Back in 2008 I downloaded what was then the latest version of Audacity (do not recall exact version#). My OS was Vista. I converted a fair amount of analog tapes with the program and never had any issues.
Recently, I reloaded my OS (still Vista) and decided to try Audacity 2.0.3.
Now, everything I attempt to record has a pronounced phase-shifting/flanging quality. (There is nothing enabled in my Sound settings that should not be.)
Is there a fix for this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! - E.
If that does not help, please export a few seconds of WAV audio that demonstrates the bad recording (see https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/how-to-attach-files-to-forum-posts/24026/1 for how to attach files) and tell us exactly what make and model number of cassette deck you have and exactly how it is connected to the computer.
I did try the fixes in the FAQ. As stated in my OT, none of my Sound settings are irregular. And in this instance I am not using Audacity to convert tapes. I am using it to record vocals and guitar. And it doesn’t matter what I record, whether through my laptop’s onboard mics or through my own external ones, the phasing/flanging dynamic is the same. - E.
Have imported the WAV file of a commercial recording. Sounds “clean” on playback. Given that the material I am recording to Audacity, using Audacity, does not sound clean, wouldn’t this indicate a problem with the the way Audacity is processing the incoming signal during recording? Any help you can give is gratefully appreciated. Thanks! - E.
No,simply because Audacity does not process the incoming signal. Whatever data Audacity receives is the data that gets written to the track. However it probably does indicate a problem somewhere between the signal source and Audacity.
Narrowing it down a bit, you have established:
The problem is during recording rather than on playback.
The problem is not specific to your microphone, tape player or the built in microphones as they all do it.
When you experience the problem with tapes, how is the tape player connected to your computer?
When you experience the problem with an external microphone, how is the external microphone connected to the computer?
When you experience the problem with your guitar, how is your guitar connected to the computer?
Have not tried tapes since reloading my OS.
Both the external microphone(s) and my guitar are coming through the microphone line-in on my laptop.
(But I experience the same problem with Audacity when trying to record via my laptop’s built in microphones.)
Greatly appreciate the continued troubleshooting. - E.
Do you mean you reinstalled Vista? If so did you reinstall the audio device? Was there a drivers CD with audio drivers that you should have used? If it’s a branded laptop like HP or Dell, have you been to the laptop maker’s site to make sure you have the correct drivers meant for Vista and your laptop model? There is some help with this here http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Updating_Sound_Device_Drivers .
Generally, a laptop single input is mono, mic level (pink colour, it supplies strong amplification, so is unsuitable for mics that are already powered). Most laptops only have a mic input.
You may also have a stereo line-level input (blue colour, it requires a line-level signal stronger than an unpowered mic will provide).
Some laptops have a switch to toggle the single input between mic and line and some single inputs can detect a stereo plug and so provide pseudo support for stereo line level. That pseudo stereo support often can sound “phasey” and should not be regarded as a high-quality line level input.
OK… Read the links, searched for updated drivers… System says the best, most updated drivers are already operating.
But, as a test, I tried recording via the Vista sound recorder in Accessories… The same phasing issue is occurring in that program that is occurring in Audacity. Thus, this must be a hardware issue, correct? But what else can I do to remedy it?
Please tell us the exact make and model number of the laptop.
When you look in Device Manager, who does it say is the Driver Provider of your audio device? If it says Microsoft, then you don’t have an audio driver matched with your hardware, and you are probably hearing the result of that.
The Device Manager indication that the driver is up-to-date is only an indication based on what Windows can find. If you have a branded laptop and you have audio problems, you must go to the site of that laptop manufacturer and make sure you have the correct Vista audio drivers for your laptop model, irrespective what Device Manager says.
If it proves to be a hardware issue, you can complain to the seller or manufacturer of the laptop if you are still covered by either’s warranty, or if the laptop has a USB port you can purchase a USB sound card.
When you look in Device Manager, who does it say is the Driver Provider of your audio device? If it says Microsoft, then you don’t have an audio driver matched with your hardware, and you are probably hearing the result of that.
Audio device is Realtek and driver provider is Realtek.
The Device Manager indication that the driver is up-to-date is only an indication based on what Windows can find. If you have a branded laptop and you have audio problems, you must go to the site of that laptop manufacturer and make sure you have the correct Vista audio drivers for your laptop model, irrespective what Device Manager says.
I guess the real headscratcher is the fact that I once recorded with Audacity using the exact same laptop, OS and installed drivers. All I did was reload the OS with its factory settings. Yet now there is an issue.
If it proves to be a hardware issue, you can complain to the seller or manufacturer of the laptop if you are still covered by either’s warranty, or if the laptop has a USB port you can purchase a USB sound card.
I may just need to go the USB sound card route. What specs would you recommend for optimal performance with Audacity? Thanks!
It’s good that you at least have Realtek drivers but have you been here http://www.acer.co.uk/ac/en/GB/content/drivers ? If not, choose “Notebook, ultrabook” and follow the steps in the Wizard and make sure you choose the correct operating system Vista 32-bit or 64-bit (the correct 32-bit or 64-bit choice is important). Then you will be offered an audio driver for download.
Where did you get those audio drivers from?
Exactly what did you do when you “reloaded” Vista? Do you mean you did an install that overwrote the Windows files but left all your programs and settings intact?
Have you opened the Windows Control Panel and looked in the Realtek Control Panel for extra settings or effects that may be causing this?