ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II low mic input

[ScoobyRob1986]

Hi all hoping some one can help I have very low mic input on my PC I have installed latest realtek audio drivers after deleting and starting over. I have mic settings at 100% input and 30% boost in windows 11 and realtek audio control panel and I can hardly hear my self in windows and discord. I've hunted and hunted lots of people with the same issue no answer apart from switching to USB audio input for an expensive motherboard this is not right surely. I have the latest bios and microcode I am out of ideas this headset and mic worked fine on the previous Asus z390-E motherboard with zero issue please help.

[ScoobyRob1986]

Just to update I've tested mic via Xbox controller it behaves perfectly it's definitely motherboard / software issue front and rear panels behave the same 

[vortex1]

Firstly I hope I have read your problem correctly. I thought I would try and replicate your issue. I normally use a Soundblaster G8 external soundcard for headphones or optical speaker, and a ROG carnyx USB mic, and I don't use my headset with mic on my desktop - I use it with my laptop, (and then I only use the output functionality); but I plugged the headset into the top/front headphone/mic combo port at the top of the case.

I tried the Realtek USB Audio setting that came up for the mic input and for the speaker/headphone output, but to no avail. I made sure the Windows Sound setting was correct, and double checked this in the Volume Mixer. No good - i.e. I could not record anything as per my WIndows Sound Recorder program, or as per Nvidia Broadcast when I tried that setting instead.

I ran a Windows 11 troubleshooter:

I have no idea why the front panel combo port was not working - but I may have had more luck trying a rear port by actually plugging the headset into the motherboard itself (as kind of indicated by this troubleshooter). My PC is in an awkward position against the wall, so I didn't move it to try this out.

I would still be interested if anyone solves this issue, as I may want to use this Steelseries headset/mic at some point in the future.

I forgot to mention - the headset was picking up sound clearly and properly when I played an audio file to test - it's just the mic didn't work at all. I also had everything turned up to max in the Realtek Control Panel.When I plugged in the headset - Windows (or the Realtek Control Panel) asked if this was a Line IN connection or Mic, so I chose Mic.

Apologies if this is no help.

UPDATE: On the 3rd screenshot I just saw it says that 'Realtek USB Audio- the connector is located on the front side of the computer'. So I had it plugged in correctly and still have no idea why the mic was not being picked up. And I ensured the mic toggle switch on the headset itself was turned to 'on'/open.

[ScoobyRob1986]

Thank you for testing this out for me mine is picking up just very very minimal when I talk into the microphone discord and windows input barely detects the noise with 30% boost applied. I am using a pair of Sony xm4 headphones with an in line mic attachment. I have confirmed it not the mic headphones or lead at fault due to it works flawlessly attached to the audio out from x box controller wireless to x box dongle to PC. I have tried front and rear panels on PC sound out is no issue it's just mic in that's the issue for me too yours may be inputting just barely noticeable like mine. Currently using mic input direct to motherboard is a no go for me I'm having to use my old worn beaten up x box controller when playing online with chat enabled I also loose the ability to use DTS functions this way which is a shame.

[vortex1]

This may help with your Sony XM4:

1. First of all, make sure your XM4's are paired with your PC.

2. Secondly, the most common issue is selecting the wrong Bluetooth profile. The XM4 offers both an audio profile (for music playback) and a headset profile (for calls and microphone use).

To use the microphone, you must select the headset profile. This is often labeled as "Headset (WH-1000XM4 Hands-Free)" in your sound settings. If you select the audio profile, the microphone won't be available.

👇
In Windows Sound Settings:

• Input Device: Go to Sound settings (right-click the volume icon in the system tray and select "Open Sound settings"). Under the "Input" section, select "Headset (WH-1000XM4 Hands-Free)" as your input device (microphone).
• Output Device: In the same Sound settings, under the "Output" section, select "Headset (WH-1000XM4 Stereo)" or "Headset (WH-1000XM4 Hands-Free)" as your output device. The choice may depend on the application you are using, i.e Discord.

Normally you have to mirror the same Input & Output devices (as above) in the application you are using which in your case would be Discord audio settings.

Additional Troubleshooting:

1. Check "Handsfree Telephony" in Device Properties: In the "Control Panel," go to "Devices and Printers." Right-click on the WH-1000XM4 and select "Properties." In the "Services" tab, ensure the box next to "Handsfree Telephony" is checked.

2. Run the Windows Troubleshooter for audio via cmd. For Recording Audio, type in:  msdt.exe -id AudioRecordingDiagnostic. You do not need to run the cmd window as Administrator.

3. Update Audio Drivers via Device Manager or by going to the Sony support page for your XM4's.

4. Check if the Microphone is Muted: Right-click the volume icon in the system tray and select "Open Volume mixer." Ensure the microphone isn't muted in the Windows volume controls.

5. Check Speak-to-Chat: You might need to enable or disable the Speak-to-Chat feature. Hold 2 fingers to the touch sensor control panel until you hear the voice guidance say, “Speak-to-chat deactivated or activated”. I'm not sure which setting you need however, so you might need to look this up. You would 'disable' it if using the headset for calls.

6. Check Firmware: Ensure your XM4's have the latest firmware installed.

[ScoobyRob1986]

Thank you for this but I'm using them hardwired mate no Bluetooth at all as I know the mic via the headphones can be very temperamental with Bluetooth connections also prefer zero delay so always use a lead for input and mic output separate mic of course. To be honest I can't get my PC to find the headphones via Bluetooth I read earlier the wi fi antennas also boost Bluetooth signals I'm un sure if this is true though. Appreciate you input thank you 

[vortex1]

Sorry my fault - I should have picked up where you mentioned 'front & rear panels behaving the same'.

This problem might be due to a faulty cable that needs replacing OR that you need a 'good quality' mic type cable where there are 3 black rings on the connector plugs at either end of the cable and not 2. Usually the 3rd ring carries the mic data. It is known as a TRRS cable, and here is an example:

TRRS cable