Everything You Need to Know about Mic Monitoring

PDF download Download Article
A simple guide to understanding and using mic monitoring
PDF download Download Article

Mic monitoring is a feature that instantly plays audio from your microphone through your headphones so you can hear yourself speak. This feature is common with gaming headsets, but you can also use it for conference calls, audio recording, and live performances. This wikiHow article teaches you what mic monitoring is, what it's used for, and how to enable it.

Things You Should Know

  • Mic monitoring allows you to hear your voice in your speaker or headset as you speak into the microphone.
  • When gaming, mic monitoring ensures that you can hear your own voice, as well as in-game audio.
  • You can enable mic monitoring on your headset, Xbox, PC, Mac, or PlayStation console.
Section 1 of 5:

What is mic monitoring?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This allows you to hear your voice as you speak (or sing) in real-time. Mic monitoring (sometimes referred to as "sidetone") is a feature in many audio headsets, as well as on PC, Mac, and gaming consoles. It can also be used in the live performance setting, or a recording session.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

What is it used for?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many gamers like to use mic monitoring while playing online games using Xbox One, a PC, and other gaming consoles. Many gaming headsets come with mic monitoring built in, but you can also enable mic monitoring for a mic that's connected to your computer . All the latest game consoles also have mic monitoring.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mic monitoring is also useful in online meetings as well as voice and video chats, as it helps you monitor your volume and audio quality to make sure other participants can hear you clearly.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mic monitoring can be used during recording sessions, whether you're recording a podcast, singing, or performing a voiceover.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether you are performing music, acting, or just speaking to a crowd, mic monitoring allows you to hear the volume of your voice compared to other instruments or performers and find a comfortable volume level. In a live setting, mic monitoring can be done with an in-ear earbud or a monitor speaker placed at the foot of the stage.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Advantages

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mic monitoring allows you to hear if your microphone is too loud or too quiet. It also allows you to hear if there are any technical problems, like too much background noise, or if your mic's audio is cutting out. You can correct these problems so that you can be heard properly.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many headsets have noise-cancellation features. Couple that with loud music and sound effects from a game, as well as other team members speaking at once, it can make it hard to hear your own voice. You may be tempted to start shouting. Mic monitoring allows you to hear yourself so you can speak at a comfortable volume.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are recording, mic monitoring gives you a decent baseline level for your microphone audio. This can save you from having to do a bunch of work after you finish recording.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Disadvantages

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your microphone is picking up the audio from your speaker, it can cause an echo or feedback. You can avoid echo and feedback by turning your speaker volume down (or using a headset) and aiming the microphone away from the speakers.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For many, hearing your voice through a speaker can be a bit off-putting. It takes a little getting used to.
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

How to Enable Mic Monitoring

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your headset has a built-in microphone, there's a good chance it may have mic monitoring built-in. Consult the user's manual that came with your headset to learn how to turn it on. Chances are, there is a button or switch on the side of the headset or where the controls are at.
    • If your headset does not have mic monitoring, or you are using a separate microphone, you can enable mic monitoring on your PC or game console.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Connect a headset with a mic to your controller.
    • Press the Xbox button on your controller.
    • Select the System tab.
    • Select Audio .
    • Move the slider bar below "Mic Monitoring" to the desired volume.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the following steps to enable mic monitoring on a Windows PC: [1]
    • Make sure you have a microphone connected .
    • Click the Windows Start menu and type "Control Panel."
    • Click the Control Panel icon.
    • Click Hardware and Sound .
    • Click Sound .
    • Click the Recording tab.
    • Double-click your microphone.
    • Click the Listen tab.
    • Click the checkbox next to "Listen to this device."
    • Select your speakers or headset below "Playback through this device."
    • Click Apply .
    • Click Ok .
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Make sure a headset is connected to your controller or to a USB port on your PS5.
    • Select the Gear icon in the upper-right corner of the home screen.
    • Select Sound .
    • Select Microphone .
    • Select Adjust microphone level .
    • Adjust the slider bar next to "headset on controller/USB/controller microphone" at the bottom of the screen.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Select the Settings option on the home screen.
    • Select Devices
    • Select Audio Devices .
    • Select Sidetone Volume .
    • Select your desired microphone volume level.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Is-Mic-Monitoring-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unlike Windows, macOS does not have a built-in way of enabling mic monitoring. Instead, you need to use the settings of a specific app that uses audio recording. Use the following steps to enable mic monitoring in QuickTime:
    • Make sure a mic is connected to your Mac .
    • Open QuickTime.
    • Click File in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click New audio recording .
    • Drag the slider bar next to the microphone icon to the desired volume level.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      How to
      Create Desktop Shortcuts for Files & Websites
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      How to
      Listen to Police Radio Online: Best Apps & Websites
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      How to
      Remove Write Protection from a USB Pen Drive
      How to
      Turn on Backlit Keyboard on Lenovo
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to
      Guess a Password
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cyberacoustics.com/how-to-get-microphone-playback-windows-10

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,727 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement