Comment 222 for bug 275998

If it may help others: I added

set-source-volume 1 170000

to my /etc/pulse/default.pa, so I don't have to reset the volume every time I log on.
(And also remember to unset the "let Skype control volume automatically" option)

http://myramblingsonprogramming.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/mic-volume-on-dell-xps-m1330-running-ubuntu-10-04/