mic for laptop and RCT

[gary]

Previously I have already tried experimenting with the mic volume 
controls to no avail.
I think the built-in sound card is ok; this laptop was primarily my 
music gig laptop from which I play software synths in my band.  While I 
had been using a dedicated soundcard for that purpose, last weekend it 
malfunctioned and I had to resort to using the built-in soundcard.  To 
my surprise, I didn't notice the difference.
I've already ripped open the package with the lapel mic, and testing it 
on my Hamilton studio here at home it seems to respond much better.  By 
all the suggestions, I see my options have opened up tremendously and am 
grateful  for them all.
Gary