I’m using Windows 10, Audacity 2.1.2 (hoping that’s what you mean by “the exact three-section version”, and I’m sorry but I don’t know how to find out the answer to the last question (not a very knowledgeable computer user) about zip or .exe installer.
I’m trying to connect my Yamaha DGX-203 keyboard so I can record from it. I’ve tried using a USB cable. Doing that, my computer can see the Yamaha but Audacity can’t. (My Samson mic is seen just fine by Audacity with a USB cable.) I’ve tried running a quarter-inch/mini plug cable from the earphone jack in the keyboard to my computer’s input for microphone but Audacity doesn’t see that either).
I’ve been able to connect this keyboard using a Mac computer but have failed now that I’ve switched to the Windows format.
Any help available with the patchy info I’ve given?
I’ve tried using a USB cable.
It looks like your keyboard’s USB port is for MIDI & data transfer (not audio). Audacity does not support MIDI.
With a MIDI application, the MIDI port only sends note & volume (velocity) information and the sounds are generated by your MIDI software. (Or, your MIDI software can send the information to your keyboard to play it automatically.)
I’ve tried running a quarter-inch/mini plug cable from the earphone jack in the keyboard to my computer’s input for microphone but Audacity doesn’t see that either.
Does your computer have a separate microphone & headphone jacks or a combo connector? If you have a combo jack you need a special 4-conductor TRRS plug to make the microphone contact. (Regular headphones will work but you need a different plug if you want to use a mic.)
And… Although the microphone input should “work”, the mic input is too sensitive for a headphone-level or line-level signal, and the mic preamps built into consumer soundcards are usually poor quality, and they are usually mono (I don’t know if your keyboard is mono or stereo).
If you have a desktop computer, use the blue line-input on your soundcard. If you’re using a laptop with no line-in, the best solution is to get a USB interface with line inputs. (The Behringer UCA 202 is popular and inexpensive). Don’t buy a “USB Soundcard” because they are like laptops with only mic-in and headphone-out.
Thanks so much! Success!