Quiet microphone on Aspire R14 (R3-471)

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,

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

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

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?

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...