Comments on: How to Fix Sound Recording Problems in Vista

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:03:44 +0000

@Hendrik – The way you describe the problem, it sounds like there is some software that is adjusting the volume level of the microphone, but apparently that is not working.
In a program like Skype, this is the default setting, the microphone volume is automatically adjusted. But if it does not work correctly, this obviously can harm things more than help things.
Have you looked at the settings of the program you are using for something like this? In Skype you can disable this option, so if possible try that in the software you are using.
It could also be in the sound card software or driver, although that is not so common. In any case, try disabling any sound related programs, and try a simple program like the Windows sound recorder.
If all this fails, it could be that the mic input line for the sound card is broken. Is this a laptop or a desktop? In a desktop you can try the front and rear plus if available.
Lastly, instead of a new computer, simply consider using an external USB microphone. Cheap and easy…

By: Hendrik

Hendrik — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:48:35 +0000

My headset microphone works on other computers, but on my computer it doesn’t. It works okay the first 2 seconds, then it starts getting rid of the voice. It goes more quiet every moment until my voice is unhearable. It’s not the problem with the microphone, it works at other computers, but why is my computer doing that? I did everything written here, nope. “Wish your voice? Buy a new computer” is computer laughing at me. Any help?

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:51:52 +0000

@ratish – There is not supposed to be a mute/unmute button in the Levels tab (as you can see from the screenshot). If the microphone works, and is set as the default recording device, the bars should move when audio is present close to the microphone.
But am I understanding that you are using the built-in microphone in the laptop? Because generally those are not very sensitive, and you need to get either really loud or very close for it to work.
You updated the audio drivers, but I would suggest you first try to get it to work with the Dell recommended Sigmatel audio driver for the Inspiron 1525 (R218148.exe).
Regarding the mute / unmute, that option is only present in the volume manager for sound playback (the sound icon in the taskbar).
You can try the Configure button in the first screenshot (with the microphone selected), and go through the microphone setup, but I fear it is a driver issue and not a recording setup issue.

_{»crosslinked«}

By: ratish

ratish — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:12:01 +0000

Hi
I have a dell 1525 with vista hoem premium
I use my inbuilt speakers for voice chatting
the problem is the other person cannot hear me
I have a sigmatel audio codec installed
i updated the drivers but no luck. i still cant record my voice nor does the other person here me in a voice chat
I checked my recording device>microphone array>properties
In the level tab i could not see any mute/unmute button
Is there a way in which I can get this button back.
I feel its probably muted by default, but since I cant see it there is no way I can unmute it
Please help…i have been searching for a solution from a long time
hope u dont dissappoint

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:59:09 +0000

@Bobby Ray – In that case, check if your audio device in the device manager has an error indication, or try reinstalling the audio driver for it.
Does your recording device show properly at all, and does it have a green checkmark as shown in the screenshot?

By: Bobby Ray

Bobby Ray — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:16:34 +0000

It didn’t freaking work.

By: Jim Travano

Jim Travano — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:41:36 +0000

My external Microphone does not work when I make a phone from google. I can here the person on the line But they can not hear me. Believe me I have try everything. I have a Compaq Presario with vista…. Please Please Help before I go out a but a new computer… I have not yet done so because it may not be my computer… Please Help… I Thank You In Advance for your help and time this matter.

By: Bobby Garringer

Bobby Garringer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:27:06 +0000

Nothing works.

I’ve tried it all.

I cannot record with any adequate level, regardless what the indications are.

Bobby

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:54:42 +0000

@Mari – The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 is compatible with Vista, so if you selected the right operating system during the software download from the Microsoft wbesite there should be no issue.
But does you webcam show up in the Device Manager without errors?
You say you used it before, was that also on Vista?

By: Mari

Mari — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:16:49 +0000

I have a Windows Vista. I have a Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 and I went to the microsoft website and downloaded the software, however, it says compatability issues. I used it before and can’t figure out what’s going on. PLease help. Thanx