Mic Test: Test Your Microphone Online for Free
Test your microphone in your browser. See right away if it works, how loud you come in and how much noise there is.
Your sound stays on your device. Nothing is recorded until you click record, and even then the recording stays in your browser.
How to test your microphone
- Click Start mic test and allow the microphone in your browser prompt.
- Talk, sing or rap. The meter moves along and you see right away if your mic works.
- Record 6 seconds and play it back. You get advice on your level straight away.
- Measure the noise. Stay quiet for 3 seconds to see how much background sound your mic picks up.
What do the meters mean?
All values are in dBFS. 0 dBFS is the loudest level digital audio can handle. Anything above it gets cut off and sounds distorted, which is called clipping. Peak is the loudest moment of your sound, Average shows how loud it is on average. The Clipping counter shows how often your signal hits 0 dBFS. You want to keep that at zero.
What level is good for vocals and rap?
A common guideline for vocals is peaks around -12 to -6 dBFS. That leaves room for loud parts and keeps your recording clean. You make it louder later in the mix. Change the level with the gain on your audio interface or mic, not with the volume fader in your DAW, because that does not change your recording.
Mic not working? Check this
- Permission. Click the lock or microphone icon in the address bar and allow the microphone.
- The right mic. If you have more than one, pick the right one in the menu above the test.
- Mute or gain. Check that no mute button is on and the gain is not turned all the way down.
- Another app. Zoom, Discord or your DAW can keep the mic busy. Close them and try again.
- Privacy settings. On Windows, look under Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone. On a Mac, under System Settings, Privacy and Security, Microphone.
- XLR mic. A condenser mic usually needs 48V phantom power. Turn it on at your interface.
Browser filters: on or off?
They are off by default, so you hear your mic the way it really comes in. Video call apps often use noise suppression and automatic gain. Tick the box if you want to hear roughly how you sound on a call. For recording music you want those filters off.
FAQ
Is my sound stored?
No. Everything happens in your browser. Your recording is never sent to a server and is gone when you close the page.
Does the test work on my phone?
Yes, in modern browsers like Chrome and Safari. Your browser asks for permission first.
Why can't I hear myself while I talk?
The test does not play your sound back live on purpose, to avoid feedback. Record 6 seconds and play it back afterwards.