Hello. I am a newbie using Audacity software. I have a Focusrite as the interface and I have my mic plugged into it and I plug both into the tower of my computer. However, when I go to try to record, audacity is not picking it up? (The recording “line” stays straight) and I’m not sure why? I’ve been waiting months to get it to work but to no avail. I’m considering trying another software, but then what’s the point if I keep having the same problem? Does anyone have any ideas? I’d truly appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance. Have a beautiful day!
Roselove
Your Focusrite might have “direct monitoring”. If so, plug your headphones into the Focusrite to see if you’re getting anything.
Check your Permissions/Privacy Settings.
You can also try Listen To This Device (for the USB interface, not for your computer’s microphone) to make sure Windows is getting a signal. For that plug your headphones directly into the computer, or you can use your laptop’s speakers. (That should work without Audacity or any application.)
While you’re playing around with Windows, make sure Windows “enhancements” are turned OFF.. They usually don’t kill the sound but they can mess it up in strange ways.
I don’t think this will have any effect when using USB, but Audacity’s recording volume slider is now “hidden” under the recording meters (and the playback volume under the playback meters).
The Focusrite may come with some kind of a control application that can control the levels & settings through software. If so, that could be the issue.
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I apologise for repeating this yet again but the first step with any form of audio input to windows is to use the run command and type in mmsys.cpl . Then look at the recording tab. If you don’t see the device it is not plugged in or windows doesn’t recognise it ( no driver?). If you don’t see any activity on the view meter for the device then it won’t work in Audacity either.
If it does show up correctly in mmsys.cpl then its time to check audacity settings starting by finding that device in audio setup - recording devices.
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