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Thread: Amplifying microphone level for video capture

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    Default Amplifying microphone level for video capture

    We bought our son a capture box for Xmas which has a microphone input (so he can record commentary whilst playing Minecraft and other Xbox games). We've tried two microphone's and the input sound level is extremely low (even with game sounds turned off), so I'm looking for a cheap solution. The game audio coming from the Xbox is fine, it's just the microphone input on the capture box that's low.

    Is it a preamp that I need to buy? If so, can anyone recommend a cheap option (ie. under $50) or am I dreaming? I've read some stuff but thought I would check with you guys to give me some advice.

    PS - I know I can use my video editing software to increase audio volume but this increases game audio/sounds as well. Also, recording commentary later via software (ie. as a voice-over) isn't going to work very well.



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    A small mixer (eg Behringer single mic) should do the job.

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    Jaycar have a few options:

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    Have you tried turning the Mic Volume up in the capture box ?
    Model number so we can search for the manual.
    Can you post the manual that came with it.
    Last edited by Reschs; 07-01-15 at 11:02 PM.

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    Thanks but there isn't any volume on the capture box


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Build a directional microphone using 2 mics and a simple op-amp.
    Keeps the game sound at a low level and can be adjusted to the needs in terms of output level.
    But if you only tried these tiny capacitor microphone you might want to try a standard, magnetic type first.
    I had a cheap recorder once and it did not like recording, a friend gave me a crappy, heavy mikrophone to test that used a capsule like in old phone and it worked a treat.
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    Quote Originally Posted by AussieM8 View Post
    Thanks but there isn't any volume on the capture box


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    It would be software controlled and not a physical knob.

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    Sorry mate bit it's a standalone capture box that accepts a USB stick and not connected to a PC


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    Quote Originally Posted by AussieM8 View Post
    Sorry mate bit it's a standalone capture box that accepts a USB stick and not connected to a PC


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Hence my initial request for model details or copy of manual.

    If you are capable of electronic kit assembly, the Silicon Chip Champ Preamp from Altronics or Jaycar is your answer.

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