Windows or audacut settings for louder microphone volume

[Suzycello]

Hey. I’m at a bit of a dead end still trying to set up for recording in audacity.

I’m using a brand new windows 11 computer, the latest audacity software download, a new citronic Q -pad mixer and an SM7B microphone but I still can’t get the mic volume up.

I’ve tested all my equiptment on a Mac and in garage band and so we know all the equiptment is in working order. I and some others believe it is an audio settings issue (either in windows or audacity). Can anyone advise?

I’ve tried going into the windows audio input settings but they are all already fully turned up it seems?

We

[DVDdoug]

You can run the Amplify effect after recording as long as the sound quality is OK.

Or Windows has Microphone Boost which MIGHT work on the USB input.

I don’t know why there is a difference with a Mac.

The SM7B is a dynamic mic. Like most dynamic mics the output is 20-30dB weaker than a studio condenser mic.

The preamp in most audio interfaces is usually optimized for use with a condenser mic and it often doesn’t have enough gain for dynamic mics.

Of course it also depends on the loudness of the sound hitting the mic. The mic in front of a drum or loud guitar amp should be OK.

Mixers & stand-alone preamps usually have more gain but that may not be the case with your mixer.

A lot of people with SM7B’s use a Cloudlifter or FEThead booster between the mic and interface.