How microphones work: Basics and tips to boost PC audio

A microphone is an electronic device used to amplify, transmit, or record sound waves. You can use a microphone in various settings, including music production, video recording, online education, gaming, and more.

Microphones enable sound to reach audiences far and wide. Without microphones, we wouldn’t have the recordings behind songs, movies, or podcasts. Phones also rely on microphones, and long-distance verbal communication wouldn’t be possible without them.

Microphones also enable us to create archival audio and preserve oral history. Thanks to microphone technology, we have audio recordings dating back to the 1860s.

Here's a step-by-step look at how microphones work:

1. When we speak or make noise, we create sound waves, which are physical vibrations that travel through the air.
2. These sound waves strike a very sensitive material known as a diaphragm inside a microphone, causing it to vibrate.
3. The vibration is converted into an electric signal in different ways, depending on the type of microphone being used.
4. This signal is then amplified or recorded.

There are three main categories of microphones, classified by the technology they use to convert sound waves into electrical signals.

Dynamic microphones

Dynamic microphones use a process known as electromagnetic induction to create electrical signals. The diaphragm is connected to a magnet via a coil of wire inside the microphone. The diaphragm's vibration causes the wire within the magnetic field to move, creating an electrical current.

Dynamic microphones are versatile, durable, and can be used to capture sound in loud environments, such as live music events or crowded spaces. They’re also good at recording directional noise, as they tend to record sound from the front and reject sound from behind. In the case of broadcasting or live streaming, this can be highly beneficial.

Condenser

Condenser microphones use capacitance to create electrical signals. The distance between the diaphragm and the back plate changes with its vibrations. As it moves, it creates an electrical signal.

Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can easily pick up unwanted background noise. They’re ideal for studio audio recording, livestreaming, voiceovers, and gaming in a quiet environment.

Ribbon

Ribbon microphones capture sound using a very conductive ribbon of metal that’s suspended inside a magnetic field. Sound waves cause the ribbon to vibrate, which creates an electric signal.

Ribbon microphones produce a warm, natural sound that's great for smoothing out harsh frequencies and capturing sound from instruments, such as electric guitars, clarinets, and trumpets.

Using a microphone on a PC is a great way to enhance your sound recording and transmission for higher-quality and more professional results. You can even use two microphones at the same time to amp up your setup. Here’s how to connect your USB or headset microphone to your Windows operating system:

Connecting a USB mic to your PC

USB microphones connect directly to your computer via USB and are versatile for various scenarios, including gaming and recording audio. Connecting a USB mic to your PC is fairly straightforward.

1. Plug the microphone’s USB cord into your USB port. If your computer doesn’t have the correct USB port, look for an adapter to convert your port.
2. In most cases, your PC will automatically detect the USB microphone and install any necessary drivers.

Connecting a headset mic to your PC

Headset microphones combine high-quality audio with noise-cancelling technology. They provide clear audio in busy settings and are best for instant communication while gaming, in business meetings, and more. Use the following steps to connect your headset mic to your PC:

• For a wired headset mic. Plug the headset’s audio jack into the appropriate audio port on your PC. You may need a Y-splitter cable (3.5mm splitter cable) if your PC has separate headphone and microphone jacks.
• For a USB headset mic. Plug the headset’s USB cord into your USB port, or into an adapter if need be.
• For a Bluetooth® headset mic. To use a wireless microphone, turn on your headset and put it into pairing mode. Navigate to Settings > System > Sound > Input > Add device. Select Bluetooth® and your headset when prompted.

Connecting a webcam mic to your PC

The built-in microphone of an external webcam can provide clear audio for video conferencing, streaming, content creation, and more. Here’s how to connect your webcam mic to your PC:

1. Plug the webcam’s USB cable into an available USB port.
2. Typically, your operating system will automatically recognize the device and install the required drivers.

If you’re unsure if your microphone is currently active, you can test it to check your microphone on PC.

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Sound > Input.
2. Select your microphone or pair the device if you haven't already done so.
3. You should see a blue bar moving as you speak under "Input volume," indicating that your microphone is active.
4. To test your microphone and verify it's working properly, click "Start test" under "Microphone test."
5. Test your mic by speaking into it.
6. Refer to your mic test to determine whether your microphone is working correctly. The microphone test tool will tell you what percentage of your volume was captured by your microphone.

Running into problems when using your microphone on a PC can be frustrating. There are some things that disconnecting and reconnecting your gaming mic can’t fix. Follow these troubleshooting steps to rule out common issues:

• Hardware is broken. If your microphone isn’t picking up sound, your hardware may be broken. Check your cables to ensure they’re not loose or broken. Verify that your ports are functioning correctly and that all cables are properly connected.
• Microphone is muted. You may have accidentally hit the mute button on your microphone or headset. Press the button again to unmute. You can also navigate to Settings > System > Sound > Input. Select your device in your sound settings to see if "Mute microphone" is toggled on.
• Wrong input device is selected. Even if your microphone is connected, it’s possible that it’s not selected as your default device. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and check which device is properly configured for audio input.

If your mic audio doesn’t sound right, use the following software to improve the audio quality of the microphone:

• Logitech® MIXLINE. MIXLINE audio mixing software enables you to route, mix, and stream audio in a few simple steps for the best possible sound.
• Logitech G HUB. Use Logitech G HUB to take control of microphone settings on select Logitech headsets.

Additionally, you can look for a Logitech microphone with BLUE VO!CE technology to enhance your audio output. This advanced audio technology delivers professional-grade audio quality for gaming, streaming, and more.

For the latest in microphone technology, shop Logitech. Explore USB microphones, mics with noise suppression, webcams with built-in mics, and headsets with microphones suitable for video calls, audio recording, and more. Record, amplify, mix, and refine with audio equipment from Logitech.