Lenovo Bows to RIAA? Can't get Stero Mix Option in XP.

[craighaskins]

First Post. I capture sounds (bonks, dings) and clips (interviews, etc) that are played through my soundcard using Audacity for producing a podcast on title insurance, which is pretty boring, I know. On my brand new $2,600 Lenovo X61 laptop, I don't have the Stereo Mix option for capturing audio like i did with my former laptop. In fact in the audio setup in control panel, the only option available for recording is the silly mic built into my laptop. I know that Vista gives trouble to people. But I'm using XP. Also the soundcard is SoundMax Intergrated HD audio, which I now call "crap". The tech with Lenovo ($99 in support) gave up and has no idea other than admitting that Lenovo may have done it to protect the recording industry from audacity users ripping streaming audio and converting to MP3. But podcasters like me now suffer since buying this laptop has caused me to not produce a new show in a month. Can anyone out there think of something? I'd be grateful and I'd be happy to make a donation in your name to Audacity if you can get this to work for me. Email [email protected] or post here. Thanks so much.

[kozikowski]

I've never used the "Mix Out" option. I've had a license for Total Recorder forever. I can set up and record internet shows even if I'm not home. I think I went crazy and got the Pro edition. $35 last I checked.

Koz

[steve]

The audio drivers on some laptops are crippled and have functions such as recording the stereo mix disabled. Some manufacturers have now released driver updates to resolve the problem, so it's worth checking that. If that doesn't help, you could try installing a different audio capture device, or finding some other way to capture the sound.

Depending on the audio source, you may be able to use WinAmp to play the source audio and use the "wave writer" output in WinAmp to create a .wav file that you can then import into Audacity.

[craighaskins]

Thanks for the tip. You know someone else suggested that I buy a PCMCIA sound card and use that instead of the internal soundcard. Do you think that will do the trick? If so, would you suggest one for me? In the meantime, I will check for an updated drive. Crossing my fingers. Thanks again.

[craighaskins]

CASE CLOSED. It's much simpler to record sounds using Total Recorder and then put them all together in Audacity. Thanks for the tip.

I've never used the "Mix Out" option. I've had a license for Total Recorder forever. I can set up and record internet shows even if I'm not home. I think I went crazy and got the Pro edition. $35 last I checked.

Koz