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August 7th, 2009 04:00
Microphone (both internal and external) not working
Inspiron 1521: Neither mics are working. Can't record. Recent updates changed the driver from Sigma to Microsoft High Definition Audio. When right clicking the box it says that Line In is not currently available but that the mic is working (it isn't). The playback device is now only speakers. When checking Device Manager under Sounds it just lists 'High Definition Audio'. I have always had trouble with recording on this laptop. Previously I could record but the mic picked up all extraneous sounds.
I think I've done everything available. Please help! Thanks.
Jeana2
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jeana2
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August 7th, 2009 06:00
Thank you Jimco. I did a restore to the earliest point which was just before the update and got the mic going again with Sigmatel but it picks up all the extraneous noises in the room including me moving the mouse etc. So no good really. Is there anything else I can do? I need to be able to record. The sound quality is dreadful as it happens. Also it has effected my audio editing programs which won't now play WMA files only MP3 files.
Thanks again.
Jim Coates
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August 7th, 2009 06:00
Apparently the updates have disabled your Sigmatel audio driver and left you with the default generic Intel driver. First try using System Restore to get the Registry back to a time before the problem first occurred. In Vista, type 'restore' into the Start menu search box, and System Restore will appear in the start menu.
If that does not help then try downloading and installing the Sigmatel driver from the 1521 downloads page. It is in the Audio category.
Jim Coates
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August 7th, 2009 08:00
Go to your Recording Control tab and lfind 'mic boost' or something similar and turn it off. If that does not reduce the gain enough then lower the mic recording level with the slider.
What are the names of your editing programs?
Jim Coates
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August 7th, 2009 10:00
"Microphone array" is the internal set of mics at the top of the bezel above the screen. If you are trying to use the external mic jack you should turn off the mic array, I think in the Dell Webcam Center. I don't have that model but I think it shoyuld have mic boost somewhere.
As for wma files try using Windows Media Player and see if it will play them.
jeana2
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August 7th, 2009 10:00
Thank you Jimco. I don't have a mic boost with the Sigmatel, It shows Microphone array and another tab for level. Although with independent sliders they operate as one slider. Reduce one and both are reduced by the same degree. No - I'm afraid it didn't work. I whistled along with the music and it recorded it at all levels.
I use Cool Edit Pro 2 and Goldwave. Also I've just downloaded Audacity to try and that didn't work either.
jeana2
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August 7th, 2009 16:00
No mic boost in the Webcam Center and the slider in the audio source there has the same effect as the Mic levels from the Sound dialogue box. One off, they're all off and the sound levels aren't really high enough for a good recording and they STIlL record room sounds. Yes Windows Media Player will play wma files but previously Cool Edit played everything. Now it doesn't. Sound generally is rubbish on this laptop.
Would an external sound card help? If so, which one do you suggest? I don't know what else to do.
Many thanks.