancellation, and automatic game control. It's because these features may hinder your voice quality and degrade it or make it inaudible.

5. Once done with it, check if your Microphone is working fine without these three features. If you hear an echo in your voice, try tweaking the slider a little.

This could help you maintain an echo-free and quality voice on the mic. However, latency can be another reason for a quiet mic or low microphone volume on Discord. Hence, you may take some additional steps.

7. Toggle "enable quality of service high packet priority" to make sure your audio sounds great.

8. Next, move to the Discord channel and increase the bitrate to 96kbps.  

Updating the Audio Drivers 

In order to fix your drivers, right-click on the arrow button from the bottom right side of the screen.

1. Go to "Device Manager" and find the audio inputs.

2. Click on Microphone> Properties > Drivers.
3. Click on Update Driver.

Additional Tips for Better Microphone Performance

To ensure that your voice quality remains great for the users, you'll need to take some additional steps to improve your microphone's performance. Follow some tips such as:

• Utilizing an external mic booster or audio interface will be able to boost your microphone's signal, making it louder and clearer without distortion.
• Proper mic positioning is also important since a mic too far away or incorrectly angled may produce a softer voice. Placing it close to your mouth with minimal breathing sound is ideal for better pickup.
• Using noise gates and filters effectively can help reduce background noise, but incorrect settings might cut off softer parts of your voice. Adjusting these settings carefully ensures clarity without unnecessary interruptions.

Conclusion

These easy steps can help you fix your microphone and get back to clear communication on Discord. Follow them and enjoy uninterrupted chats, gaming, and streaming. For even better audio quality, follow best practices like proper mic placement and avoiding unnecessary filters. If you're still facing microphone issues, consider upgrading to an external microphone.

If you're experiencing consistent audio issues such as quiet or unclear voice levels on Discord, upgrading your microphone could drastically improve your sound quality. A wireless lavalier microphone delivers clear voice reproduction, reduces ambient noise, and ensures professional-level audio clarity without the hassle of adjusting settings constantly.

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FAQs

Does Discord automatically lower my microphone volume?

Yes, Discord's auto-adjustments, like Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Suppression, can sometimes lower your mic volume.

Can a better microphone fix quiet audio issues on Discord?

Yes, a high-quality mic with better sensitivity and noise handling can provide clearer and louder audio.

Why is my microphone quiet on Discord but loud in other apps?

Discord has its own input settings, which may differ from those of your system or other apps. Check Discord's input volume, noise suppression, and automatic adjustments in Discord's settings.

How do I make my microphone louder on Discord?

Increase your input volume in Discord's settings, disable AGC, and check your Windows/Mac sound settings for any limitations.

Can a bad internet connection make my mic sound quieter?

Not directly, but packet loss and lag can cause audio dropouts, making it seem like your mic is quieter or cutting out.