HELP! Nothing is being recorded!

[cherrystarxx]

One day I started to record with Audacity but the recording sounded like it was a distance away - there was an echo-y effect to it, plus it was abnormally soft (I had to amplify for MANY times and by A LOT before it was an acceptable volume). This was with Audacity 1.2.6. I thought there was something wrong with my microphone, so I went and bought a new one. This one had LOADS of static, plus it was just as soft. So I went and bought the exact same mic (Ranger) that I'd been using before it suddenly acted weird as mentioned first in this post. It still sounded echo-y and soft. So I went digging around the forum, following advice and stuff, downloading the newest Audacity (1.3.9) and all - and suddenly when I was test-recording again for the gazillionth time, it suddenly went blank, as in no matter how loud I shouted, it was just one straight blue line, though the input level meter did jump about when I spoke. I'm using Windows Vista, by the way.

I'm really anxious to use my mic, so I'd appreciate if someone could help. Thanks!

[kozikowski]

You need to get us a little closer. The advice changes a lot depending on the type of microphone you have and how it's connected.

Do you have a laptop computer? Who made the microphone and what's the model number? You can post the address of the web site from where you bought it.

Koz

[cherrystarxx]

You need to get us a little closer. The advice changes a lot depending on the type of microphone you have and how it's connected.

Do you have a laptop computer? Who made the microphone and what's the model number? You can post the address of the web site from where you bought it.

Koz

No, I'm using a desktop. I've checked the box but as far as I can see, it doesn't have a model number. But this is its page: http://ranger-technology.com/PCacc/Head ... lastIt.htm

[cherrystarxx]

Anyone? I really need help... ><

[steve]

So this is a microphone with a little round plug that plugs into your sound card?

If so, check that you are plugged into a "Microphone" input and not a "Line" input.

Do you know what sort of sound card you are using?

[leahc.]

I also need help! I am wanting to play the piano and have my computer record the songs I play so that I can make a CD. Is this the program I want? If so, can I just play the piano, it will record, and then I can burn the recorded songs onto a CD?? Sorry, this is my first time every looking into something like this. I have a Tangent laptop, so I have no idea about microphones if there is one already installed in my computer or if I need to buy something extra. I'm not computer savy and have read through the FAQs but feel like I need further assistance.

THANK YOU!

[steve]

Yes leahc, Audacity is a good program for recording, but this topic is an ongoing attempt to sort out cherrystarxx's problem.
Have a browse of the forum, and of the "Tips" and "Tutorials" links at the top of the page. Download and install Audacity 1.3.9 (much better than the old 1.2.6 version) and have a play. If you still need help, post a new topic.

[cherrystarxx]

So this is a microphone with a little round plug that plugs into your sound card?

If so, check that you are plugged into a "Microphone" input and not a "Line" input.

Do you know what sort of sound card you are using?

Um, I'm not sure, but the plugs are green and pink, and I'm certain that I'm plugging them into the correct holes (green - headphone, pink - mic). I don't know what sound card I'm using. Oh, and I tried it again, and this time it can record, but it's very very soft, and when I've amplified it it sounds as if it's echo-ing from somewhere far away - I don't know if it's the result of amplifying it or if it was there to begin with. If it helps, I'm using Realtek HD.

[steve]

the plugs are green and pink

Yes, that's a "normal" headset (not USB).
Pink should be microphone and green headphones.

Oh, and I tried it again, and this time it can record, but it's very very soft,

Good, that's progress.

when I've amplified it it sounds as if it's echo-ing from somewhere far away - I don't know if it's the result of amplifying it or if it was there to begin with.

Most likely there to begin with.

If it helps, I'm using Realtek HD.

Yes that helps - you have a Realtek HD sound card. These are usually built into the main computer circuit board (on-board sound). The recording quality is usually pretty poor, especially recording from a microphone, but it may be good enough depending on what you want.

Have a look at this post - it may give you some clues: http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic ... 790#p46683

[cherrystarxx]

Um, I don't exactly know what I clicked, but I followed the instructions in the link and made some changes and now it's fine! Thank you Steve!