Shoutbox

Got a question for you again... I recently dug out a old microphone of mine, it's about 8 years old or so I think. Now, I don't think it has any drivers. At least I didn't find any. It's just a basic microphone that you plug into the, umm, microphone slot (not USB or anything). How, if possible, can I get it to work with my current computer (WinXP)?

A microphone doesn't require drivers.

All you need is a mic-in plug on the device you want to use it on.

It's exactly the same with speakers, just plug it in...

Well, what should I choose when it asks what device I want to use? It suggests my new mic, and when i try to record stuff it only regristers the sound from that one.

It's on either the Microphone or the Line In port.

Also make sure the recording ports aren't muted or set to very quiet:
- Go to Start > Programs > Accesoires > Entertainment > Volume Control.
- Select Options > Properties > Recording. And check all of the volume controls in the list.
- Make sure Microphone and Line In are not muted and set them loud enough.
- Repeat the same steps but then for Playback instead of recording if you want to hear the microphone sound on your own speakers too.

Tried that, still nothing. Guess it's broken.

start > run > sndvol32. Options menu, properties.

select the Recording radio buton, and make sure Line In and Microphone are selected.

Back on the main part of vol control, you will now have an recording input selector. Select microphone (or line in if it doesn't work) and record away

Some soundcards/motherboards have software settings to change your line in and microphone ports in output ports so you can connect analog 5.1 speakers to it. Maybe that's the case? Check sounddrivers/settings.

But it could indeed be broken after 8 years, most pc mics have very cheap hardware .

quote:

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Originally posted by Vilkku
Well, what should I choose when it asks what device I want to use? It suggests my new mic, and when i try to record stuff it only regristers the sound from that one.

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To test if the old mic is working:

unplug your new mic and plug in your old one into the plug where the newer mic was.

Thus, in other words: Do what you always do when recording thru a microphone (thus with your newer mic) and while this is working, replace your newer mic with your older mic, (without changing anything else). If it doesn't record, it's broken...

hmm, how about a more simpler approach:
Do you have an old tape recorder or something to that effect that takes a microphone input? Plug it into that, and see if any sound comes out.

quote:

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Originally posted by MeEtc
hmm, how about a more simpler approach:
Do you have an old tape recorder or something to that effect that takes a microphone input? Plug it into that, and see if any sound comes out.

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ermmm... why so complicated? There isn't anything simplier than unplugging the new mic and plugging in the old mic into the same spot though... You don't need anything else... just unplug new... plug in old... done