Mixer Toolbar Input Volume affects other programs

[smWTMS]

Windows 7 64 bit
Audacity 1.3.12

The Mixer Toolbar Input Volume Slider affects some inputs to other programs. If the slider is left in an attenuated position, the setting sticks and other programs see that attenuation until Audacity is opened and the slider moverd. This can result in mysterious low gain conditions for several inputs to other programs. In my HP dv6 this affects the front panel microphone jack and my M-Audio Mobile-Pre, but not some other inputs such as a DV camera on firewire. Looking at the Windows Volume Mixer and the Mobile-Pre Mixer, the Audacity fader affects none of them, but the meter in the Windows Volume Mixer shows the attentuation. This suggests the Audacity slider is affecting some other attentuator than the usual ones. The fact the attenuator stays in some signal paths after Audacity is closed is a real problem.

[Gale Andrews]

Windows 7 64 bit
Audacity 1.3.12

The Mixer Toolbar Input Volume Slider affects some inputs to other programs. If the slider is left in an attenuated position, the setting sticks and other programs see that attenuation until Audacity is opened and the slider moverd. This can result in mysterious low gain conditions for several inputs to other programs. In my HP dv6 this affects the front panel microphone jack and my M-Audio Mobile-Pre, but not some other inputs such as a DV camera on firewire. Looking at the Windows Volume Mixer and the Mobile-Pre Mixer, the Audacity fader affects none of them, but the meter in the Windows Volume Mixer shows the attentuation. This suggests the Audacity slider is affecting some other attentuator than the usual ones. The fact the attenuator stays in some signal paths after Audacity is closed is a real problem.

I've now replied twice to you by e-mail, and tested on a Windows 7 netbook as I told you, but to repeat my last response here:

The main problem you seem to be complaining about ("attenuation sticks") is intended.

If the external mic is selected in the Audacity Devices preferences and you turn the input down, then its input level will be reduced, even if you switch to another input in Devices Preferences and turn that up. You should of course still be able to turn that external mic input up in Windows without launching Audacity. If you can't, then your motherboard sound device drivers must be at fault. See http://wiki.audacityteam.org/index.php? ... ce_Drivers

There is a known problem that the Audacity input/output sliders may not work correctly for the motherboard sound device if you have an external audio device connected. This is noted in the 1.3.12 Release Notes as occurring with Windows XP, but there are isolated reports on Vista and 7 too.



Gale