On-going recording problem

[Hodge]

I've had many excellent voice recording sessions with Audacity 1.3.12 in my old Compac (XP) but I recently replaced it with a Dell Inspiron 560. Now I can't get a decent signal on Audacity when I record; i.e., my mic signal (via an M-Audio) doesn't show up on the waveform unless I scream into the mic, and even then I can just barely hear myself. Should I download another Audacity? If so, which one, and do I need to uninstall my current version first? (There are projects in there I'd hate to lose.) The Dell tells me the M-Audio is working fine and has the correct drivers. I had been with Koz on this but he referred me to some Audacity text that didn't help.
Hodge

[DVDdoug]

What kind of M-Audio device do you have? What kind of mic? is it possible you've got a condenser mic and you've got phantom power turned-off? Is it possible that your mic cable is broken, or that something's changed with your hardware setup?

If it's a software problem, it's a driver or set-up problem. When it comes to recording, Audacity is just a "control center".

You need to make sure you've selected the M-Audio device, and selected the correct inputs for the M-Audio device. And you need to make sure the input recording volume is turned-up (and the master recording volume too, if there is a master control for this device.)

Windows has separate recording & playback controls, so you've got to make sure you are adjusting the recording volume/settings. I assume you are on Windows 7? I'm on an XP machine right now and I don't remember how to find the recording controls, but I found this:

In the Start menu search for 'Manage Audio Devices'

There is playback and recording panels.

Select device and use properties to access the levels.

[Hodge]

Hello again. Turned out to be a cable problem. Thanks for input.
Hodge