How to Connect a Microphone to a PC

There are several ways to connect a microphone to your computer. It depends on the manufacturer, laptop verses desktop, or what other peripherals (such as a sound recorder) are linked between the computer and the microphone. Most computers come with a dynamic microphone made especially for connecting directly into the sound card. The sound card is equipped with a 1/8-inch plug-in jack made specifically for the microphone.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for the sound card on the back of the computer. This will have a 15-pin connector and several colored jacks.

2. Locate the microphone jack. Although some manufacturers will stray from the norm, the microphone jack is typically colored red or pink and/or will probably have a picture of a microphone.

3. Connect the microphone into the jack.

4. Click "Start," then click "Control Panel," then click "Hardware and Sound," then click "Manage Audio Devices" under the "Sound" category. This opens the "Sound" window.

5. Click the "Recording" tab. Here you will see a picture of a microphone. To the right of the picture should be a sound bar.

6. Test the microphone by speaking into it. If the sound bar lights up, then the microphone is plugged in correctly and ready to use. If the sound bar remains gray, then there is no signal. Try another jack on your sound card and repeat the steps to test your microphone. If you still can't get the microphone to work review your computer documentation or contact the manufacturer's technical support.