Solved Problem with Audio In

19ben94

Member
Hello,

I'm currently having a problem with recording audio in using the microphone jack on the front of my computer.

I used to record and hear inputs from my guitar amp 'live' on my computer before it crashed, which it did recently. I was able to hear my guitar in real time and record the audio with Audacity. To fix the crashed computer, I reinstalled Vista onto my computer, and it now works again. The difference is that I used to use 32-bit, but I now use 64-bit.

As I said before, I can no longer hear my guitar live, and when recording, I can hear my guitar but the sound is about a second later than when I am actually playing it. This shows that my computer can tell that the input in there, but I cannot hear the sounds until I record.

My question?: Why is this happening? Is it because I have switched to 64-bit?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I used to record myself almost everyday, but I can no longer do so.

Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer

Hi 19ben94,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

Here's an article from Audacity concerning installation in Windows Vista (and how to configure Sound and make sure you have the correct, updated drivers for the computer and for the OS - including that you're using 64-bit drivers now): Windows Vista OS - Audacity Wiki.

Go to Device Manager by going to start / search box and type device manager and enter and then double-click on the program icon that appears. Check each device for a red x, yellow ! or white ?. These identify devices with problems (probably drivers, but also conflicts or something else). Click on each for further details and troubleshooting tips. If you need to get drivers (and you should get them for at least the microphone and any audio-related device in the computer), do so from the computer vendor or device manufacturer (NOT from Microsoft Updates). Proceed as follows to get the drivers: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm. Once you have the drivers, you can install them through Device Manager as follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html.

It sounds like a driver or a configuration problem and the above should help you with both.

If not, post back with results and we'll try to find some other options to identify the cause and resolve the problem.

Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Hi 19ben94,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

Here's an article from Audacity concerning installation in Windows Vista (and how to configure Sound and make sure you have the correct, updated drivers for the computer and for the OS - including that you're using 64-bit drivers now): Windows Vista OS - Audacity Wiki.

Go to Device Manager by going to start / search box and type device manager and enter and then double-click on the program icon that appears. Check each device for a red x, yellow ! or white ?. These identify devices with problems (probably drivers, but also conflicts or something else). Click on each for further details and troubleshooting tips. If you need to get drivers (and you should get them for at least the microphone and any audio-related device in the computer), do so from the computer vendor or device manufacturer (NOT from Microsoft Updates). Proceed as follows to get the drivers: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm. Once you have the drivers, you can install them through Device Manager as follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html.

It sounds like a driver or a configuration problem and the above should help you with both.

If not, post back with results and we'll try to find some other options to identify the cause and resolve the problem.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply.

I went into Device Manager and there was no red x's, yellow !'s or white ?'s that I could see. I assume this means that all my drivers are supposed to be working fine?
 

My Computer

Hi 19ben94,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

Here's an article from Audacity concerning installation in Windows Vista (and how to configure Sound and make sure you have the correct, updated drivers for the computer and for the OS - including that you're using 64-bit drivers now): Windows Vista OS - Audacity Wiki.

Go to Device Manager by going to start / search box and type device manager and enter and then double-click on the program icon that appears. Check each device for a red x, yellow ! or white ?. These identify devices with problems (probably drivers, but also conflicts or something else). Click on each for further details and troubleshooting tips. If you need to get drivers (and you should get them for at least the microphone and any audio-related device in the computer), do so from the computer vendor or device manufacturer (NOT from Microsoft Updates). Proceed as follows to get the drivers: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm. Once you have the drivers, you can install them through Device Manager as follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html.

It sounds like a driver or a configuration problem and the above should help you with both.

If not, post back with results and we'll try to find some other options to identify the cause and resolve the problem.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply.

I went into Device Manager and there was no red x's, yellow !'s or white ?'s that I could see. I assume this means that all my drivers are supposed to be working fine?

Theoretically, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't update all those associated with audio, especially the microphone, anyway. I've seen drivers say they're OK but cause problems anyway (or need to be updated or be incorrect). And follow the other instructions including those in the first article.

Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Theoretically, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't update all those associated with audio, especially the microphone, anyway. I've seen drivers say they're OK but cause problems anyway (or need to be updated or be incorrect). And follow the other instructions including those in the first article.

Good luck!

The problem is, there isn't a driver for what I use, because it is just a lead connecting my amp to the mic jack via the headphone socket of my amp.

What I don't understand is, Why has it suddenly stopped working? I'm starting to think that I had maybe got something on my system before I reinstalled the OS that allowed it to work, but I don't know what that thing was :-/
 

My Computer

What sound driver do you use? Is it Realtek?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
Go to Start search,type Device Manager.
When it opens click the + next to sound video and game controllers
Your sound device should be listed there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
Hi 19ben94,

Let's check the setup in Start / Control Panel / Sound / Recording. Is there a microphone/line-in listed? If not post back because that's almost certainly the problem right there. If so, does it look something like the image below? Does it show a CODEC and does it say working? See the other image below concerning properties. Does it say enabled at the bottom? Does it show a CODEC controller? Check Advanced and check the appropriate settings (mine works and for me, they are all checked - but it may be different for you). What CODEC is it using (every detail you can find including a link if possible)?

Also, are you CERTAIN that Audacity doesn't have some type of setting where it intentionally plays sounds from the recording rather than from the actual input? I don't know enough about the program to know if that's a feature or not. I'd expect to see something in the Sounds section of Control Panel if this existed, but sometimes they don't always do things the smart way.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 

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Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Right, I installed a Realtek audio driver and opened the 'Realtek HD Audio Manager'. Then, I unmuted the 'Playback Volume' and turned it up, and I can now hear my guitar!

I also fixed the lag in Audacity by unchecking a box that allowed playback during recording, as this is known to cause lag.

I used to have Realtek before my computer broke, but I didn't realise, so I just needed to reinstall it.

Thanks for the help 'Lorien' and 'ilikefree', you get a rep each :D
 

My Computer

Thanks for the feedback and the rep.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
Hi 19ben64,

Excellent news. Glad to hear the problem is resolved.

It was our pleasure - happy we could assist you.

Thanks for the nice comments and the rep - it is appreciated.

I will request that this thread be marked as solved.

Good luck and best wishes!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
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