Plug the microphone in, open Settings in Audio Recorder – Voice Recorder, and pick it in the Microphone list instead of "Default microphone". Anything your operating system sees as an audio input works: USB mics, headsets, lavaliers, or an XLR mic through an audio interface.
An external mic is the biggest hardware upgrade for voice recording. It doesn't need to be expensive. Even a basic headset mic close to your mouth beats a laptop mic picking up the room and the keyboard.
Connect and select it
- Connect the mic before opening the popup. If it has a mute button or gain knob, unmute it and set the knob roughly to the middle.
- Click the extension icon.
- Set the source to Microphone (or Both if you also need tab sound).
- Open Settings and choose your mic in the Microphone list.
- Press Record, say a sentence, and watch the live waveform move.
If Chrome hasn't been allowed to use the microphone yet, a small permission window opens first. Click Allow there; the browser needs that once before device names can be used. The details are in Chrome microphone permission.
"Default microphone" vs a named device
Default microphone follows whatever your operating system currently treats as the default input. That is convenient, but it changes behind your back: plug in a headset or connect a wireless earpiece and the default may jump to it.
Choosing the named device pins the recorder to that mic. I pick the named device whenever more than one input is connected. It removes the classic surprise of recording a whole lecture through the webcam mic across the room.
Types of microphones and what to expect
| Type | Connection | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB desk mic | USB, shows up directly | Narration, voice-overs, podcasts | Speak from 15–25 cm, not across the desk |
| Headset | USB, 3.5 mm, or wireless | Calls, voice plus tab audio | Wireless headsets may drop quality while in call mode |
| Lavalier (clip-on) | 3.5 mm, USB adapter, or wireless kit | Lectures, presenting while moving | Clothing rustle; clip it mid-chest |
| XLR mic | Through an audio interface | Best control, music ideas | Gain is set on the interface, not just in software |
With an interface, the interface appears as the input device, not the mic itself. Select the interface in the list and set its gain knob so loud speech stays well clear of the clip light.
Set the level after switching
Every mic has a different output. A setting that worked for the laptop mic may be far too hot or too quiet now. Do a quick test and adjust Mic volume (0–200 %, default 100 %). The full procedure is in set the microphone volume for clear takes.
A good external mic in a quiet room often sounds more natural with Noise suppression off. Try one take each way; the difference is explained in noise suppression and echo cancellation.
Mono or stereo?
Most voice mics capture one channel, so the default Mono is the right choice. Picking Stereo with a single mono mic does not create width; it just stores the same voice twice. Stereo makes sense for a true stereo mic or interface input. See mono or stereo for voice recordings if you are unsure.
Your mic is not in the list
- Reconnect and reopen. Unplug, plug back in, then close and reopen the popup so the list refreshes.
- Check the operating system. If the system sound settings don't show the mic as an input, Chrome can't see it either. Try another port or cable.
- Close other apps. If you see "The microphone is busy or unavailable. Close other apps that use it.", another program is holding the device.
- Check Chrome access. "Microphone access is blocked. Allow it to start recording." means permission was denied. Allow it in Chrome site settings and try again.
- No device at all. "No microphone found. Connect one and try again." means Chrome sees no input device.
For deeper troubleshooting, the microphone not working in Chrome guide walks through each case.
One mic, one person
A single external mic picks up whoever is closest. For two people at one table, sit both at a similar distance from one mic rather than one at 10 cm and the other at a metre. The recorder captures one microphone per take, so balance comes from placement, not from the settings.