weird audio issues

[jack aernecke]

I have a new Dell with Windows 7. I downloaded Audacity 1.3 and can voice record fine and when I playback I see the meter move but cannot get sound from either my speakers or on my headset. I also downloaded 1.2 which I used very successfully on my old XP system for voice recording. Now on Windows 7 it does not record but I can transfer a recorded file from 1.3 and it plays back fine on 1.2. I have an audio studio and record through an Edirol UA-25 connected to my computer via USB. Can anyone help me, I want to record and playback on 1.3.

[kozikowski]

The global, fuzzy problem is the computer is trying to send the playback sound to the wrong place. This happens a lot with USB devices. Go into Windows Control Panels and see where "Playback" is assigned.

Koz

[jack aernecke]

Thanks Koz, the playback is set for the default device, the UA-25 out. I get no playback with the 1.3, but with absolutely no changes to the device I cannot record on 1.2 but can playback on 1.2, which is the exact opposite of what I can do on 1.3. Any additional thoughts? I'm at a loss.

[steve]

USB audio devices must be connected to the computer and recognised by Windows before you open Audacity.
When you open Audacity, go to "Edit menu > Preferences > Devices" and check that you have the correct device set as the Recording device and the Playback device.

[jack aernecke]

Stevethefiddle, you nailed it! Thanks so much, simple solution that's been bugging me on and off for weeks. Great way to start a Sunday by learning something new. Happy 10/10/10.
Jack