Introduction
In some recording, streaming, or communication scenarios, microphone input levels can be lower than expected, making voices sound quiet or distant. This guide explains how to increase microphone volume using Equalizer APO, a powerful open-source, system-level audio processing tool for Windows.
By adjusting gain within Equalizer APO, you can boost microphone loudness in a controlled way without changing hardware, while keeping the signal clean and avoiding distortion.
STEP 1: Download the EqualizerAPO software from the following link:
STEP 2: During the installation, please note where the destination folder is, you’ll need it later (C:\Program Files\Equalizer APO in my case), as it doesn’t appear automatically on the Desktop.
Equalizer APO destination folder
IMPORTANT: At the end of the installation process, at the “Configurator” window, click at the “Capture devices” tab and check your microfone device, so it appears on the list later. If you do not check it, you will NOT be able to boost your mic volume. Click “OK”.
After the installation RESTART your PC (or the configuration set in the software will have no effect).
STEP 3: Access the Equalizer APO folder in your destination directory (C:\Program Files\Equalizer APO in my case):
And double click the “Editor.exe” file to launch the software. You may create a shortcut and put it in your Desktop if you want.
STEP 4: At the upper toolbar in the main window, at “Device”, select “Capture devices” and choose your microphone from the dropdown list:
Selecting you mic device at the upper toolbar
You will see the “Preamplification” option at the main tab.
Choosing you mic gain in Equalizer APO，As shown in the figure, the gray button is in the enabled state
Increase the “Gain” as needed, until your microphone volume is clear enough.
After successful use, the status will be displayed on the panel
Note: Please consider that higher the gain, higher the possibility of reducing your mic audio quality, so increase this value carefully. Under normal daily circumstances, 6-12 dB of gain was enough.
After increasing your mic gain, select “File” -> “Save” to save your configuration. You may close Equalizer APO and your configuration will be kept.
All the software that use your microphone (e.g. Google Meet, Webex, OBS Studio, etc) will have this mic gain.
Disclaimer: Some content is quoted from the following article
https://geonetcast.wordpress.com/2023/01/10/boosting-your-mic-volume-with-equalizer-apo/
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1168537670