Requires microphone access. Audio is processed locally - the 5-second clip lives in memory only and is discarded when you leave the page.
No waveform?
Check the mic permission (icon in the address bar), then your OS default input device, then whether another app holds the mic. On macOS and Windows, also check the system privacy settings for microphone access.
Waveform but too quiet?
Raise input gain in your OS sound settings and get closer to the mic - level falls off fast with distance. The meter should move strongly on normal speech without pinning red constantly.
Testing speakers too?
The playback clip tests output as well. For dedicated output checks: Sound Test · Headphone Test · Balance Test
Mic Test FAQ
How do I know if my mic is working?
Start the test and speak normally. A working microphone shows a moving waveform and a level meter that responds to your voice - and the working indicator turns green once signal is detected. For full confidence, use the record button: hearing your own five-second clip back proves the entire chain works.
Why is my mic not working in the browser?
In order of likelihood: (1) permission denied - click the camera/mic icon in the address bar and allow access; (2) the wrong input device is selected - check your OS sound settings for the default input; (3) another app has exclusive control of the mic; (4) OS-level privacy settings block the browser (common on macOS and Windows - check System Settings > Privacy > Microphone); (5) hardware mute switch or unplugged cable.
Is this mic test private?
Yes. Audio is analyzed locally with the Web Audio API and never leaves your device. The record-and-playback check stores the clip in memory only - it is discarded when you leave the page, and nothing is ever uploaded.
Why does my mic sound quiet?
Check input gain in your OS sound settings first - it is often set low by default. Distance matters enormously: doubling the distance to your mouth roughly halves the level. Headset and external mics generally run much hotter than laptop built-ins. Use the level meter here to compare positions and settings, and aim for strong movement without constant maxing out.
Why do I sound different in the playback than in real life?
Two reasons: you normally hear your own voice partly through bone conduction, which adds low frequencies nobody else hears - the recording is closer to what others hear. And browser processing (echo cancellation, noise suppression) plus mic quality shape the sound. This test disables browser processing to give you the raw microphone signal.