Error message - check recording device / project sample rate

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

I have just upgraded to version 2.0.6 (although got same message on previous version) and this is the first time I have tried to do this. I am using a Dell Vostro laptop running Window 7 with IDT HD Audio CODEC on Stereo Mix setting. In the control panel it states it is running on 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100Hz. Applications are allowed to take exclusive control of the device and exclusive mode applications priority is also given. Audio enhancements are also enabled. In Audacity project rate is set to 44100Hz.

Whenever I try to record the following error message comes up

Error while opening sound device. Please check recording device settings and the project sample rate.

Any suggestions? I’m not a computer wizz so please keep responses in an idiots guide :slight_smile:

Thanks

2

sorry missed saying this was the .exe installer

3

Audio enhancements should be turned off for music recording.

I am not sure if you are saying that both “Exclusive Mode” boxes are checked (ticked), but try enabling them, then in Audacity’s Device Toolbar, choose Windows DirectSound host.

More ideas here: http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/faq_errors.html#sound_device. You may well want to go here http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/Products/laptop/vostro_notebook and follow the links for your exact Vostro model to download the latest audio drivers for Windows 7. If you have 64-bit Windows 7, make sure you get the 64-bit drivers.

Also you can record computer playback using Windows WASAPI host in Device Toolbar:

  1. In the first (Host) box of Device Toolbar, choose “Windows WASAPI”.
  2. In the second (Playback device) box in Device Toolbar, choose the Speakers or Headphones that you are using for listening.
  3. In the third (Recording device) box in Device Toolbar, choose the (loopback) input for the same device you chose in step 2. For example, if you chose “Speakers” in Step 2, choose “Speakers (loopback)” in this step.
  4. In the fourth (Recording Channels) box in Device Toolbar, choose mono or stereo.
  5. Start playing the audio you want to record.
  6. Press the big red Record button in Audacity.

We assume you have copyright holders’ permission to record the audio.

Gale