Mixer Toolbar Doesn't Allow Me to Choose Input Source

[Clonto]

It's shaded out. Also the slider for the recording volume keeps moving back to the maximum position whenever I try to adjust it.

Another problem I'm having is my voice isn't recording well. It's faint and barely audible on playback.

Any help is appreciated.

[alatham]

We're here to help, but we usually need more info in order to do that.

For now, I'll guess at what the problems are.

1) The Input selector in Vista (and apparently sometimes XP) is often missing. This is because Microsoft decided to handle soundcard drivers differently. You'll have to use the Edit -> Preferences menu to change the input and output devices. [ctrl]+p is the keyboard shortcut.

I have a feeling this will be addressed in the next stable version (but don't quote me on that, I'm not a developer).

2) What is your microphone setup like? Have you plugged a professional microphone into the Mic In port on your soundcard? The Mic In port is only for use with computer mics (they'll have a 1/8" plug on them), not pro microphones (pro microphone = a mic with an XLR plug). If you want to use a pro mic you'll have to use a mic pre-amp plugged into the Line In port (I use an ART Tube pre-amp, it costs $40 and sounds quite nice).

In general the Mic In port on your soundcard is useless, it's of lower quality than the Line In and requires a special signal level that only computer mics put out.

[Clonto]

2) What is your microphone setup like? Have you plugged a professional microphone into the Mic In port on your soundcard? The Mic In port is only for use with computer mics (they'll have a 1/8" plug on them), not pro microphones (pro microphone = a mic with an XLR plug). If you want to use a pro mic you'll have to use a mic pre-amp plugged into the Line In port (I use an ART Tube pre-amp, it costs $40 and sounds quite nice).

In general the Mic In port on your soundcard is useless, it's of lower quality than the Line In and requires a special signal level that only computer mics put out.

Thank you for the reply.

My mic is an MXL M.A.R.K. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/mxl-m.a ... ording-kit

It doesn't require any outside voltage because it's self powered with a battery. I do have it plugged into the rear mic jack.

Do you think I should be using the Line Out jack or should I get a pre-amp? The mic sounds quite good when I tested it in CoolEdit. I prefer Audacity, though because it's so much easier for me to understand.

I'm running Windows XP Professional.

[alatham]

The link you sent says you don't need a pre-amp. But I can't find a manual online to know for sure.

Have you tried reading the manual? If that doesn't help, contact MXL for info on which plugs to use.

[Clonto]

The manual just says to connect the mic to the computer's audio input. I'm thinking "Line Out" is where it should go. I'll have to call Marshall, like you said.

[alatham]

Ugh. I'm beginning to hate Marshall. They make great guitar amps, but this is the second time I've heard about their incompetence with computer audio.

You'll need to plug the mic into either the Line In or the Mic In. I'm not sure which. Start with the Line In (the Line Out is what you plug your speakers into) and if the volume is really low you'll have to use the Mic In. The Mic In is almost certainly of really low quality, but it should at least get you something if the Line In doesn't work.

[Clonto]

I have everything working now.

Thanks for your replies. If I have any more problems I won't hesitate to post again.

[michaelbeerman]

I have a slightly different problem. My laptop comes with a built-in integrated microphone, and I am trying to record me playing the piano without the mic. When I playback what I just recorded, it sounds very static-like and the waves on the track are square, looking as if it was too loud. Also, i can't select what input I want to use, such as line-in, mic, etc. My input source selector is also grayed out but the rest of the mixer toolbar is fine. My main problem is the static sound, and I've lowered the volumes, but it hasn't helped. Please help!!!

[steve]

I have a slightly different problem. My laptop comes with a built-in integrated microphone, and I am trying to record me playing the piano without the mic. When I playback what I just recorded, it sounds very static-like and the waves on the track are square, looking as if it was too loud. Also, i can't select what input I want to use, such as line-in, mic, etc. My input source selector is also grayed out but the rest of the mixer toolbar is fine. My main problem is the static sound, and I've lowered the volumes, but it hasn't helped. Please help!!!

Use the Windows Mixer (loudspeaker icon near the clock) instead of the (missing) one in Audacity.

[michaelbeerman]

I have a slightly different problem. My laptop comes with a built-in integrated microphone, and I am trying to record me playing the piano without the mic. When I playback what I just recorded, it sounds very static-like and the waves on the track are square, looking as if it was too loud. Also, i can't select what input I want to use, such as line-in, mic, etc. My input source selector is also grayed out but the rest of the mixer toolbar is fine. My main problem is the static sound, and I've lowered the volumes, but it hasn't helped. Please help!!!

Use the Windows Mixer (loudspeaker icon near the clock) instead of the (missing) one in Audacity.

I tried that, and when I raise the Audacity volume, it raises the computer's volume. And when I play it back, not only is the sound static like where the blue lines are almost like squares, but the sound doesn't sound so well. The level of sound is not even.

Why is it that I can't use the Input selector drop down box?

SOMEBODY PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!