Test My Microphone
Test your microphone with a waveform visualizer and playback
Microphone Test
Ready
Click start to test your microphone
How it works
This tool uses navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia() to access your microphone. The audio stream is analyzed using the Web Audio API's AnalyserNode to generate the waveform visualization and volume meter in real time via requestAnimationFrame. Recording uses the MediaRecorder API to capture a 5-second audio clip for playback. All audio processing happens locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
How to Test Your Microphone
Click the button above to start recording. Speak at your normal conversation volume and watch the waveform visualizer respond. After recording, play back the clip to hear exactly what others will hear in a call. Listen for clarity, volume level, and any background noise or distortion.
A good microphone test checks three things: is the mic detected (your browser can find and access it), is the volume adequate (the waveform should show clear peaks when you speak), and is the audio clean (no buzzing, hissing, echo, or excessive room reverb). For a more detailed analysis, try our microphone quality scorer.
Microphone Troubleshooting
- "No microphone found" — Ensure your mic is plugged in or paired via Bluetooth. Check that it's selected as the input device in your OS sound settings. On macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input. On Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input.
- Very low volume — Increase the input gain in your OS sound settings. Make sure you're speaking into the correct side of the microphone (many mics are directional). Position the mic 6-12 inches from your mouth for best results.
- Buzzing or humming — This is often electrical interference. Try a different USB port, use a shielded cable, or move the mic away from power supplies and monitors. Ground loop isolators can fix persistent hum.
- Echo in recordings — Your microphone is picking up audio from your speakers. Use headphones to eliminate feedback, or reduce speaker volume. Condenser microphones are especially sensitive to room audio.
- "Permission denied" — Click the lock/site-settings icon in your browser's address bar and allow microphone access. Check your OS privacy settings to ensure your browser has microphone permission.
Tips for Better Audio
Room acoustics matter. Hard surfaces (glass, concrete, bare walls) create echo and reverb. Soft furnishings — carpet, curtains, bookshelves — absorb sound and improve clarity. If your room sounds echo-y, a simple fix is hanging a blanket behind your monitor or adding soft furnishings near your desk.
Microphone position matters. Speak directly into the front of the mic at a consistent distance. Too close creates "plosives" (popping sounds on P and B). Too far picks up room noise. For headset mics, position the boom just below your lower lip, not directly in front of your mouth. Before your next call, run a quick pre-meeting check to verify your mic and camera together.