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I would like to use my computer microphone to play Portal 2 with a friend.

The problem is that the mic comes in way too quiet. When using Ubuntu, I have an option to set the microphone volume to 400%, and the quality is such that it actually sounds fine at this volume and I can refrain from yelling into the mic with my lips 1-inch away.

Is there a way to do something similar on Windows XP?

I've been looking around for an hour but don't see a way...

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This doesn't really belong here. Ask on superuser.com – Let_Me_Be Apr 20 '11 at 4:36
Check on control panel, sound devices, recording if the option is enabled there – camiloqp Apr 20 '11 at 12:14
Windows has a couple spots to turn up the mic volume and there's the microphone boost checkbox. Check those out. I bet the boost checkbox will fix it. – Sam Apr 20 '11 at 15:59
This is off-topic for this site - this is all about the digital audio and microphones and little to do with the game itself. Super User has rejected it, however, on account of the lack of activity and consequent meaningfulness of a migration, so it shall instead be closed on this site. – Grace Note♦ Jun 21 '11 at 13:44

closed as off topic by Grace Note♦ Jun 21 '11 at 13:43

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1 Answer

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Open volume controls. Make sure the "Advanced Controls" options is checked.

Volume Control

Click on the Advanced button (bottom right in this pic, but it will be located under the input device in your settings). Turn on the Microphone Boost.

enter image description here

Your audio driver software might have other controls to play with your mic settings as well.

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