OS X Mountain Lion: Change the sound input volume
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If you want to record sound coming through your computer’s microphone or line-in port, you can adjust the sound input volume to compensate for the sound source being too loud or quiet.
For example, if you’re recording loud music, you can lower the input volume so that the recorded sound doesn’t sound too loud or distorted. Or, if you are recording someone who is speaking softly, you can increase the sound input volume so your computer can better capture the person’s voice.
Note: You can’t adjust the input volume for a digital input device using your computer’s controls. You must adjust the input volume from its source, such as a receiver.
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sound, and then click Input.
- Select the input device whose volume you want to control.
The input level meter shows you how loud or quiet the sound from the selected input device is registering.
- Drag the “Input volume” slider left or right to lower or raise the input volume.
If the sound input is very quiet, raise the input volume. If the input is very loud, lower the input volume, so that your recording isn’t too loud or distorted.
- To capture less background noise when using your computer’s built-in microphone, select the “Use ambient noise reduction” checkbox.
Last Modified: Sep 4, 2015