Audacity Forum

I have an issue. One that I really need help on. I have a Windows Vista computer, but this problem has never occurred like it has until recently.
Whenever I try to record something the microphone line is smooth, though when I try to actually say something into it or do something it begins to randomly fade in and out with loud static. Like if I push record it will go silent for a moments then hit high with a loud static pitch then go back into silence and back into static. It continues this... When doing this on the head phones and mic icon the sound spikes up all the way with each static burst..
I normally record quite often.. ..I can't though until something is done with this problem..
Can anyone help me?

<<<Whenever I try to record something the microphone line is smooth, though when I try to actually say something into it or do something it begins to randomly fade in and out with loud static.>>>

Describe the microphone. Is it built into your computer?

Koz

It is a headset mic. One a person would use in a chat room, one I've always used. Though I myself thought it was the microphone and have unhooked it and tried to record. Grant it without the mic nothing would, but even with the microphone out the problem exist. Which makes me wonder; and why I thought it was Audacity itself. I've also uninsulated and reinstalled thinking this might fix it, but to no avail.

So we're clear it's not the microphone because you had it disconnected and the system still had troubles. Most people wouldn't think to do that.

My field isn't Vista and I"m filling in until the right time zone rolls around for the Windows people, but is there any way you can post a bit of the trash sound? I can tell a lot from the first five or six seconds of a problem--sometimes.

I'll message you.

Koz

Is it a USB mic? If so then I would suspect the USB connection plug or socket or cable.

WC

kozikowski wrote:So we're clear it's not the microphone because you had it disconnected and the system still had troubles. Most people wouldn't think to do that.

My field isn't Vista and I"m filling in until the right time zone rolls around for the Windows people, but is there any way you can post a bit of the trash sound? I can tell a lot from the first five or six seconds of a problem--sometimes.

I'll message you.

Koz

I see. Well I thank you for your help so far, or rather your wanting to help. The sound clip is on its way.

waxcylinder wrote:Is it a USB mic? If so then I would suspect the USB connection plug or socket or cable.

WC

No. It is a jack-style headset. I've tried plugging them into the ports on the back of my towers and still it does nothing. My speakers though have a sound jack and a usb which are plugged into the back. Though thinking my speakers where some how the cause, since they're a little destroyed, I've plugged them in the front jacks aswell. Nothing changed. Though when I record I mostly put in the headset jack and the mic jack so I will not have to use my speakers. Again though. I've tried to record without having anything plugged in and it still does this.

I can tell you that most likely, the microphone on your headset needs some of the services that come up from the computer. It's not a one-way trip.

http://www.kozco.com/tech/audioconnecto ... ctors.html

The second illustration is typical of the type of microphone you would have on your headset. If you plug it into a place that doesn't supply that battery voltage, then there is no microphone. You need to plug it into a socket that clearly states in words or pictures that it's appropriate for a microphone.

Since this used to work, I need to go listen to the sample and see if that supplies any more ideas.

Koz

Got the clip in good order.

That sounds like data errors. That's not good.

I don't think we covered what kind of computer this is. Have you restarted the machine from power off? Gracefully shut down the machine like normal and in the case of a deskside machine, reach around and pull the power cord for 20 seconds.

That's harder to do in a laptop, but we'll take this one at a time.

If you have a laptop, does it have a built-in microphone?

Koz

kozikowski wrote:Got the clip in good order.

That sounds like data errors. That's not good.

I don't think we covered what kind of computer this is. Have you restarted the machine from power off? Gracefully shut down the machine like normal and in the case of a deskside machine, reach around and pull the power cord for 20 seconds.

That's harder to do in a laptop, but we'll take this one at a time.

If you have a laptop, does it have a built-in microphone?

Koz

Well I restarted the machine and tried it again numerous times, however unplugging the machine.. ..that I have not done, and of course, it worked. I thank you! I didn't do that because really I didn't see how that could effect it. Though if: 'data errors' were the cause. Well what was caused from? Audacity? Or something completely different? Either way I don't guess it matters.. ..You've given me the solution to my problem. For this I am thankful. You my friend have really helped me out. My gratitude seems all like I can give, but I do, in all fairness, owe you one. Many thanks.