How to enable microphone boost in Windows XP

Step 1: From the Start Menu, scroll to Control Panel and choose the Sound and Audio Devices setting.

Step 2: Under the Volume tab, click the Advanced button under the Device Volume section.

Step 3: If you do not see the Advanced button under the Play Control section, as seen below,

click the Options menu and choose Advanced Options. The Advanced button will now be visible, as seen below.

Step 4: Click the Options menu again and choose Properties.

Step 5: Under the Adjust Volume For section, choose Recording and click OK.

Step 6: Under Microphone, click the Advanced button.

Step 7: Under the Other Controls section, place a check in the box next to the Microphone +20 dB Boost option, then click the Close button.

You have now successfully boosted your microphone! Now that the boost is enabled, it is important to lower the Microphone Volume Slider, as seen on the Recording Control page in step 6. Excessive volume will distort your microphone quality.

For more information, contact Chris Sargent

Last updated: 06/29/2009