Is My Microphone Working?
Audio diagnostic tool for testing microphone input and speech detection
Microphone Status
No device selected
Waveform
Audio Levels
Detection Thresholds
Hysteresis prevents flickering: once speech starts, level must drop below exit threshold to stop. Hangover adds a delay before switching to silence to avoid chopping word endings.
Event Log
No events yet. Start the microphone to begin logging.
How to use this diagnostic tool:
- Click "Start Microphone" and grant permission when prompted
- Speak normally - watch the RMS meter and speech detection badge
- If speech detection is too sensitive or not sensitive enough, adjust the threshold
- Check that speech_start and speech_end events fire at the right times
- Use the noise floor estimate to understand your environment's baseline
Frequently Asked Questions
How to test my microphone online without downloading software
Click the "Start Microphone" button above to begin testing instantly. This tool runs entirely in your browser — no downloads, no installation, and no account required. You'll see your microphone levels in real-time and know immediately if your mic is working.
Why is my microphone not working on Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams?
Most video call issues stem from browser permissions, another app using the mic, or the wrong device selected. Use this tool to check: if the waveform moves here but not in your meeting app, the problem is likely in that app's settings. If nothing shows here, check your browser permissions first.
How to enable microphone permissions in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox
Click the lock icon (Chrome/Firefox) or info icon (Safari) in your address bar, find "Microphone" in the permissions list, and select "Allow". Refresh the page after changing permissions. On mobile, you may need to go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
How to check if my microphone is muted
Start the test above and speak normally. If the waveform stays flat and RMS shows 0.0000, your mic is muted or not capturing audio. Check your headset's physical mute button, your operating system's input volume, and any meeting app's mute status.
Why is my microphone too quiet on Windows or Mac
Low mic levels often mean low input volume in your system settings. On Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input. On Mac: System Settings → Sound → Input. Look for the input volume slider and increase it to 70-80%. If levels are still low, try speaking closer to the mic or test a different one.
Does this mic test work on iPhone and Android
Yes — this tool works on mobile browsers including Chrome for Android and Safari for iPhone. You'll get the same waveform, audio levels, and speech detection as on desktop. Grant microphone permission when your browser prompts you.
Why does my mic pick up background noise and how to fix it
Look at the "Noise Floor" meter on this page. If it's above 0.01, you have significant background noise. Solutions: close windows/doors, move away from fans or air conditioning, use a headset with a boom mic, or enable noise suppression in your recording software. The noise floor shows your baseline room noise when you're not speaking.
Best microphone settings for voice typing and transcription
For voice typing apps like ours, aim for RMS levels between 0.02 and 0.1 when speaking normally. If the speech detection badge flickers, adjust the threshold slider. Speak at a consistent volume, position the mic 6-12 inches from your mouth, and minimize background noise for best accuracy.
Why is speech detection turning on and off repeatedly
This happens when your voice level is close to the detection threshold. Try these fixes: 1) Increase the "Speech Entry Threshold" slider slightly, 2) Speak louder and more consistently, 3) Move closer to your microphone. This tool uses hysteresis and hangover time to reduce flickering automatically.
How do I change my default microphone in Windows or Mac
Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input, then select your preferred device from the dropdown. Mac: System Settings → Sound → Input, then click your desired microphone. After changing, refresh this page and you'll see the new device in the selector above.