Microphone test
Check that your microphone works: live level, waveform and a test recording. Nothing leaves your browser.
Recordings stay in this tab and are gone when you leave.
How to test your microphone
Press Start and allow access
Your browser asks once. Choose the microphone if you have more than one.
Speak or clap
The meter and waveform move with your voice. You should see peaks around -20 dB and a green Working badge.
Record and listen
Record a 10 second clip and play it back to hear what others hear. Switch noise suppression on or off to compare.
Good to know
- Your browser shows a microphone icon in the address bar while the test runs; click it to change the permission or the default device.
- Good speech peaks between -20 and -6 dB. If you barely reach -40 dB, move closer or raise the input level in the system sound settings.
- Noise suppression removes fans and keyboard clatter but can thin out music. Try the recording with it on and off.
- Bluetooth headsets often switch to a low-quality mode while the mic is on; the sample rate shown will drop to 8 or 16 kHz.
- On macOS, apps need permission in System Settings, Privacy and Security, Microphone; on Windows it is Settings, Privacy, Microphone.
Questions people ask
Why does the browser ask for permission?
A website can only listen to your microphone after you allow it, and the browser shows a red dot or an icon in the tab while it is on. The permission is for this site only; you can revoke it from the icon in the address bar at any time.
The meter does not move. What should I check?
First pick the right device in the list (laptops often have two or three). Then check the system input volume and that the mic is not muted with a hardware switch or a function key. If another app such as Zoom or Teams is open, close it. On Windows, also check Privacy settings, Microphone, Allow desktop apps.
What do the dB numbers mean?
The level is in dBFS, decibels relative to the loudest possible digital signal (0 dB). Normal speech at a good distance sits around -30 to -15 dB. Below -45 dB is very quiet; peaks reaching 0 dB clip and sound distorted.
Is anything recorded or uploaded?
No. The audio stays in the tab. The optional 10 second recording is kept in memory only so you can hear yourself, and it is gone when you leave the page.
Why do I hear an echo when I turn on Listen?
Listen plays your mic through the speakers with a short delay, and the speakers feed back into the mic. Use headphones when you switch it on.