My microphone output is EXTREMELY low. When I call echo123 and almost scream , I can hear that there is sound played back when I turn the volume to max.

I am using the linux version 1.2.0.18 on SuSE 9.3. I have tried editing the config.xml and it didn't work for me
I have also tried switching between ALSA and OSS, and tried several other tips I have found on the forum, but I can't get the mic to work properly...
In the manual for my logitech headset it says : "If the soundcard is an older model it may not supply enough power to the microphone." Do you think that could be it ? I have a Asus A7V333 motherboard with an onboard soundcard called : C-media

How loud is the sound of your own voice through the headset usually ? When I speak normally I have to turn the volume up to ca 70% to hear myself. Is that normal ?

I have tried the suggestions in this thread: http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?p=190999 as well as several others as you see. I am starting to wonder if it is my soundcard...

Does anyone have any suggestions to what I might do to fix this ? I am almost out of ideas, and I want to talk to my friends !

Try to activate the "Mic Boost" switch in Kmix if you use KDE, or in any other mixer (except maybe alsamixer: it doesn't work with me).
If you manage to obtain an acceptable sound, please tell me, since even with Mic Boost, my sound inputs remain low (although better than without it). I suspect it is due to the fact that I use a headset microphone.

I use KDE and I have 'mic-boost' on.
I also use a headset (logitech). I have been wondering wether my soundcard delivers enough power to the mic, but then I thought: I can hear my own voice just fine when I turn the volume up so I don't think that should be the problem either.

I have tested the headset on a windows pc and it works fine. so there's nothing wrong with it.

OK (at least for me... )
The problem was in the Mic capture channel level, which in fact is not accessible via Kmix. The level that you regulate there is only the output's.
In alsamixer you can access the capture channels by typing F4 (the trick was in fact to discover it... :idea: ). And just raise the level of the Mic capture channel to the level that fits you.

P.S. Just a little verification: I hope you're using a kernel later than 2.6.13-rc4, since the Mic-boost channel is not working in previous kernels. The patch for fixing it was not included.
Alternatively, you can download the patch here.

In brief:
1) use a recent kernel (>=2.6.13-rc4), or apply the Mic-boost patch
2) adjust the level of the Mic capture channel

I've been fiddling with the alsamixer earlier and the mic capture is set to max. this is my kernel acc to uname -r : 2.6.11.4-21.9-default . However there is a significant difference between mic-boost on and off. So it is working. But an upgrade won't hurt, anyhow.
Thanks for replys btw.

r u using SUSE 9.3?

xboxrulz

yes, as I stated in my first post