found a solution :D not on the command line, windows scripting host instead, but it works none the less requirement is enabling advanced controls in your windows mixer so the buttons show up create a file "boost.js" with content: -------------- var WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell"); WshShell.Run("sndvol32"); WScript.Sleep(100); // wait 100 ms WshShell.AppActivate("Master Volume"); WScript.Sleep(100); WshShell.SendKeys("+{TAB}"); // =shift-tab to cycle backwards. fit number of tabs to number you need to get to the microphone "advanced" button, 4 times on my sys WshShell.SendKeys("+{TAB}"); // remove the '+' to do a forward tab WshShell.SendKeys("+{TAB}"); WshShell.SendKeys("+{TAB}"); WshShell.SendKeys("~"); // = return, push the button WshShell.SendKeys("1"); // if mic boost is the first of all additional options, on my system it is, else replace with the number in your interface WshShell.Sendkeys("~"); // close dialog with enter WshShell.SendKeys("%{F4}"); // = alt+f4, exit mixer -------------- you can remove everything after // on each line, that's just comments this script will start (on most systems) by simply doubleclicking it, pop up a mixer, and immediately close it again if you check, you'll see the mic boost is turned on/off