How to connect a microphone to a computer?

A modern computer user may have different situations when it is necessary to use a microphone. Some use it during online games, someone likes to communicate with friends or colleagues on Skype, and someone just likes to sing karaoke at leisure. In any case, the presence of a microphone to perform all these actions is simply necessary.

As a rule, connecting a microphone to a computer is not difficult. The main action that is required from the user is to insert the device plug into the connector provided for it. Sometimes it needs to be set up for the correct operation of the device. Let's consider in detail which microphone to choose and how to connect the microphone to the computer.

How to choose a microphone?

Before buying a microphone, you should think about the purposes for which it will be used. Consider how to choose a microphone for your computer, so that the sound quality meets the needs.

If you want to talk with friends or colleagues on Skype, you can buy an inexpensive device. Moreover, in the store you can buy headphones with a microphone or a web camera, which also often provides a microphone.

If you need a microphone for recording your own voice, performing musical compositions, or sounding a video, then it's worth paying attention to more expensive and high-quality models.

Also worth mentioning is that there are models of wireless microphones for the computer. In addition to the microphone itself, the device includes a signal receiver. Absence of wires makes this option optimal for karaoke lovers.

Before installing the microphone on a computer, it is worth remembering that the outputs of different devices may vary. The standard connector of the computer sound card is 3.5 jack. The same output for most middle class microphones. Dear professional and semi-professional models have an output of 6.3 jack. And to connect such a device to a computer, you may need a special adapter, which must be purchased separately.

Microphone connection

In order to properly connect the device, you should understand where the microphone connector is located in the computer. On modern computers, it can be in a variety of places. For example, on a keyboard or speakers. Also for ease of use on many system units, the microphone connector is located on the front panel. But it's better not to be too lazy to push back the system unit and connect the microphone directly to the sound card on the back panel of the device. The opening for the microphone is usually pink or red.

There are also microphone models for the computer that connect via the usb port. In this case, the connection process will be even easier. Simply insert the device cord into the appropriate usb connector on the computer or laptop computer.

Microphone setting

After the microphone plug is inserted into the correct connector, you can start checking the device. In the Windows operating system, you need to log in in the "Control Panel", then select "Hardware and Sound", then "Sound". In the window that appears, select the "Recording" tab, in which the connected microphone should be displayed. Try to say something into the microphone. If the device is functioning correctly, the green indicator to the right of the microphone icon will move. If this does not happen, then, probably, several microphones are connected to the computer, and you should set the desired one from them by default.

Now that you know how to connect a microphone to a computer, you should not have problems communicating with your friends on Skype or when trying to record your voice.