Mono Headset Microphone Very Low Volume

[Mike P.]

When I try to make a recording using Windows Sound Recorder, the result is
extremely low volume and considerable background interference. The green
recording line is all broken up.

The headset speaker on the other hand reproduces sounds and music
satisfactorily. The actions I’ve taken and status of conditions is as follows:

My original headset was a Labtec. As these headsets are inexpensive I
purchased a replacement Logitech but the problem remains - eliminating the
headset functionality.

I’ve marginally repositioned a number of times the microphone plug in its
jack to ensure good/proper contact but no change.

I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled Windows Sound Recorder - no improvement

There are no conflicts in my Device Manager.

None of the playback volume controls are muted; they’re all at their maximum
level
The recording volume controls are all at their maximum level and microphone
is selected

I’ve tested audio in Windows Live Messenger. The headset speaker is clear.
When I try the mic, the volume line progresses with green and gets into
yellow, but I assume it should reach red and it doesn’t. At the same time as
speaking I get intermittent crackling through the headset speaker.

I’ve upgraded the original onboard Matrox Wave Device driver with a later
C-Media driver (C-Media and Matrox appear to be linked in some way) - no
difference.

I’ve raised the issue with my motherboard manufacturer (which is now some 6+
years old), MSI, who have recommended another C-Media driver. However, when I
tried to extract the file folder, a warning appears that neither CMNPROP>DLL
nor cmaudio.sys can be opened. I’ve advised them of this and am awaiting a
reply.

In the meantime I've installed yet another C-Media driver - CM18768 version
5.12.8.1733 - and still the problem persists

This now really has me stumped and I would very much appreciate any advice I
can get. Is it possible that my codec motherboard component could have
developed a fault?

 

[VanguardLH]

When I try to make a recording using Windows Sound Recorder, the result is
extremely low volume and considerable background interference. The green
recording line is all broken up.

The headset speaker on the other hand reproduces sounds and music
satisfactorily. The actions I¢ve taken and status of conditions is as follows:

My original headset was a Labtec. As these headsets are inexpensive I
purchased a replacement Logitech but the problem remains - eliminating the
headset functionality.

I¢ve marginally repositioned a number of times the microphone plug in its
jack to ensure good/proper contact but no change.

I¢ve uninstalled and reinstalled Windows Sound Recorder - no improvement

There are no conflicts in my Device Manager.

None of the playback volume controls are muted; they¢re all at their maximum
level
The recording volume controls are all at their maximum level and microphone
is selected

I¢ve tested audio in Windows Live Messenger. The headset speaker is clear.
When I try the mic, the volume line progresses with green and gets into
yellow, but I assume it should reach red and it doesn¢t. At the same time as
speaking I get intermittent crackling through the headset speaker.

I¢ve upgraded the original onboard Matrox Wave Device driver with a later
C-Media driver (C-Media and Matrox appear to be linked in some way) - no
difference.

I¢ve raised the issue with my motherboard manufacturer (which is now some 6+
years old), MSI, who have recommended another C-Media driver. However, when I
tried to extract the file folder, a warning appears that neither CMNPROP>DLL
nor cmaudio.sys can be opened. I¢ve advised them of this and am awaiting a
reply.

In the meantime I've installed yet another C-Media driver - CM18768 version
5.12.8.1733 - and still the problem persists

This now really has me stumped and I would very much appreciate any advice I
can get. Is it possible that my codec motherboard component could have
developed a fault?

In the recording controls, under the Advanced settings for the mic input,
there should be a boost or gain option for the microphone input. Double
click on the volume tray icon and use Options -> Advanced menu to enable the
advanced functions of each input (that have it). That should make an
Advanced button appear for the mic input. There might also be an alternate
option. See if playing with them helps.

Some mobos allowed reconfiguring the audio jacks on the backpanel so they
perform different functions. This is to accomodate different speaker setups
(2, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, etc). Through software, you can change what the
jacks are used for. Are you sure the desginated mic input is actually used
for mic input? For example, in the Advanced settings for master volume
control on my mobo, I can select the mic input to be used as the center and
subwoofer speaker connections.

Did the mic input ever work? Was it defective the entire 6 years that
you've had the motherboard? Or did it work okay and then go bad sometime
later?

If you can't fix it, or if the mic input is bad on the mobo, you can use a
USB headset and skip the analog inputs altogether. I have the Logitech
ClearChat Pro and have been very happy with the results. On this headset,
there is a mute function with an LED that comes on to indicate that mute is
active. Did you check your headset to make sure its mute function, if it
has one, is not active?

Can't address the driver issue since you only identified your motherboard's
maker (MSI) but not the model.

 

[Mike P.]

In the recording controls, under the Advanced settings for the mic input,
there should be a boost or gain option for the microphone input. Double
click on the volume tray icon and use Options -> Advanced menu to enable the
advanced functions of each input (that have it). That should make an
Advanced button appear for the mic input. There might also be an alternate
option. See if playing with them helps.

Some mobos allowed reconfiguring the audio jacks on the backpanel so they
perform different functions. This is to accomodate different speaker setups
(2, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, etc). Through software, you can change what the
jacks are used for. Are you sure the desginated mic input is actually used
for mic input? For example, in the Advanced settings for master volume
control on my mobo, I can select the mic input to be used as the center and
subwoofer speaker connections.

Did the mic input ever work? Was it defective the entire 6 years that
you've had the motherboard? Or did it work okay and then go bad sometime
later?

If you can't fix it, or if the mic input is bad on the mobo, you can use a
USB headset and skip the analog inputs altogether. I have the Logitech
ClearChat Pro and have been very happy with the results. On this headset,
there is a mute function with an LED that comes on to indicate that mute is
active. Did you check your headset to make sure its mute function, if it
has one, is not active?

Can't address the driver issue since you only identified your motherboard's
maker (MSI) but not the model.
.
Hello Vanguard LH and thanks for the reply. I have tried the boost option and although it helps with the volume to some extent the background interference is greatly magnified.

I'm not aware of any ability to reconfigure the audio jacks. How would I know?

Regret I cannot confirm whether mic input ever worked on current system.
Original headset was purchased for previous PC (Tiny) and am not sure whether
I have ever tried headset with latest PC (custom build by Novatech) (yes, I
know, 6 years?).

Reluctant to go to the expense of a third headset and use a USB port.
Wouldn't want to take up a USB port with a headset that is only used
infrequently.

My motherboard is an MSI MS-6704 with an Intel chipset i845PE.

Considering installing a moderate cost sound card if problem cannot be
resolved.

Again, do appreciate your involvement. Any further advice will be gratefully
received.

 

[dadiOH]

When I try to make a recording using Windows Sound Recorder, the
result is extremely low volume and considerable background
interference. The green recording line is all broken up.

A recording of what??
________________

The headset speaker on the other hand reproduces sounds and music
satisfactorily. The actions I've taken and status of conditions is as
follows:

My original headset was a Labtec. As these headsets are inexpensive I
purchased a replacement Logitech but the problem remains -
eliminating the headset functionality.

I've marginally repositioned a number of times the microphone plug in
its jack to ensure good/proper contact but no change.

I've uninstalled and reinstalled Windows Sound Recorder - no
improvement

There are no conflicts in my Device Manager.

None of the playback volume controls are muted; they're all at their
maximum level
The recording volume controls are all at their maximum level and
microphone is selected

Perhaps you need to select "Line" rather than "Microphone", depends on what
you are trying to record.
________________

I've tested audio in Windows Live Messenger. The headset speaker is
clear. When I try the mic, the volume line progresses with green and
gets into yellow, but I assume it should reach red and it doesn't.

It shouldn't...red means volume is excessive and will clip.
____________________

At the same time as speaking I get intermittent crackling through the
headset speaker.

Tried muting the mic in "Playback"?

Another possibility is a software cooler or - perhaps - system temperature
monitor.
_______________

I've upgraded the original onboard Matrox Wave Device driver with a
later C-Media driver (C-Media and Matrox appear to be linked in some
way) - no difference.

I've raised the issue with my motherboard manufacturer (which is now
some 6+ years old), MSI, who have recommended another C-Media driver.
However, when I tried to extract the file folder, a warning appears
that neither CMNPROP>DLL nor cmaudio.sys can be opened. I've advised
them of this and am awaiting a reply.

In the meantime I've installed yet another C-Media driver - CM18768
version
5.12.8.1733 - and still the problem persists

This now really has me stumped and I would very much appreciate any
advice I can get. Is it possible that my codec motherboard component
could have developed a fault?

See in line comments.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Mike P.]

A recording of what??
________________



Perhaps you need to select "Line" rather than "Microphone", depends on what
you are trying to record.
________________


It shouldn't...red means volume is excessive and will clip.
____________________


Tried muting the mic in "Playback"?

Another possibility is a software cooler or - perhaps - system temperature
monitor.
_______________



See in line comments.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

Hello dadiOH

Well, a recording of my voice using the microphone.

I'm not sure the selection shoul be line-in when trying to record one's
voice on a headset microphone.

You may well be right about the recording level in WLM. Still not had a
chance to talk to anyone yet.

I will try muting the microphone in playback. Still doesn' explain failure
of the recording level line to respond in Sound Recorder.

I have a system temperature monitor and it shows no problems

 

[VanguardLH]

I'm not aware of any ability to reconfigure the audio jacks. How would I know?
RTFM

Regret I cannot confirm whether mic input ever worked on current system.
Original headset was purchased for previous PC (Tiny) and am not sure whether
I have ever tried headset with latest PC (custom build by Novatech) (yes, I
know, 6 years?).

I'm wondering if you keep selecting microphones with the wrong impedance.
You never mentioned the models (just the brands) of the microphones that you
have tried. Impedance can vary from 1 to 20 kohms depending on the sound
card/controller. Get a mic with 2-10 kohm impedance rating. A great stereo
mic that works with a sound amplifier has far too low an impedance to work
with computer mic input.

http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/computer_microphone.php

If what you bought says it is for use on a computer then its impedance is
probably okay. Check the packing the mic came in, or look up its specs
online.

My motherboard is an MSI MS-6704 with an Intel chipset i845PE.

A search on "MS-6704", "MSI-6704", and "6704" turned up no results at the
http://www.msicomputer.com/ site. Either that is the wrong model number for
the *motherboard* or they no longer carry support information for that old
product.

Considering installing a moderate cost sound card if problem cannot be
resolved.

Then you might as well get a USB headset.

Again, do appreciate your involvement. Any further advice will be gratefully
received.

In the Sound applet in Control Panel, under the Audio tab, what device do
you have selected for the Sound Recording selection? How about the
selections under the Voice tab?

 

[Mike P.]

Well, a recording of my voice using the microphone.

I'm not sure the selection shoul be line-in when trying to record one's
voice on a headset microphone.

You may well be right about the recording level in WLM. Still not had a
chance to talk to anyone yet.

I will try muting the microphone in playback. Still doesn' explain failure
of the recording level line to respond in Sound Recorder.

I have a system temperature monitor and it shows no problems

I can provide a significant update now. I am able to hold a clear
conversation with my contacts via Windows Live Messenger. Presumably this
means that the headset microphone is plugged in correctly and is indeed
itself working properly.

However, I still cannot make a recording in Windows Sound Recorder. It is
extremely low volume. Is this an issue with the motherboard or perhaps a
corrupt sound recorder file? Can this file be replaced?

 

[dadiOH]

However, I still cannot make a recording in Windows Sound Recorder.
It is extremely low volume. Is this an issue with the motherboard or
perhaps a corrupt sound recorder file?

In Sound Recorder you can bump the volume by 25% (under "Effects"). That
isn't going to do it for you though.

If it were me, I'd open Sound Recorder to the Recording applet and make sure
the correct mixer device is selected. I use on board sound and there are
TWO possible choices for the mixer...Realtek and Realtek. Yep, identical,
one for recording, other for playback and I have to select the correct on to
get to before I can get to the mixer devices.

Once in Recording Control I'd open Sound Recorder and try recording with
each mixer device until I found one that will change Sound Recorder's volume
line when changing the mixer volume.

Can this file be replaced?

You can use any recording program you want to use. Most/many wave editors
will record including Audacity.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[dadiOH]

Well, a recording of my voice using the microphone.

Well, how was one to know? For all I knew you were trying to record a Cd or
tape or phono record.
______________

I'm not sure the selection shoul be line-in when trying to record
one's voice on a headset microphone.

I would not think so.
__________

You may well be right about the recording level in WLM. Still not had
a chance to talk to anyone yet.

I will try muting the microphone in playback. Still doesn' explain
failure of the recording level line to respond in Sound Recorder.

Best guess is that you have the wrong mixer device selected.
______________

I have a system temperature monitor and it shows no problems

That doesn't mean it isn't causing the static. It is, admitedly, a long
shot but I mention it because years ago I was recording old phono records; I
had done so many times with no problem but this time the result was filled
with static. Took a while but I finally traced it to a software
cooler...the interrupts were messing up the recording.



--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Mike P.]

Well, how was one to know? For all I knew you were trying to record a Cd or
tape or phono record.
______________


I would not think so.
__________


Best guess is that you have the wrong mixer device selected.
______________


That doesn't mean it isn't causing the static. It is, admitedly, a long
shot but I mention it because years ago I was recording old phono records; I
had done so many times with no problem but this time the result was filled
with static. Took a while but I finally traced it to a software
cooler...the interrupts were messing up the recording.

Hi dadiOH

Thanks for your further comments. Having decided the problem seems to be
restricted to sound recording using the microphone, I thought I should use a
different recording software from Windows Sound Recorder and so downloaded a
freeware called Free Sound Recorder. It's reviews are quite good.

Tried recording from headset microphone with this and the problem is no
different. The playback in my headset speaker of my recorded voice is hardly
audible, even with the headset in line volume control at maximum. I guess
this eliminates the Windows Sound Recorder file from suspicion, but still
leaves me with a problem.

I've noted your comments and will investigate the mixer selection. If the
fact that I still have a problem despite trying different recording software
leads you to any further conclusions, would like to hear them.

 

[Mike P.]

Thanks for your further comments. Having decided the problem seems to be

restricted to sound recording using the microphone, I thought I should use a
different recording software from Windows Sound Recorder and so downloaded a
freeware called Free Sound Recorder. It's reviews are quite good.

Tried recording from headset microphone with this and the problem is no
different. The playback in my headset speaker of my recorded voice is hardly
audible, even with the headset in line volume control at maximum. I guess
this eliminates the Windows Sound Recorder file from suspicion, but still
leaves me with a problem.

I've noted your comments and will investigate the mixer selection. If the
fact that I still have a problem despite trying different recording software
leads you to any further conclusions, would like to hear them.

I have now run sfc /scannow using my XP disk and it has restored my original
Maxtor Audio Device driver. I've tried using Windows Sound Recorder again on
various audio format settings and singing quite loudly into the headset
microphone. The playback has now improved considerably.

I've not used the audio device in this manner for a number of years. Can you
tell me whether these do deteriorate over time and do they fully recover?

 

[dadiOH]

I have now run sfc /scannow using my XP disk and it has restored my
original Maxtor Audio Device driver. I've tried using Windows Sound
Recorder again on various audio format settings and singing quite
loudly into the headset microphone. The playback has now improved
considerably.

I've not used the audio device in this manner for a number of years.
Can you tell me whether these do deteriorate over time and do they
fully recover?

Software may get screwed up - usually by something else you installed - but
it doesn't deteriorate. If it has been messed up and you replace it, it is
no longer messed up.



--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico