What should I do when the microphone doesn't work?

What should I do when the microphone doesn't work?

- The microphone input does not work.
- I cannot record sound with the microphone.
- Sound from the microphone is not audible.

When the microphone fails to work, the following are the operational points to be checked:
1) Check if the microphone is connected properly
2) Check the microphone.
3) Check the VAIO computer.

1) Check if the microphone is connected properly.
- Connect the microphone to the [MIC] terminal of the VAIO computer.
- Insert the microphone jack securely enough.

2) Check the microphone.
- Turn on the switch of the microphone, if available.
- Turn up the sound volume.
- Check if any battery is placed in the microphone, if the microphone requires battery.
- Use an adapter with amplifier function, if it is required by the microphone.

3) Check the VAIO computer
Open [Volume Control] to check the settings of [Microphone].

- Make sure that the [Mute] checkbox of [Microphone] is not checked. Adjust the microphone volume up and down to check if sound from the microphone is audible.

- Make sure the [Microphone Boost] checkbox of [Advanced Controls for Microphone] is selected.
Refer to the following steps:
1) Select [Advanced Controls] in the [Options] menu. An [Advanced] button appears in the [Microphone] control column.

2) Click the [Advanced] button of [Microphone] to open the [Advanced Controls for Microphone] dialog box.

3) Select the [Microphone Boost] checkbox.

4) Adjust the microphone volume up and down to check if sound from the microphone is audible.

After completing the above checks, you may diagnose the symptom as per the following:

- If you are unable to use the microphone with other computers (e.g. VAIO notebook) and radio cassette recorders, the microphone may be defective. Please check with the manufacturer of the microphone.

- If you are able to use the microphone with other computers (e.g. VAIO notebook) and radio cassette recorders without any problem,
Or
- You do not have another computer, thus not able to carry out such tests.
Please refer to the following questions:

Q1) Is the microphone jack is a 2-pole mini-jack?
If yes, please refer to answer (A) In the case of a microphone with 2-pole mini-jack or a non self-powered type of microphone with 3-pole mini-jack.
Otherwise, please go to Q2.

Q2) Is the microphone the self-powered type?
* Self-powered type - A microphone that operates without getting any power from the computer since power is supplied from a battery in the microphone or adapter (a device between the computer and the microphone).

If yes, please refer to answer (B) In the case of a self-powered type of microphone with 3-pole mini-jack.
Otherwise, please refer to answer (A) In the case of a microphone with 2-pole mini-jack or a non self-powered type of microphone with 3-pole mini-jack.

Answers:
(A) In the case of a microphone with 2-pole mini-jack or a non self-powered type of microphone with 3-pole mini-jack.
- Your microphone may not be supported by the VAIO computer.

(B) In the case of the self-powered type of microphone with 3-pole mini-jack.
- You have to check the procedures carefully once again.