Mixer toolbar source greyed out

[Pete Porchos]

I've searched the board, but haven't found anything that seems to help me, so I will trouble you, if I may.

Using Windows ME
Audacity version 1.2.6

I have used Audacity for a while (just downloaded 1.2.6 today to see if it would fix my problem - it didn't), just to do a bit of editing mp3 etc. Excellent.

I introduced a Spanish friend of mine to the program. He says he can record from the radio on his computer and then edit the recording. I can't do this.

It seems that in his setup there are options in the source box on the mixer toolbar, whereas in mine it is greyed out. (Iguess he uses XP) I've uninstalled, downloaded afresh but with no change.

Is this a Windows ME problem? Or me (myself). Or what.

Thanks for your help, and for a great program,

Pete

[waxcylinder]

All you need to do is to select a portion of the recording - cclick and drag the cursor - or use Ctrl-A shortcut to select the whole recording. It's just that the Audacity default is nothing selected - hence the greyness.

WC

[alatham]

Uhh, I think you missed the important point, WC.

Pete,

Some audio drivers won't allow you to access the Mixer selection menu. This is because of the way different drivers handle different inputs. There's a lack of standardization here that is causing the problem.

You will be able to select different sources in Audacity's Edit -> Preferences -> Audio I/O menu. The keyboard shortcut is [ctrl]+p.

[waxcylinder]

Uhh, I think you missed the important point, WC.

Yup, it's a fair cop, you're absolutely right - it's late in the day here in dark, rainy, Manchester - time to hang up my keyboard for the day ........

WC

[alatham]

That lovely English weather getting to you, WC?

[Pete Porchos]

Well, thanks there guys. But that doesn't seem to solve the problem. I had actually investigated that area previously, but wasn't sure what to change.

I have only two options. Currently in Preferences > Audio I/O I am on Creative Soundblaster for both input and output. The only other option in these two fields is Microsoft sound mapper. I have switched to that without effect.

Is there a next move?

It's tipping it down here in Stratford on Avon.

Pete

[alatham]

Pete,

Ahhh, Shakespeare. I'm sure there's more to Stratford on Avon, but being from Chicago makes a day-trip rather unlikely. So that's all I know about your corner of the world.

Rather than re-hash all this stuff here, I think this Wiki page should be able to help you out:
http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php? ... bar_Issues

[Pete Porchos]

alatham, thanks for that. I wish I had found that page before, then I wouldn't have had to trouble you.

I am sure I am using generic drivers for the sound card. I'll open the box and endavour to get the right one/ones tomorrow in the cold light of day. I know from past experiences that these sound blaster ones are tricky to find the correct one.

I'll let you know of my progress, if any.

We have a Chicago Rock Cafe in Stratford. Hope that makes you feel good!!

Pete

[Pete Porchos]

Well, I have searched for a driver for my soundcard. The Creative site says it's no longer supported and I should use the generic drivers supplied with the OS (ME). I can't find the driver files on 'driverguide' or indeed anywhere else. So I am afraid that I haven't made any forward progress at all.

At least I know what the problem probably is, which is something, I suppose.

Pete

[waxcylinder]

Pete,

you might want to consider an external USB soundcard - I use an EDIROL UA-1EX which I bought online for c. £50 from Dolphin Music in Liverpool. Also cosider the Behringer (202 I think) - the Behringer is cheaper but has less features - both get mentioned a lot on the forum.

WC