diff --git a/Apps/VoiceRecorder/main/Source/main.c b/Apps/VoiceRecorder/main/Source/main.c
index 7fc6150..5d71e4a 100644
--- a/Apps/VoiceRecorder/main/Source/main.c
+++ b/Apps/VoiceRecorder/main/Source/main.c
@@ -184,6 +184,12 @@ static void record_task(void* arg) {
     };
 
     error_t err = audio_stream_open_input(ctx->stream_dev, &in_cfg, &ctx->input_handle);
+    if (err == ERROR_NONE) {
+        // Ensure mic is unmuted and at max gain (ES8311 0..24dB)
+        audio_stream_set_mute(ctx->stream_dev, AUDIO_CODEC_DIR_INPUT, false);
+        audio_stream_set_volume(ctx->stream_dev, AUDIO_CODEC_DIR_INPUT, 100.0f);
+        ESP_LOGI(TAG, "Mic unmuted, gain 100%%");
+    }
     if (err != ERROR_NONE) {
         ESP_LOGE(TAG, "audio_stream_open_input failed: %d", err);
         fclose(f);