Audio Input quality

[geof22]

Can anyone help please on what I am sure is a very simple question.

I have version 1.2.1 but have not used for a long time. I am trying to record from sound card but find recording quality very poor. I am sorry I cant describe scientifically but basically the waves displayed have very little variation up and down(i.e. the waves look more like a long rectangular block than an "up and down" pattern with the music) I think this is called the amplitude but not sure.

Ay help much appreciated

Thanks

Geof

[waxcylinder]

The very first thing you need to do is to upload the latest version 1.2.6 from the Audacity site http://audacityteam.org/

Then retry - and post again if you still have problems.

WC

[geof22]

Hi

Thanks for that. I had tried with 1.2.6 version but there is no drop down menu at top right (right of the input volume control) and so I cant seem to increase the input volume and record properly.

Geoff

[waxcylinder]

There should be such a drop-down - my 1.2.6 has it. There are some circumstances where it gets greyed-out e.g. if you connect a Numark or ION USB deck.

WC

[geof22]

Brilliant. Thanks very much. Its much better.

Incidentally, the drop dpwn box is greyed out but it doesnt seem to stop me recording off my soundcard.
Would I need to be able to access this for other purposes? If so, how do I get it to function please?

Geoff

[alatham]

In short, you don't. It's not necessary to use that menu. You can access all the inputs your computer sees by going to the Edit -> Preferences -> Audio I/O menu and choosing your recording source there.

It's up to your soundcard drivers to be written in a way that allows Audacity to use the input menu on the main screen. For some reason companies aren't writing their drivers this way.

[geof22]

Thanks very much for all your help. Much appreciated

Geoff