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Question

My computer's audio jacks make mics sound quiet and muffled

Jul 20, 2017 1:53PM PDT

So I have tried multiple different microphones on my computer (self built) and I find that the recording quality is for some reason worse for mics plugged in via audio jacks. I have tried everything i could think of and nothing has worked. And its not that they don't make any sound at all, the sound is just muffled and quiet. I thought maybe the audio jacks on my computer were just bad so I tried a usb converter, and that didn't help either. I have tried amplifying the sound in audio devices and using a noise suppression, but the quality is still so bad, I end up using my webcam mic instead. But I have spent the money on good mics, I don't want webcam quality sound recording. Can anyone help?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
What convertor?
Jul 20, 2017 1:59PM PDT

When I find the onboard audio to be subpar I try the under 10 buck USB audio card or USB Microphones.

If I'm working on audio overlay (movies etc.) I use my voice recorders (I have a few.)

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Sorry that I don't know a ton about computer stuff
Jul 20, 2017 2:05PM PDT

When I said converter, I meant something that you plug the jack into on one end and plugs into a USB on the other end, like the Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac

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The fact the Sabrent didn't work out
Jul 20, 2017 2:24PM PDT
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Check and check
Jul 20, 2017 5:09PM PDT

I already had everything boosted and turned up. I don't think it's a bum mic either because it did this for two other mics as well.

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I'm not there to look for "effects."
Jul 20, 2017 5:23PM PDT

Check what Kees noted next.

One of the annoying things about the audio area is how all over the map it is. Unless I'm on the PC and can test on my machine the gear I am usually out of luck.

Be sure to check every area and try these on another PC to be sure. I had one client that had a dozen iffy mics.

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Re: microphone
Jul 20, 2017 2:25PM PDT