How to Fix Sound Recording Problems in Vista

June 3, 2009 by Kyle
Filed under: Multimedia 

Chat programs like MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, GoogleTalk and Skype have made chatting more popular than anything. At first we all typed everything we wanted to share, but more and more the voice and video chats are taking over. High Internet speed and a quality webcam allow for very good live communication.

In Vista you need to use a modern webcam anyway, because many of the older models are not supported, or they have no compatible drivers. An external microphone can always be used, since it is plugged directly into the (pink) audio plug of your computer.

If you are not being heard by your chat partner, or you voice/video recordings do not record any sound in Vista, you should check the sound recording settings.

  1. In the Start menu, open the Control Panel.
  2. In the Control Panel, select Hardware and Sound.
  3. Under the Sound heading, select Manage audio devices.
  4. Select the Recording tab.

    5. Vista sound recording settings

    If everything is working perfectly, you should see the green bars move up and down when you talk into the microphone.

  5. Select the Microphone or Line In device if you have an external microphone plugged in.
  6. Next, click the Properties button.
  7. In the properties dialog box, check that the Device usage is set to “Use this device (enable)”.
  8. You can click the Properties button under the Controller information heading to make sure the audio device is working properly.
  9. Next, select the Levels tab.

    10. Vista sound recording levels

    Here, you should set the Microphone volume slider to something above 75%. If required, set it to 100% and you can even use the Microphone Boost to further enhance the recording level.

  10. Next, select the Enhancements tab. Using the Enhancements, you can turn on additional options that help improve the sound quality in conversations and sound recording. Options are:
    • DC Offset Cancellation
    • Noise Suppression
    • Acoustic Echo Cancellation

    These settings do not increase the volume, but rather filter the sound to improve the recording.

Some of these settings can depend on the type of sound card installed in your computer, but the majority is applicable to all sound devices.

Of course these sound recording settings in Vista apply to any audio input, not just to webcam or chat sessions. If you want to record a voice message, make a call with VOIP software, record a YouTube video, or use the microphone for dictating commands and text to your computer, sound input levels are very important!

Recommended: scan your PC for outdated sound drivers!

Comments



3 Comments on How to Fix Sound Recording Problems in Vista

  1. John on 5th Jul 2009 1:06 pm

    2. When i click levels theres no mic boost for me, its only the volume and theres no enhancement tabs.

  2. The 18th Carnival of Computer Help and Advice | TechZond on 16th Aug 2009 1:41 am

    3. [...] a couple of OS specific posts. Jules submitted a tutorial explaining How to Fix Sound Recording Problems in Vista on PCauthorities.com. Collection of Web Freebies author, Nesher, lifts the lid on a largely unknown [...]

  3. The 18th Carnival of Computer Help and Advice on 18th Mar 2010 7:05 am

    4. [...] a couple of OS specific posts. Jules submitted a tutorial explaining How to Fix Sound Recording Problems in Vista on PCauthorities.com. Collection of Web Freebies author, Nesher, lifts the lid on a largely unknown [...]

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