Gaming microphone setup guides
Start with the symptom. Change one thing, test the result, then move to the next step. If you need to hear what's reaching your browser, record a clip with the mic test first.
16 guides
Discord
How to set up a microphone for Discord
Set up your mic in Discord: pick the right input device, set the level, choose Voice Activity or Push to Talk and check it with Mic Test.
Why your Discord microphone cuts out
Discord cutting off your words? Find out whether it's input sensitivity, noise suppression or the cable, one test at a time.
Discord Push to Talk vs Voice Activity
Push to Talk or Voice Activity in Discord? Which one suits a loud keyboard or a noisy room, and how to try both in the same game.
Console chat
PS5 microphone setup
Set up a mic on PS5: pick the input in Settings, check every mute, adjust the mic level and test party chat and game chat.
Xbox party chat: which mics and headsets work
Which headsets and mics work for Xbox party chat: a headset in the controller or an Xbox-edition wireless headset, and how to test it.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat microphone guide
Use GameChat on Switch 2: start with the built-in mic, open GameChat with the C button, and check what it needs before adding a headset.
Windows and Mac
How to test your mic on Windows 11
Test your microphone in Windows 11 Settings in under a minute, read the result, and fix a mic that isn't listed, is silent or is too quiet.
How to test your mic on Windows 10
Test your microphone in Windows 10 Sound settings, read the moving bar, set the input level and fix a mic that is missing or silent.
Microphone not detected in Windows
Mic not showing up in Windows 10 or 11? Check the cable and port, the input setting and app permission, in that order.
Microphone not detected on Mac
Mac not hearing your mic? Check the cable, the input in Sound settings and the app's microphone permission, in that order.
Hear yourself and routing
How to hear your microphone without delay
Hear your voice in your headphones with no delay by plugging into the mic, interface or headset, and stop hearing yourself twice.
Hear your mic in Windows: Listen to this device
Turn on Windows' Listen to this device to hear your own mic in your headphones, why it sounds late, and when a mic's direct monitoring is the better way.
Why game chat hears your desktop audio
Friends hear your game or music? Find out whether your mic picks up your speakers or the computer mixes the sound in, then fix it.
USB/XLR mics: what changes between USB and XLR
What changes when you move a USB/XLR mic from USB to XLR: mute, gain and the headphone jack, and which mode to use for chat.
Noise
Desk and mount
No guide matches that.
Try a single word such as Discord, PS5, delay or detected, or open the Mic Path Checker for your exact setup.