FAQ · Guide

Make the built-in mic sound better

Guide · macOS 14+

The built-in MacBook microphone is omnidirectional and sits close to the keyboard and fan, so it picks up room echo, typing noise and background hum. A new microphone is one fix; a noise-suppression plugin in front of your meeting app is often the faster one.

Without new hardware

1. Install Patchcord (free), select the built-in microphone as the input.
2. Load a noise-suppression plugin - Antinode Clear reliably separates voice from room tone and background noise; free alternatives are Noise Repellent and Noise Suppression for Voice (RNNoise, not yet verified with Patchcord).
3. In Zoom, Teams or Meet, select Patchcord Mic as your microphone.

Get more out of it (Pro)

The built-in mic often sounds thin or tinny. Patchcord Pro gives it its own 5-band EQ with a live spectrum - cut the lows, lift presence; the setting is saved per device and switches back automatically if you later pick up a headset.

Quick test

“Monitor” in the Patchcord menu plays the finished signal on headphones before you take it into a real meeting - so you hear the echo and noise beforehand, not after.