Mixer unit

[james1214]

hI,
I have just set up a new mixer to my laptop, when I open up Audacity it does not pick up the sound from the mic, I have looked on the forum and followed some of the information about the mic volume control in windows, but still no success, will be greatful for any help at all.

[steve]

What sort of Mixer?
How is it connected yo your laptop?
Is your mic plugged into the mixer?
Does the mixer indicate a signal from the mic?
Which version of Windows are you using?
Which version of Audacity?

[james1214]

It is a 12 Channel Mixer
The laptop is connected throught the red and white cables
Windows XP Professional
The Mics do not seem to be registering sound, but they are connected to the mixer
VER 1.26
Thanks for you help Steve, you can guess I am new to this.

[steve]

The laptop is connected throught the red and white cables

Plugged into the microphone socket of your laptop I presume? That is far from ideal, but you should be able to get something even if the sound quality is terrible. (we'll come back to this later).

The Mics do not seem to be registering sound, but they are connected to the mixer

In which case we need to go into a bit more detail - what's the make and model numbers of the mixer and microphones?

VER 1.26

It is highly recommended that you upgrade to Audacity 1.3.12

you can guess I am new to this.

No problem - we all were once

[james1214]

Steve,

The Laptop is connected through the mic on the Laptop

Mixer and Mic came from Thomann.
Mixer TMIX 1202
Mic TBone SC40

[steve]

Mic TBone SC40

Do you mean an SC400 ?

If so, these microphones require "phantom power", so you MUST use 3 pin XLR leads to connect the microphone to the desk, and then switch on phantom power.
To protect the microphone pre-amps, ensure that the "gain" is turned down to minimum when you switch on the phantom power.
Connect the microphones before switching on the phantom power.

[james1214]

Thanks Steve I will get an extension plug and try it, cant thank you enough for the help, if that does not work I will get back to you.

[steve]

I will get an extension plug

An extension plug for what?
Do not use any converters for the microphone lead - they MUST be proper 3 pin XLR leads - if you use a different lead with an adaptor you could seriously damage your mixer.

[james1214]

Steve,
The mics worked with the new cable, now going to try to get the sound from the mixer to the laptop and Audacity, also loaded the the beta version of Audacity.

[james1214]

What needs to be switched off in windows to get the sound into Audacity.