Since you mentioned more than one app (Voice Recorder or Audacity)[br]
the issue is most likely with your ThinkPad mic input settings.[br]
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If you are using the internal microphone in your Lenovo ThinkPad,[br]
let's see if the microphone Boost function is turned on. [br]
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For this you will need to do the following:[br]
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In Windows, access your Control Panel by ***Clicking "Start" and select "Control Panel.***[br]
Note: You can also ***search*** for "Control Panel" in the search bar at the bottom of your screen.[br]
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Once you are in your ***Control Panel***.[br]
Click ***Hardware and Sound***.[br]
Then Click ***Sound.***[br]
Then Click ***Recording***.[br]
Select Microphone, and click ***Properties***.[br]
Click ***Levels*** and move the Microphone Boost slider further to the right.[br]
Click ***OK***.[br]
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***That's it!***[br]
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Test your microphone again and see if this helped.[br]
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If you are not currently using an external microphone, or a mic/headset combination,[br]
I suggest that you use that instead of the built in microphone.
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From the specs that I looked up online I see that your ThinkPad has an available audio input[br]
(Headphone / Microphone combo jack)[br]
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also two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports[br]
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and one USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 port[br]
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You could look for a Mic that works with either your USB port or Audio input, [br]
but personally on a laptop I'd go for a USB device.[br]
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If you decide to shop for a Microphone or a Mic/Headset combo, [br]
take a copy of this spec sheet with you, or bring your ThinkPad.
https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_X380_Yoga/ThinkPad_X380_Yoga_Spec.PDF [br]
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Hope this helps.