Microphone Tester

This tool uses the Web Audio API and getUserMedia to capture audio from your microphone and analyze it in real time — entirely in your browser. No audio is recorded, transmitted, or stored on any server.

Step 1: Allow Microphone Access

Click "Enable Microphone" and grant permission when your browser asks. The browser routes the audio stream directly to a local analyzer node — it never touches the internet. If you've previously blocked microphone access, click the lock icon in the address bar to reset permissions.

Step 2: Check Volume Levels

Speak at your normal distance from the mic. The volume meter shows input level as a percentage. Aim for 50–80% during normal speech. Below 30% means your mic gain is too low or you're too far from it. Hitting 100% means the signal is clipping — reduce gain in your OS sound settings or move further from the mic.

Step 3: Examine the Waveform

The waveform display shows the raw audio signal in real time. A flat line means no sound is detected. Clean, consistent waves indicate good audio quality. Jagged, erratic patterns suggest noise, interference, or a damaged capsule. High-pitched whine in the waveform may indicate ground loop interference.

Step 4: Record and Play Back

Use the record feature to capture a short audio clip, then play it back through your speakers or headphones. This is the most reliable way to judge your microphone's actual sound quality — you'll hear room echo, background noise, and frequency response characteristics that the visual displays can't fully convey.

USB Microphones

Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, Rode NT-USB, HyperX QuadCast, Elgato Wave, Samson Q2U — all USB microphones with built-in DACs work directly in the browser. They appear as audio input devices in your OS and are selectable via browser permissions. USB provides the most reliable, lowest-latency connection for browser testing.

Headset Microphones

Gaming headsets (SteelSeries Arctis, HyperX Cloud, Logitech G Pro), Bluetooth headsets (AirPods, Sony WH-1000XM), and 3.5mm headsets all work. Ensure the headset mic is selected as the default input device in your OS sound settings. Bluetooth headsets may switch to a lower-quality audio codec (SCO/HFP) when the microphone is active.

Built-in Laptop Microphones

All laptop built-in microphones work with the tester. Laptop mics typically have limited frequency response and are sensitive to keyboard noise and fan sound. The tester helps you assess whether the built-in mic is adequate for your use case (video calls, recording, etc.).

XLR Microphones via Audio Interface

Professional microphones (Shure SM7B, Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT1) connected through audio interfaces (Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Volt, MOTU M2) work perfectly. The browser sees the audio interface as a USB audio device. Set the interface as your default input device in your OS for the tester to pick it up.

Microphone Not Detected

• Browser permissions: Click the lock/site settings icon in the address bar and ensure microphone access is set to "Allow", not "Block".
• OS settings: Go to System Settings → Sound → Input and verify the correct microphone is selected and not muted.
• Privacy settings: On macOS, check System Settings → Privacy → Microphone and ensure your browser is allowed. On Windows, check Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
• Other apps using the mic: Some applications lock exclusive access to the microphone. Close Zoom, Discord, or other apps that might be using it.

Very Low Volume

• Increase mic gain: In your OS sound settings, boost the input level. For USB mics with physical gain knobs, turn it up.
• Distance: Most microphones need you within 6–12 inches for adequate levels. Condenser mics are more sensitive than dynamic mics.
• Wrong mic selected: The browser may be using a different input device. Check the device selector in the browser's permission prompt.

Noise, Hum, or Buzzing

• Ground loop: A 60 Hz (US) or 50 Hz (EU) hum usually indicates a ground loop. Try a different USB port, use a USB isolator, or connect to a different electrical circuit.
• Electromagnetic interference: Move the mic away from monitors, routers, and phones. Use a shielded cable if possible.
• Gain too high: Excessive gain amplifies background noise. Reduce gain and speak closer to the mic.

Audio Sounds Robotic or Choppy

• Bluetooth codec: When a Bluetooth headset mic is active, audio quality drops to the HFP/SCO profile (8 kHz, mono). This is a Bluetooth protocol limitation, not a hardware defect.
• Sample rate mismatch: Ensure your OS audio settings match your microphone's native sample rate (usually 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz).
• CPU overload: Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications. Audio processing is real-time and sensitive to CPU contention.