Microphone Test
Check your mic is working with a live level meter.
Testing your mic
Press start, allow microphone access when the browser asks, and speak. The meter shows your level live, the waveform shows the signal, and the device name confirms which microphone is actually in use โ often the surprise culprit. Audio is analysed in the tab and never recorded, stored or sent anywhere; press stop and the mic is released.
A good speaking level moves the meter to the middle with peaks short of the red. Constant red is clipping โ distortion that no later processing removes โ so move back or turn input gain down.
When the meter stays flat
Work outward from the physical: is a headset's mute switch on? Is the right input selected โ a plugged-in headset can sit idle while the system listens to the laptop's built-in mic? Then the operating system: both Windows and macOS have per-app microphone permissions that silently block browsers, under Privacy settings.
If the meter works here but a meeting app stays silent, the mic is fine and the app's settings are not โ check its input device and permission. The reverse also matters: only one app can sometimes claim a mic exclusively. Test speakers on the same trip with the speaker test, and when you need an actual recording rather than a check, the voice recorder does that locally too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test if my microphone is working?
Press start, allow access, and speak โ the level meter moves if the mic works. The device name shown confirms which microphone is being used.
Is this mic test private?
Yes. Audio is analysed inside your browser tab for the meter and waveform, nothing is recorded or transmitted, and the microphone is released when you stop or leave.
Why does my mic work here but not in Zoom or Teams?
The hardware is fine โ check the meeting app's own input-device setting and its microphone permission in your operating system's privacy settings.
Why is my mic so quiet?
Input gain is set low, or you are far from the mic. Raise the input level in system sound settings and keep peaks out of the red to avoid clipping.