Mic Test
Test your microphone with a level meter and playback. Runs in your browser.
About this mic test
This mic test checks that your microphone works and shows how it sounds: a live level meter in decibels, a waveform or spectrum view, a clipping counter, and a short recording you can play back. It is for gamers, remote workers, podcasters and anyone whose friends keep saying "you're too quiet".
Your voice is not uploaded. The sound is analysed inside this browser tab, and the test recording sits in memory until you close the page.
You can also switch echo cancellation, noise suppression and auto gain on or off. Those are the filters video-call sites apply, so you can hear the difference they make before your next call.
Features
Microphone picker
Pick a USB mic, a headset, a webcam's built-in mic or the laptop's own. Device names appear once you allow access, and plugging a new mic in updates the list.
Level meter in dBFS
The bar runs from -60 dB to 0 dB full scale, with a peak-hold marker. A short verdict tells you if you are silent, quiet, at a good level, too hot or clipping.
Waveform, spectrum and level history
Switch between the raw waveform, a frequency spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a scrolling history of recent peaks. The spectrum makes mains hum and fan noise easy to spot.
Clipping counter
Every time the signal hits full scale, the counter goes up and the meter turns red. Clipping is the harsh crackle you hear when someone shouts into a headset.
Record and play back
Record 5, 10 or 30 seconds with the processing you chose, then listen on headphones. That is close to what people hear on a call with the same settings.
Technical details
A table shows the track's sample rate, the audio engine's sample rate, channel count, sample size, latency where reported, and whether each filter is really on.
How to use the mic test
- 1Pick your microphone, choose the processing options, then press Start mic test and allow access.
- 2Talk and watch the meter: aim for peaks around -12 to -6 dB with no clipping.
- 3Record a few seconds and play it back to hear how you sound.
When to use it
Before a meeting or game
Make sure the right mic is picked and the level sits in the green. Most "can you hear me?" moments come from the wrong device or a muted input. While you're at it, check your camera too.
Comparing two microphones
Record the same sentence on each and play both back. Watch the spectrum too: a cheap mic often shows little energy below 150 Hz.
Setting gain for recording
Adjust your interface or system input level until your loudest words peak around -6 dB. Then switch to the voice recorder to make the real take.
Checking a headset end to end
Test the mic here, then play the left and right channel test through the same headset to confirm both earcups work.
How do I test my microphone?
Pick your mic in the list and press Start mic test. Allow access when the browser asks. Now talk at your normal volume, about a hand's width from the mic.
Watch the meter. Speech should peak around -12 to -6 dB. If it barely reaches -40 dB, raise the input level in your system's sound settings or move closer. If the meter turns red and the clipping counter climbs, back off or lower the gain. Then press Record test, say a sentence, and play it back.
What is a good microphone level in dB?
The meter shows dBFS, decibels relative to full scale. 0 dBFS is the loudest value digital audio can store. Anything above that is cut off, which is clipping.
For speech, peaks between -12 and -6 dBFS leave room for the odd laugh without distortion. Quiet background noise when you are silent should sit below -50 dBFS. If the room noise sits at -35 dBFS, your listeners will hear it.
Should I turn on noise suppression and echo cancellation?
For calls, usually yes. Echo cancellation stops your speakers leaking back into the mic. Noise suppression removes steady sounds like fans. Auto gain evens out your level as you lean in and out.
For music, singing or ASMR, turn all three off. The filters can chop sustained notes, pump the volume up and down, and make quiet sounds vanish. Wear headphones so the mic doesn't pick up your speakers.
Why does my mic sound bad even when the level is fine?
Level is only one part. A few things to check:
- Bluetooth headsets drop to a low-quality mode while the mic is open, often a 16 kHz sample rate. Check the sample rate row in the details table.
- A spectrum full of energy at 50 or 60 Hz is mains hum. Try another USB port or move away from power bricks.
- Muffled sound often means you are using the webcam or laptop mic from across the room, not your headset.
- Hollow, roomy sound comes from bare walls. Soft furnishings help more than any setting.
Why use Mavros
| Mavros | Typical upload sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your audio goes | Stays in this browser tab | Often unclear |
| Level meter | dBFS scale with peak hold and verdict | Bouncing bar with no scale |
| Clipping detection | Counter and red warning | Rare |
| Views | Waveform, spectrum and level history | One animation |
| Processing switches | Echo, noise and gain on or off | Fixed settings |
| Playback | 5 to 30 s test recording to play or download | Sometimes, often with an upload |
| Technical details | Sample rate, channels, latency, filter state | Device name only |
Tips
- Listen to your test recording on headphones, not speakers. Speakers hide hiss and room echo that your listeners will hear.
- If Windows offers a "Communications" or "Default" device in the list, pick the real mic name instead. It avoids surprises when the default changes.
- Watch the clipping counter while you laugh or cough. If those clip, lower the gain a few steps.
- Need a transcript of a meeting or a voice note? Convert the speech to text in the browser once it is recorded.
Questions
Is this mic test private?
Yes. The sound is analysed in your browser and never sent to a server. The test recording is held in memory and disappears when you close or reload the page.
Why is my microphone not detected?
The browser or your system is blocking it, or no input device is active. Allow the microphone from the icon in the address bar, check your system's privacy settings, and make sure the mic isn't disabled in the sound control panel.
Why does it say the microphone is in use?
Another app has taken control of it. Close Zoom, Teams, Discord or recording software, including from the system tray, then start the test again.
Why is my mic so quiet?
The input level is low, or you are too far away. Raise the microphone level in your system's sound settings, keep the mic within a hand's width, and turn on auto gain if you want the browser to help.
What sample rate should my microphone use?
48 kHz is the standard for video and calls, and 44.1 kHz is common for music. Both capture the full range of speech. A 16 kHz reading usually means a Bluetooth headset in call mode.
Can I hear myself live through the speakers?
Not on this page, on purpose. Live monitoring through speakers causes loud feedback squeals. Record a short test instead and play it back on headphones.
Does the mic test work on phones?
Yes. It works in current mobile Chrome and Safari after you allow the microphone. Phones often apply their own processing, so the filter switches may have less effect.
What does clipping mean on a microphone?
Clipping means the signal reached the maximum digital level and the tops of the waveform were cut off. It sounds harsh and crackly. Lower the gain or move back until the counter stops rising.