Can't Use Input/Output Volume Controls

[ds2]

hi,

I'm new to this and while I'm usually pretty good at figuring these things out, I'm stumped: After importing a track to Audacity, I'm unable to use the input/output volume controls to adjust the sound levels--the slide adjusters are both automatically all the way to the right (+) so there's no way to make the level higher. Not sure what I'm doing wrong--I have a bunch of older cd's where the sound level is very low so that the drop in volume is significant after they're converted to mp3s or even if I play them in my cd player. I spent a long time trying to figure this out but ultimately couldnt. Should I just 'amplify' all the tracks and not worry about the lack of use of the controls?

I'm using Vista on an HP laptop

Thanx for any and all help.

[ds2]

anyone? anyone? Please?

[waxcylinder]

The input slider only works on the recording - not on subsequent editing. The output slider controls the signal sent to your loudspeakers/headphones.

And yes, use the Amplify effect.

If you want to get tricksy and vary the amplification applied at different points, you can use the Envelope tool (icon has two triangles pointing to each other with a blue dot in the centre and a blue line passing through). You can use this tool th set points and drag the envelope around a bit like a rubber band. A bit fiddly at first, but you will get used to it. But I suspect that most of your needs willl be met by a simple application of the Amplify effect.

WC

[ds2]

Thanks very much-- I appreciate the help!