Output
Waveform; spectrum; digital dBFS; local clip
UserBenchmark / All Tools / Microphone Test
Audio
Microphone Test
Check microphone input with a live waveform, level meter and local recording.
Free to useNo downloadNo sign-up
Microphone Test · At a glance
Quick answer: Check microphone input with a live waveform, level meter and local recording. A moving waveform confirms input reaching the browser.
Microphone Test
The test loads when you open it. Device access is requested only after you choose to start.
Detailed guide
How to use this tool
- Choose Start, allow microphone access and speak normally.
- Inspect the waveform, then record a short clip and listen through the intended output.
Input
Microphone permission and an input device
Browser requirement
HTTPS; getUserMedia; Web Audio
Processing
Runs on your device; no tool-result upload
How it works and what the result means
Signal level is shown in dBFS, where 0 is digital full scale. It is not a calibrated sound pressure reading. The noise floor is the lowest observed level, not a laboratory SNR measurement.
Reading the result
A moving waveform confirms input reaching the browser. Peaks near 0 dBFS suggest digital clipping; a flat line points to routing, mute or permission issues.
Separate input problems from playback problems
If the waveform stays flat, check the operating-system input selection and physical mute switch. If the waveform moves but playback is silent, inspect the output routing. Repeated peaks near 0 dBFS suggest clipping; lower gain or increase distance. Fan noise or hum may appear in the spectrum, but a peak cannot identify its source. Listen to a local clip before drawing a conclusion. No recording is uploaded.
What to check next
Check the physical mute switch and operating-system input first. If the waveform moves but playback is silent, inspect output routing separately.
Use HTTPS or localhost, check the selected operating-system input, and close applications that hold the microphone. Stop releases microphone access; recordings remain in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is my recording sent to a server?
The test processes the stream and recording locally in the browser. A saved clip is downloaded only when you choose to save it; the tool does not upload audio.
How do I start the Microphone Test?
Start the microphone, approve access, and speak at a normal level. Watch the waveform and spectrum. Use Record and Finish recording to listen to a local clip.
Why is the waveform flat after permission is allowed?
Permission only allows access. Check the system default input, physical mute switch, privacy controls and headset connection. Speak near the intended microphone and verify that another application has not selected a different input.
What does clipping look like?
A digital signal repeatedly approaching full scale can flatten peaks and sound harsh. Reduce input gain or increase distance, then record another short clip. A level meter alone cannot guarantee that the entire analog signal path is distortion-free.
Why is the recording quieter than my voice sounds in the room?
Digital level depends on input gain, microphone distance, direction and processing. Room loudness and dBFS are different quantities. Keep gain fixed when comparing positions rather than interpreting the meter as a sound-pressure reading.
Does this tool require a download or an account?
No. Open the interactive tool above in a modern browser. The instructions and explanations are available even with JavaScript disabled; running a test needs JavaScript.