Stereo mics input, but only one records (both L+R)

[stego]

When I plug a mini-stereo cable into the mic input of my Dell XPS, the "tip" connection drives both channels when recording in Audacity. The "ring" connection isn't received as a mic input.

Put another way, both tracks take their input from the mic connected to the "tip" of the stereo plug. The mic connected to the "ring" of the plug is ignored.

I thought it might be Audacity, but I tried it with an old copy of SoundForge, and the same result occurs.

This behavior isn't limited to my Dell box; I also tried on two different laptops - all show the same behavior. L+R both record from the "tip" line in the mic input; the "ring" side is ignored.

What am I missing? Do all sound card "mic" inputs behave in this quasi-mono mode?

Thanks,

/Bill

[Gale Andrews]

Mic inputs are usually mono. Assuming these computers have no line-in, look in your computer manual to see If the mic input can be switched to line-level. That will be stereo, but may not give you sufficient amplification. In that case, buy a mic preamp.

Mic inputs on laptops/notebooks/netbooks do sometimes accept stereo input without being switched to line level, but are likely to distort or even blow out if you plug amplified input into them (such as a feed from a tape deck, mixer or phono amplifier).

If you have more questions please give the details of your stereo mic.



Gale

[stego]

tnx!