There are a few different solutions to fix your Discord microphone quality. Typically the quality of your microphone comes down to the microphone itself. However, incorrect settings can also cause your microphone to sound bad.
- Check your input device on Discord.
- Lower Discord input volume.
- Adjust Input Sensitivity.
- Change the default input device on your PC.
- Change Noise Suppression Mode
- Change Discord audio subsystem.
- Use a Different USB Port.
- Move Closer to the Microphone.
Check Your Input Device on Discord
The first step is to make sure your input device is set correctly. Sometimes your PC or another device will have a microphone that could be getting used instead. This will typically be the issue if your input device is set to default. Changing the input device to the device itself will help you identify if the input is set incorrectly.
- Open the user settings via the gear icon.
- Select Voice & Video from the side.
- Expand the Input Device menu.
- Select your microphone.
Lower Discord Input Volume
Another way to improve microphone quality on Discord is to lower the input volume. By lowering the input volume your microphone won’t be as loud. This can help prevent the audio from peaking when you’re speaking. However, this should not be done if your microphone is too quiet.
- Open the user settings.
- Go to the Voice & Video settings.
- Set the input volume between 85% and 95%.
Adjust Input Sensitivity
Discord has an input sensitivity setting which works similarly to a noise gate. Any audio under a set volume won’t be heard in an attempt to remove background noise. Typically the input sensitivity is set automatically by Discord. However, you can set it manually in an attempt to improve microphone quality.
- Open the user settings.
- Go to the Voice & Video settings.
- Turn off Automatically determine input sensitivity.
- Don’t talk and take note of the highest audio point.
- Talk and take note of the highest audio point.
- Move the slider so it’s between the two points, closer to the no talking point is best.
- Test and adjust as needed.
If your microphone is cutting in and out while you’re talking then you will need to move the slider to the left. If too much background noise is being heard then move the slider to the right.
Change the Default Input Device on Your PC
If you would prefer to use the Default option as your input device on Discord then you will need to change your PC’s default device.
- Open the Windows Start Menu.
- Search for Sound Settings.
- Open the Sound Settings.
- Set the Input Device to your microphone.
Change Noise Suppression Mode
In rare instances, the inbuilt Discord noise suppression can cause microphone issues. By default, the noise suppression mode is set to Krisp, which does a good job of removing background noise from your microphone audio. However, some users may find a more preferable sound by setting noise suppression to standard.
Change Discord Audio Subsystem
Switching the Discord audio subsystem to legacy can correct issues with some hardware. If your microphone quality on Discord is poor then changing the subsystem may help Discord work with your microphone better. However, we do recommend using the standard audio subsystem if the change is unsuccessful.
- Open the Discord user settings.
- Go to the Voice & Video Settings.
- Scroll down and find the Audio Subsystem setting.
- Set audio subsystem to Legacy.
- Click Okay to restart Discord.
- If this does nothing then switch the audio subsystem back to standard.
Disconnect and Reconnect Your Microphone
Sometimes the simple option is the best solution. Unplugging your microphone for a few moments before plugging it back in can fix several issues. It is important to leave the microphone disconnected without power for about 30 seconds to ensure it resets correctly.
Use a Different USB Port
There are different types of USB Ports with computers commonly having varying types of ports. For example, your microphone may require the power of a 3.0 USB to work correctly. If your microphone is quiet then your microphone may require a 3.0 USB. USB 3.0 ports will often have blue inside the port or have blue around the port as an indication marker. Additionally, it’s also possible that your microphone quality is poor due to a faulty USB port.
Move Closer to the Microphone
As silly as it sounds, moving closer to your microphone can fix a lot of microphone quality issues. Microphones often have a proximity effect where being closer to it provides better and more crisp vocal audio. Additionally, having your microphone closer also allows you to set your input sensitivity higher without having your voice cut in and out. However, you don’t want to sit with your microphone directly in front of your mouth. Around 4 to 10 inches is usually best. However, we recommend testing at varying distances to find what sounds best for your microphone.
