Dimension E510, very low volume mic

Question

I just tried two mics and the volumes on both of them are very low, how do I fix this? The volumes are low on windows sound recorder AND skype. I'm pretty sure I have the right driver installed because the sound is fine. I turned on mic boost but that didn't help at all, how do I increase the volume? Here's a picture of my current settings:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7402/untitledbi8.jpg

I have sigmatel onboard sound running on windows XP. Also, switching between rear mic and front mic doesn't make a difference.

Message Edited by gkwong on 04-13-2007 04:27 AM

fireberd · Answer

Are you using 'computer' mics or some other type like a P.A. or Karaoke mic?   You must use computer mics as the others will have a very low output.

gkwong · Answer

I'm using computer mics, the first one is a Creative mic and the second one is a Sennheiser PC150 gaming headset. I'm 100% sure the mics are not the problem because they work fine on my laptop.

gkwong · Answer

Ok, I just checked my invoice right now, since the website wasn't working correctly last night. According to it, I have Sound Blaster Advanced MB sound, where do I get the driver for this? It's not on the E510 driver list page:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&ServiceTag=&SystemID=DIMENSION%205150/E510&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

fireberd · Answer

From what I've seen here on the forum, that is just the standard on-board sound with some SoundBlaster software enhancements.    I have an E510 but it was ordered with the basic on-board sound then I installed my own SoundBlaster Audigy 2 sound card.    One thing to try, uninstall the sound module in the Windows Device Manager, restart Windows and it will be detected and reinstalled (refreshed).

gkwong · Answer

I already tried that though -_-. Oh well, I'll just buy an Audigy SE, only $30 at worstbuy.

fireberd · Answer

I installed one of those in a customer's PC and it works good.  That will even give you the streaming audio recording capability that is not enabled in the Dell on board audio systems.   When you install that, don't forget to disable the on-board audio in the BIOS.

george2539 · Answer

I and many others have the same problem. We have contacted Dell by every possible means with no solution. I also hired a computer tech. , he could only do a work around by plugging he mic into the line input. I used this for a while then bought a headset with mic which was approved by Skype from Radio Shack, with USB nput plug. This has worked very well for me using Skype for Internet telephone, Internet chat and Internet remote base station work. I am a radio amateur and use the Internet remotebase stations for my radiio work. I suspect that there is a gap between the mic and the amplifier input in the computer and the USB headset uses a different path to reach the amplifier. If you wish to discuss this more my e mail is georgewatson@cox.net

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Dimension E510, very low volume mic

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