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Low Volume & Noise

Problem: Low Volume or Faint Audio

Symptom: Recording is very quiet, have to turn volume way up to hear

Solutions (try in order):

1. ⭐ MOST COMMON: Audio input gain too low

This fixes 90% of low volume issues!

  • Windows:
  • Right-click speaker icon in taskbar
  • Select "Recording devices"
  • Double-click "Microphone"
  • Go to "Levels" tab
  • Set "Microphone" slider to 100%

  • If there's "Microphone Boost" option, try +20dB

  • Mac:

  • System Preferences → Sound
  • Click "Input" tab
  • Drag "Input volume" slider all the way to the right

2. Headset microphone position

  • Boom mic should be 1-2 inches from corner of mouth
  • Not directly in front (causes breath noise)

3. Recording software input level

  • Many programs have their own gain slider
  • In Audacity: Input level slider at top (set to 0.8-1.0)

4. Phone call volume

  • During test call, increase phone volume with buttons
  • Affects how loud other person sounds in recording

5. Weak headset microphone

  • Some cheap headsets have poor quality
  • Try different headset (Apple EarPods are good reference)

Problem: Can't Hear Call in Headset

Symptom: No audio in headset during call (but RECAP is connected)

Diagnostic:

  1. Test headset directly with phone (no RECAP)
  2. Does it work?
  3. NO → Headset is incompatible, get different one

  4. YES → Continue to #2

  5. Check connections

  6. RECAP firmly plugged into phone?
  7. Headset firmly plugged into RECAP?

  8. Try unplugging and reconnecting firmly

  9. Try different headset

  10. Confirms if it's headset compatibility issue

  11. If none of above work

  12. May be RECAP hardware defect
  13. Contact support with test results

Problem: Static, Noise, or Interference

Common causes and solutions:

  1. Loose connections
  2. Ensure all plugs fully inserted

  3. Try unplugging and reconnecting firmly

  4. Dirty or damaged connectors

  5. Use compressed air to clean jacks

  6. Look for bent pins

  7. Electrical interference

  8. Move RECAP away from power adapters, monitors

  9. Don't let cables run parallel to power cords

  10. Microphone gain too high (causing distortion)

  11. Lower gain to 70-80%

  12. Look for clipping in waveform (flattened peaks)

  13. Poor quality headset

  14. Some cheap headsets have noisy electronics
  15. Try different headset

Problem: Not Working on Mac

Most Macs have MONO-only or LINE IN ports

Diagnostic:

  1. Run device scanner: https://recapmycalls.com/audio/
  2. Most Macs show MONO only → USB adapter needed

Mac audio port types:

  • Combo port (one port for headphones + mic): Usually MONO only
  • Separate input jack: Often LINE IN, not MIC IN (incompatible)

Solution: Andrea USB stereo adapter - details here