how to turn your input volume up in voicemeeter

3 min read 04-02-2025

how to turn your input volume up in voicemeeter

VoiceMeeter is a powerful free virtual audio mixer, but its interface can be initially daunting. One common question is how to increase input volume. This guide will walk you through adjusting input levels in VoiceMeeter Banana, the most popular version. We'll cover different scenarios and troubleshooting steps to ensure your microphone audio is perfectly balanced.

Understanding VoiceMeeter's Input Channels

Before we dive into adjusting the volume, it's crucial to understand VoiceMeeter's input structure. VoiceMeeter Banana typically has several input channels, often labeled "Hardware Input," "A1," "A2," and potentially others depending on your setup. These represent different audio sources connected to your computer. Your microphone will likely be connected to one of these. Identifying the correct input is the first step.

Identifying Your Microphone Input

Check Your Hardware: Begin by identifying where your microphone is physically connected (USB port, 3.5mm jack, etc.).
VoiceMeeter Hardware Input: Look at the "Hardware Input" section. This often shows all available audio inputs, including your microphone. Its name will usually match your microphone's name in your operating system's sound settings.
VoiceMeeter A1/A2/etc.: If your microphone isn't directly listed under Hardware Input, it might be routed through another application or a virtual cable. Check VoiceMeeter's routing to see if it's connected to an 'A' input.

Adjusting Input Gain: The Main Volume Control

Once you've located your microphone's input channel, increasing its volume is straightforward. This is often referred to as gain.

Locate the Input Slider: Find the fader (vertical slider) that corresponds to your microphone's input. It's typically located beneath the input name, often marked "Input Gain" or similar.
Increase the Slider: Carefully slide the fader upwards to increase the input gain. Start with small adjustments to avoid clipping (distortion).
Monitor Your Levels: While adjusting, watch the VU meter (volume unit meter) next to the fader. Ideally, you want the levels to peak around -6dB to -12dB. Spiking into the red (clipping) indicates the signal is too loud and needs to be reduced.

Troubleshooting Low Input Volume

If you've adjusted the input gain and your microphone is still too quiet, consider these possibilities:

1. Microphone Gain Issues

Check Microphone Settings: Ensure your microphone itself is not muted and its volume is turned up in your operating system's sound settings. Windows users can access this through the sound icon in the system tray.
Microphone Hardware: Confirm your microphone is functioning correctly. Test it with other applications to rule out a hardware problem.
Microphone Boost (Windows): Windows allows you to enable "Microphone Boost" which increases the sensitivity. This can help but may increase noise.

2. VoiceMeeter Routing Problems

Check VoiceMeeter Routing: Ensure your selected microphone input is properly routed to the output you want to use (Hardware, Virtual Cable, etc.).
VoiceMeeter B1/B2/etc. Outputs: If you’re trying to route your microphone to a different output, ensure that the level of that output is also adjusted appropriately.

3. Driver Issues

Update Audio Drivers: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause issues. Visit your motherboard or sound card manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Use VoiceMeeter's "Pre-Fader Meter": Activating the pre-fader meter helps diagnose signal problems before any gain adjustments are applied. This is usually an option within VoiceMeeter's settings.
Experiment with Different Input Sources: If using multiple audio devices, verify you're adjusting the correct input channel.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively adjust your input volume in VoiceMeeter Banana. Remember to always monitor your audio levels to avoid distortion. If problems persist, consult the VoiceMeeter documentation or online forums for further assistance.