My system: HP desktop windows 7 rolled back to factory (not updated)/Audacity 2.1.1
First, the Audacity playback volume when mouse hovers reads: playback volume with the particular volume it’s at and with “(emulated)” at the end.
Okay, and I recently noticed now that unless the Audacity playback volume is at max the meter does not behave properly, it goes and stays all the way right (if I move playback volume anywhere but max) and meter shows clipping (volume is not louder though, volume seems to behave normally–just meter) - so I now have to leave the Audacity playback volume at max and adjust volume when editing with my computers volume control.
I rolled back to the previous version of Audacity, that I did not have the problem with, but the problem was there too now. So I switched back to newest version (2.1.1).
Messing with my computers volume & sound [and realtek audio manager] control options did not fix this problem either.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a sound meter malfunctioning, so let’s assume it’s not. Particularly since you changed Audacity versions and the problem didn’t go away.
It sounds like feedback. Feedback doesn’t have to sound like howling at the club or school meeting (…eeeeEEEEE) when somebody gets the microphone volume up too loud. It can happen so low pitch or so high pitch you can’t hear it (but it may drive your dog nuts).
What are you doing? Why are you using Audacity? What’s your show?
Did it always say “(emulated)”? What host are you choosing in Device Toolbar?
The Audacity playback volume slider should never even affect the playback meter. That meter shows the volume of the mix, irrespective of volume slider position.
The track gain and pan sliders affect the playback meters.
–WILL TRY reinstall with RESET PREFERENCE ASAP–and let you know asap
When you say you rolled back Windows, does that mean an overwrite install of Windows, wiping the old installation?
If you did that, you should probably reinstall the audio and video drivers from the computer manufacturer’s web site.
Im not sure the term but I went back to like factory new about 6 months ago [Again, I’m windows 7 /HP Home computer]. and Audacity working fine, even new version, until a few days ago [I did install Anysoft’s “Any Video Converter” recently]—Also, I did not have to reinstall the OS or drivers when I went back to factory condition, 6 months ago. --of course I dont have any current or otherwise microsoft updates /none --zero but I dont use with internet–or can not because I dont have internet.
OK. That sounds like you may perhaps have restored from the manufacturer’s “Recovery Partition” and if so you probably do have the original (correct at the time) drivers the machine came with.
I got rid of the HP “Recovery Partition” on my laptop as soon as I got the machine. As with most OEM computers these days, that partition comes with much bloatware and advertising for paid products.
Did this machine ever have patches from Windows Update installed?
Problem solved! [Computer settings:]–I had disabled “Stereo Mix” in Sound which is in the Recording tab! I don’t record with this computer so thought I should disable it and did a few weeks ago … I still don’t understand how this windows 7 [factory] sound system is set-up (almost as if they didn’t know either [?]).
I’ve got Sound > Playback > Speakers “Rear Panel”, of course enabled, where my desktop speakers are hooked up, in back “Stereo Mix” jack (along side “Line In” and “Microphone” jacks, also in back) and things have seemed okay, except Audacity.
It seems the Stereo Mix port/jack is reversable as well: you can Playback [what I’m doing] or “Listen” which I guess falls in the category of Recording! --Bad layout/design IMO, anyway, problem solved… Thanks Gale.