Any way to increase microphone volume OVER the mixer limitations?

[slugg]

There's something wrong with the microphone in my headset and i really dont want to buy a new $30 headset... Anyways, the microphone still works, but the volume is very very low. This just happened randomly and it wont go back to normal. Anyways, is there a program or some other method of amplifying the microphone so that it's louder? If i turn the microphone volume all the way up and the microphone boost is checked, its still not loud enough... ideas?

 

[hjo3]

If you have a spare amplifier lying around, you could use that. Mic > amp > computer. There's probably some program you could use, but I don't know of one.
EDIT: If you just need to amplify the mic for recording your voice, there's sound editors you could use. But since you mentioned it's a headset, you're probably using it for gaming or something and that doesn't matter. (But, just in case...)
EDIT: If you're comfortable with electronics, you might open up the headset/mic and check the connections. It's possible the microphone arm got stretched and the wire ripped out a little; you could re-solder it or something. Admittedly, it sounds more like a software problem to me.

 

[slugg]

i opened it, looked alright to me...

tested it on another comp, doesnt work properly. I'm just gonna RMA it

Plantronics's RMA policy is GREAT! They overnight you a headset, THEN you mail back your defective one... so i'll just do that

 

[hjo3]

Good deal. Maxtor's the same way. I love companies that actually care about customer support.