source volume control problem

[Cerulean Brew]

Greetings

New to the forum. Please forgive any errors in posting.

I am running 1.2.6 on Windows XP. Fast processor with plenty of memory.

My problem is that the input source volume control (the slider next to the picture of the microphone) will not stay where I set it--after I get it set it will suddenly shoot up to the top of the scale like it was on a rubberband. Doesn't matter how I set the output volume of my source. I am trying to record from various sources--all have the same problem.

I re-downloaded the program thinking my copy had become corrupted but same problem.

Any ideas from those with more experience would be much appreciated.

Many thanks.

[steve]

The slider is a "convenience" feature for many users, but does not work with all hardware/operating systems. Basically, it is just sending messages to your sound card driver, asking it to adjust its levels according to your input. Windows Vista usually ignores this entirely. On XP it depends on the sound card drivers. USB sound cards usually ignore this slider, and some other sound card drivers also ignore it. The exact behaviour when it doesn't work (whether the slider pings back, or is greyed out, or is just ignored) varies depending on the sound card and driver.

If it doesn't work (as in your case) you have a couple of options:
1) Try upgrading to Audacity 1.3.x - this version has considerably updated hardware support, so it may work.
2) Use your sound cards mixer application - often found in a loudspeaker icon near the clock - if it's not there, look in: Windows Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Audio > Recording Volume button.

Some sound cards (notably on-board sound cards) have built in effects, such as "Noise Reduction", Automatic Gain, Echo Cancellation, Environmental Effects. For recording, these should all be turned off.