Quiet microphone on Aspire R14 (R3-471)

alexjames
alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User
edited March 2023 in 2015 Archives

I recently purchased an Aspire R14 (R3-471T) and have been unable to get the microphone functioning properly. I installed Windows 10 immediately after purchase, but when I first attempted to Skype, the person on the other end of the line could barely hear me. I adjusted the mic volume/ boost settings but this didn't make much difference.

 

I then tried installing the recommended audio driver for Windows 10 from the ACER website (v6.0.1.7553). This didn't help, and in fact made my machine run slow and included a random beep noise when I moved my cursor around the screen. I also attempted to install the listed Windows 10 driver from Realtek (R2.79), same problem.

 

I reverted back to Windows 8.1 to see if this could be a Windows 10 issue. The slow performance resolved, but the low mic volume persists.

 

I have since returned to Windows 10.  If I turn the volume mic & booster all the way up, speak directly into the microphone and turn the volume all the way up on the machine, I can just about hear myself on a Skype test call.

Same problem with sound recorder and Cortana.

 

At this point I'm not sure if the problem is just a rubbish microhone, or an issue with the drivers. As I mentioned ajustment of mic settings or uninstall/ reinstall does not seem to help.

 

If someone could advise specifically what the driver versions/ settings should be for this model that would be helpful (screenshots?). Any other advice welcome.

 

Thanks,

Alex

Answers

  • alexjames
    alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User

    Following on from a previously asked question (no responses) I am just hoping to get some feedback on the microphone performance of the ACER aspire R14 (R3-471T).

     

    I recently purchased this model, upgraded to Windows 10, and with the mic volume/ boost and system volume all the way up am only just about able to hear myself on a Skype test call. Same for sound recorder. Cortana can't hear anything.

     

    I've tried downloading various recommended drivers for this model, and even reverted to Windows 8.1 but the problem persists.

     

    Out of desperation I took it back to the store (Best Buy) for some 'Geek Squad' advice, and was told simply that the mic on this model is genuinely that bad, and advised to purchase an external mic.

     

    I'd like some advice from users with this model on whether the mic is honestly that bad, or if there is an underlying problem with the unit/ sound drivers/ windows.

     

    I need to know where to direct my anger - Best Buy, Microsoft or ACER.

     

    Assistance appreciated. Thanks.

  • -Justin
    -Justin Member Posts: 2,362 Skilled Specialist WiFi Icon

    alexjames,

     

    The internal microphone is near the bottom of the LCD panel, make sure that it is not covered in some way. Just as a troubleshooting step, have you connected an external microphone and checked to see if it also experiences the same problem?

  • alexjames
    alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User

    Justin,

    Thanks for the response. No, the microphone is not obstructed. I have connected an external mic, and this works better.

    The 'technician' at Best Buy tested Skype with the mic/ boost turned to 100% and the unit volume at 100% - although I could hear myself, the sound quality was still very poor due to the high mic boost. I was told this was the best I would get out of the internal mic in the machine. This is still not sufficient to get Cortana to recognise my voice.

     

    This does not quite conform with the 'Skype-certified high-audio standards' advertised of the model on the ACER wesbite, so someone is incorrect.

     

    Thanks,

    Alex

  • -Justin
    -Justin Member Posts: 2,362 Skilled Specialist WiFi Icon

    alexjames,

     

    I agree that the microphone should be performing much better than it currently is. We can take a look at it in the repair depot if you would like, to make sure it is not a hardware issue. We have repair depots in Ontario and BC, whichever is closer.

  • alexjames
    alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User

    Thanks Justin, however I have actually since returned the unit - I was too frustrated with the lack of support and decided to just cut my losses.

     

    Good to know that the performance level should have been better, and I will take this up with Best Buy. I am looking at picking up a similar ACER model soon, possibly lower spec than my original purchase, just in case the same issues are present.

     

    Needless to say, however, that this was a frustrating first experience with an ACER laptop.

     

    Thanks for the response.

    Alex

  • -Justin
    -Justin Member Posts: 2,362 Skilled Specialist WiFi Icon

    alexjames,

     

    Sorry to hear your first experience with our product was less than stellar, wish I could have helped you out more.

  • alexjames
    alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User
    Hi Justin,
    So the plot thickens... tonight I picked up a new R14 R3-431T and the internal mic works great (thanks Best Buy, superb customer support!).

    However, I now wish to upgrade the unit to Windows 10. On my last model I didn't get the chance to test the mic before I upgraded to W10, so am unable to tell if the mic volume problem was with the hardware or a compatibility issue with the audio driver and W10.

    My concern now is that when I upgrade this unit I will experience the same low mic volume problem. Are you aware of any issues with the drivers on this model (realtek audio 6.3.9600.16384) and windows 10. Any advice?
  • -Justin
    -Justin Member Posts: 2,362 Skilled Specialist WiFi Icon

    alexjames,

     

    I do not see any articles published on my end that discuss drivers issues.

  • derekand
    derekand Member Posts: 4 New User

    I have the exact same issue.  I just bought this new machine, upgraded to Win10, installed Office 2016 and then tried to setup Cortana.  The software was unable to hear me thru the mic.  I installed Skype and tried the audio test.  I had to shout into the microphone.  My voice could be heard on playback at maximum spear volume, but only very faintly. 

     

    is there a way to increase the mic's sensitivity?

    is this laptop a lemon that needs to go back?

  • derekand
    derekand Member Posts: 4 New User

    I have the exact same issue.  I just bought this new machine, upgraded to Win10, installed Office 2016 and then tried to setup Cortana.  The software was unable to hear me thru the mic.  I installed Skype and tried the audio test.  I had to shout into the microphone.  My voice could be heard on playback at maximum spear volume, but only very faintly. 

     

    is there a way to increase the mic's sensitivity?

    is this laptop a lemon that needs to go back?

  • alexjames
    alexjames Member Posts: 6 New User

    Sorry to hear you are having the same issues as I did. Sounds to me like a W10/ driver compatibility issue with this model that has yet to have been addressed by Acer, which is pretty poor in my opinion.

     

    After returning my original R14 to the store, I picked up a lower spec model which I am still running on W8. I would be able to tell for sure if this is a W10 issue if I were to upgrade and the same thing happens, but to be honest I am reluctant to as I do not want to go through these problems again. Was kind of hoping eventually the issue would get fixed over time, but unfortunately this doesn't seem to (yet) be the case.

     

    Would be nice to hear from Acer whether this is a known problem.

     

    I'm afraid there's little more advice I could provide. Interested to hear if you were to exchange the model for a replacement if there are any problems with that one...

  • derekand
    derekand Member Posts: 4 New User

    Thanks for responding.  I have further news about this problem.  First, my model is not exactly the same.  I have an R3 471T-5448. I doun't know if that is relevent.  Second, I discovered different results with different tests.  

     

    Using Win10's mic config utility I was not able to get Windows to recognise my voice unless I yelled from 2" away from the mic.  I also could not get very useful volume using regular Skype (ver 7.18.0.103) when I connected to their Echo/Sound Test Service and yelled.  On a hunch, I tried the Skype Video (ver 2.12.15004.0) and was able to get a reasonable volume response when I tested with Skype's Echo/Sound Test service.  I was 18" away and spoke with a reasonable voice.  I was not able to test Skype for Business because I don't have a business Skype account to connect to.

     

    I compared the two Skype applications connecting to an iPhone with a Skype app in another room.  The regular Skype was useless - couldn't hear a thing when I yelled into the mic.  However, with Skype Video, the sound came thru loud and clear!

     

    I couldn't test Cortana because it is not available in Canada yet.  It will be interesting to see what happens when it is.

     

    I think the mic itself probably works.  I think there must be a problem with the either the applications using the mic or how the applications work with the mic's driver.  My driver is Realtek Semiconductor Corp 6.0.1.7329

  • derekand
    derekand Member Posts: 4 New User

    Does anyone know if Acer has fixed this problem yet.  Cortana is supposed to work in Canada now but it can't hear me through the built in mic.

  • CatManDoo
    CatManDoo Member Posts: 1 New User

    apparently not...

    just got this device and it suffers the same...and checking for upgrades reveal nada. 

     

    [edited to comply with guidelines]