Issues with Sigmatel High Definition Audio

This is a new one, I've never saw any posts about this and I do a lot of audio support (there is a separate forum section for Desktop Audio issues). 

However, there have been several integrated audio issues because Vista handles the audio functions differently than older OS'.  One issue is that there is no "system mixer" (SoundBlaster calls it "what you hear") so you can't record streaming audio from the Internet.  On many systems, you can't monitor the line in or mic inputs on the PC speakers - the functions will work but you can't hear them on the PC's speakers like you could with XP. 

I don't have integrated audio on my PC's so I can't try to recreate your issue.  But, with the different way that Vista handles the audio functions you may never get what you want unless you install a PCI sound card.  I have a SoundBlaster sound card installed in my Dell Dimension E510 with Vista and that does have the volume controls that you want in the Volume Control Panel.

Possibly, if you would have ordered the optional "Audigy Advanced MB" software audio enhancement option you MAY have got the extra controls.  I don't think this is available as an "after market" add on, but you may want to look into this.   If you add a PCI sound card (any sound card) you are looking at losing the front panel headphone and mic jack capability due to the internal Dell proprietary (and undocumented) front panel connector.

Hello fireberd.  Thanks for chiming in on this issue.

It's very frustrating because I am able to use both the mic and an analoge device through the line in (in this case an audio cassette deck, I want to connect a turntable as well) as recording devices, but no the OS dosen't seem to be allowing any live play. In addition to playing around with installing alternate drivers, I have been in many different registry settings as suggested in forums.  I was able to get live sound through the mic by changing a value for an "enableinputmonitor" key in the registry, however there was no seperate volume control (simply a mute/unmute button), it was NOT labeled "Microphone" and I have not had any such result for the line-in connection.

I have though about purchasing a sound card, but I of course would prefer not to do that for several reasons, one being the lossing the front jacks as you mentioned. Also, I use Audacity for recording and there are much fewer options for recording then there were in XP, such as "what you hear".  In Audacity I can ONLY record from the mic or a line-in device, there is no option to simply capture what is playing on your computer.

Hi Dan

Don’t know if the following information will help/resolve your lost features problem?

fireberd may reply with further comments

First came across possible hacking solutions some time ago, albeit for Dell laptops here principle is the same & most report success, but there are restrictions/limitations

The following link explains how to hack Sigmatel driver for stereo mix features & contains feedback – click here

If you intend to try any of methods suggested in above link, I’d suggest you first copy/backup any original files that are to be modified so that the original file can be reinstated if recovery is required

The System Mixer or what you hear, as I noted is NOT available with Integrated Audio (on the motherboard) systems.   Most (but not all) of the current SoundBlaster  Xfi series sound cards have the What you hear feature.  It's not a limitation of Audacity, it's the Vista/Integrated Audio limitations.

The hacks referenced only work on SOME systems, not all.  In MOST cases adding a separate PCI sound card is the only option to get the full audio features including the system mixer and Volume Control panel options (although the volume control panel options are even limited with a SoundBlaster sound card in Vista).

A comment on connecting a turntable.  Unless the turntable is either a USB connected or one that has a built in RIAA preamplifier, you will need a separate RIAA preamplifier (if your stereo has a "phono" input then it has the RIAA preamp).  Connecting a turntable directly will not work or work correctly because of the very low output and not having the RIAA equalization to recapture the full fidelity of recordings (recordings are compressed when the recordings are made and must have the RIAA equalizer to recapture and produce the full fidelity).