Configure microphone in Audacity on Windows
- 1
Connect your microphone
Plug in your USB microphone or connect your XLR mic to an audio interface. Windows should detect it automatically.
- 2
Enable microphone permissions
Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → enable all three toggles. Restart Audacity after changing permissions.
- 3
Set audio host to WASAPI
In Audacity toolbar or Edit → Preferences → Devices, set Host to Windows WASAPI.
- 4
Select your microphone
In the Recording Device dropdown (toolbar or Preferences → Devices), select your microphone name.
- 5
Set channels to Mono
For voice recording, set Recording Channels to 1 (Mono). Stereo doubles file size with no benefit for voice.
- 6
Set input level
Click the microphone icon in Audacity to enable monitoring. Speak at normal volume — the level meter should peak around −12 to −6 dB. Adjust the input slider if needed.
Microphone questions
Microphone not showing in Audacity
Check Windows detects it: right-click speaker icon → Sound settings → Input → your mic should be listed. If it is, go to Audacity and Transport → Rescan Audio Devices. If not in Windows, try a different USB port or check the USB cable.
Microphone sounds quiet in Audacity
Increase mic gain: (1) drag the input slider in Audacity toolbar upward, (2) in Windows Sound settings → Recording tab → your mic → Properties → Levels → increase microphone volume. For USB mics with a gain dial, turn it up on the mic itself.