My Recording Is Too Quiet
Updated October 2026
A quiet recording can often be raised, but only up to the point where the noise rises with it. Find out why it is quiet before you turn it up.
The short version
- Check whether the input gain was low or the mic was far away.
- Raise the level in one step, to a safe peak.
- If the noise rises with the voice, re-record closer to the mic.
- Check the loudness and the true peak after you raise it.
Find the cause
Quiet recordings have two usual causes: the gain was set low, or the mic was far from the mouth. A low gain means the voice is weak but the noise is also weak, so raising it works. A far mic means the room is louder than the voice, so raising it brings up the room too.
Raise it safely
Measure the peaks, then raise the level in one step so the loudest words stay below full scale. The louder without distortion guide has the steps.
When to re-record
If the noise rises as much as the voice, cleanup cannot separate them well. Re-record closer to the mic, with the gain set properly. A short re-take is quicker than heavy repair.
Check the result
Listen on headphones and on a phone speaker. Check the loudness against the platform you publish on.
Raise it to a target, check the peak
Tunedzy sets a recording to a loudness target and checks the true peak, so a quiet take comes up safely.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Can I just turn up the volume?
Only as far as the peaks allow. Turning it up past that point adds distortion.
Why is my phone recording quiet?
The phone is far from the mouth, or the input is low. Move closer and check the level before you record.
Will raising the level add noise?
It raises the noise too. Clean the recording after you raise it, or re-record closer.
Keep going
How to Make Audio Louder Without Distortion
Why Does My Phone Recording Sound Far Away?Loudness for YouTube, Podcasts and SpotifyAll guides and comparisons · Tunedzy Go on your phone · Pricing