Mic Test checks that your microphone works before a call, a recording or a stream. A live meter shows the level in dB with the peak, a verdict tells you whether you are too quiet, just right or clipping, and a live waveform shows the sound. Record 5 seconds and play it back, or listen to yourself live with headphones. Nothing is uploaded.
How to test your microphone
- Click Test my microphone and allow the microphone when the browser asks.
- Speak at your normal volume. The level bar should move into the green part and the verdict should read Good level.
- If you have more than one microphone, choose under Microphone.
- Click Record 5 seconds and play back to hear exactly how you sound.
- To listen while you speak, tick Hear yourself live (use headphones).
Reading the level
| Verdict | Level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No sound yet | nothing heard | Say something; check mute switches and the selected mic |
| Quiet | −60 to −40 dB | Move closer or raise the input level |
| Good level | −40 to −12 dB | Nothing: this is right for speech |
| Loud | above −12 dB | Fine for loud parts; back off a little if it is always here |
| Clipping | at 0 dB | Too loud: move back or lower the input level |
The level is shown in decibels relative to the loudest sound the microphone can capture, so 0 dB is the maximum and lower numbers are quieter. The small marker holds the recent peak, so you can see your loudest moment even after it has passed. Under the meter you also see the sample rate and the number of channels the microphone delivers.
The real sound of your mic
Browsers and call apps normally process microphone sound: echo cancellation, noise suppression and automatic gain. That hides problems such as hiss, a buzz or a microphone that is set far too quiet. This test turns that processing off, so the level, the waveform and the test recording show what the microphone really picks up.
When the microphone does not work
Microphone access was blocked. Click the icon in the address bar, allow the microphone for this site and try again. On a Mac, also open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and turn your browser on. On Windows, open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
No microphone was found. Check that it is plugged in, or that the headset is connected and selected as the input device in your system’s sound settings.
The bar does not move. Check the mute switch on the headset or cable, try another microphone under Microphone, and check that the system input level is not at zero.
Hiss, hum or buzz. Move away from chargers and fans, try another USB port, or use a headset microphone.
Tips for clear sound
- Distance: a hand’s width to 30 cm from the microphone works for most voices.
- Room: curtains, carpet and furniture reduce echo; bare rooms sound hollow.
- Headset for calls: it keeps the speaker sound out of the microphone.
- Speak across the mic, not straight into it, to avoid pops on P and B sounds.
Next steps
Check your camera with the Webcam Test. To record more than a test, use the Voice Recorder, and clean up background noise with Noise Reduction.
Private by design
Sound is analysed on your own device. The test recording stays in this tab and nothing is uploaded. See how it works.