a few questions about sound settings

[Kyle]

I usually use alsamixer in a terminal to set things like my mic boost. 
It can get a little confusing, since nearly  all screen readers present 
some extra information in terminals, but it works for me. Just run the

alsamixer

command and hit the right arrow until you hear Mic Boost or Boost 20DB 
or similar, then press m to toggle it. Hit escape when you're done. Be 
careful though, sometimes the mic boost introduces a hissing or 
squealing sound, depending on your sound card and microphone.

Kyle

-- 
  Jesus you're my life.
I live only to serve You
  Each and every day.
--Kyle