How to Increase Voice Volume in Windows 10

I got up at the crack of dawn to hike up a volcano in Mexico, then binged on great local food and drink all afternoon. Finally drifting back to my hotel late in the evening, it's time to call it a night.

Impulsively, I reach for my laptop. What better way to relax after a long day than to watch a good documentary? Sadly, the sounds of the city haven't yet faded, and it's not long before I realize I can't hear half of the movie over the roosters and "Banda" music blaring in the streets.

Whether it's noisy neighbors, nearby traffic, or that pesky rooster that seems to be following you around Latin America, it can be hard to hear what's coming out of your laptop speakers. If you're like me and have found yourself wishing the sound was just a little louder, this article is for you.

Take heed, Mac and PC people. I'm going to walk you through how to crank your speakers up beyond their normal limitations. Or, if you're a Nigel Tufnel fan, turn them up to 11.

• 1. Mac
• 2. Windows
  • 2.1. The Built-in Windows Solution
  • 2.2. PC Alternative #1
  • 2.3. PC Alternative #2
• 3. Bonus Tip for Mac and PC Users

Mac

Being a full-time Mac user, I first discovered how to amplify my speakers with a program called Audio Hijack, from Rogue Amoeba. This software lets both audio professionals and hobbyists perform all kinds of useful tricks, such as recording Skype calls for podcast interviews and capturing the audio from a webinar.

The sheer power and simplicity of the interface is impressive. Follow the steps below just once, and you'll be ready to crank your speakers up to 4x their normal maximum volume* each time you open the program.

1. Open Audio Hijack
2. Click and drag the Applications block into the main window
3. Select the Application you'd like to make louder from the drop-down menu
4. Repeat step two with the "Volume" module (under "Built-in Effects".) Your main window should now look like this:

   

5. Click and drag the "Output" module into the main window.
6. Set your output device to "Internal Speakers."
7. Click the button in the lower-left corner of the program to run your audio through Audio Hijack.
8. Adjust the audio level to your hearts content using the Volume module. A good starting point is to select the "2X" button under "Overdrive" and move the volume slider up. If this isn't enough, experiment with the "3X" and "4X" overdrive.

This is what your final settings should look like:

Audio Hijack is available on Rogue Amoeba's website for $65. There's also a free, limited version you can try to make sure it works for you.

Note that if you don't need any of the other features that Audio Hijack provides, it's worth checking out SoundSource instead. Developed by the same company, it provides all the same audio-boosting goodness as Audio Hijack at around half the price.

*The tech that makes this possible is interesting, but without getting into the nuts and bolts of it, this app won't damage your speakers. However, I recommend against blasting your Slayer collection at 4X for an hour, just to play it safe. Stick with movies and YouTube.

Windows

To my dismay, I discovered some Windows users might actually have an easier fix for this problem. Then I researched some more, and realized that it's a little more complicated depending on what type of sound card you have. That sounds more like the Microsoft I know.

Don't worry, there is a solution for you Windows folks: it's just that you may have to try more than one of the following approaches.

The Built-in Windows Solution

1. Open your Control Panel
2. Select "Sound" under Hardware and Sound
3. Select your speakers, then click Properties
4. Select the Enhancements tab
5. Check Loudness Equalization
6. Click Apply

If you made it to the end of all six steps without scratching your head, congratulations. You're good to go.

If not, you probably got stuck at step four or five. Some sound cards apparently don't give you this option, or Microsoft thought it'd be too easy if all machines had volume equalization. Either way, there's hope for you yet.

PC Alternative #1

1. Open your Control Panel
2. Select "Sound" under Hardware and Sound
3. Select your speakers, then click Properties
4. Select the Enhancements tab
5. Select Equalizer
6. Turn up each EQ band.
7. Save this setting as a preset for easy recall* (Optional)

If you got stuck here, it was probably on that darn step number four or five again. Luckily, there's still one more option.

PC Alternative #2

1. Download and install this software: https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/. Make note of the install location. You'll need this later.
2. Select your speakers under the Configurator window that will pop-up while installing.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Go to the location where you installed the software.
5. Select the "Config" folder.
6. Open the config text document. Delete everything in the file.
7. Type the following into the document: Preamp: +10 dB
8. Click Save.

The changes will be effective immediately. You can edit the config file again if you need to adjust the volume.

Get Us in Your Inbox

Get our regular email updates with the latest travel tech news, tips, and articles. We'll also send over our free 25-page guide, packed with useful hints and advice to get you started!

No spam ever, and you can leave any time. Our privacy policy explains how we handle your personal information.

Thanks!

Please check your email for a message from us. You'll need to click the button in that email to confirm your details.

Bonus Tip for Mac and PC Users

If you want to watch a movie you already have on your computer and need a fast and free way to turn it up, you can download the VLC player. This lets you increase the volume of any file compatible with VLC, since the volume slider automatically lets you boost the sound output beyond 100%, with no configuration needed.

And there you have it. If you have any issues, let me know in the comments!

---

Main image via Free-Photos

Jim Fricker II

Videographer, music producer, and editor, Jim has spent most of his professional life recording, creating, and manipulating digital content. After owning and operating a recording studio for eight years, he decided to hit the road with his wife to pursue a life of travel. He and his wife started Spanish and Go in 2016 and now travel the world inspiring others to learn Spanish through videos and their blog.

How to Increase Voice Volume in Windows 10

Source: https://toomanyadapters.com/increase-volume-laptop-speakers/

Share this post