Recording source

[Proqrammer]

I used to click on the speaker icon on my toolbar and then choose recording from options menu and then I used to be able to select "whatever you can hear" , or "stereo mix" or something like that when I was using XP

now under vista, how can I do that?
I play music in my chat program with that.

 

[linney]

Don't follow you in your description of your problem, but one thing I've noticed is that sometimes on the "Sound" Properties page you need to right-click a blank area of the Property page to show up the extra options such as Disabled or Disconnected Devices and other things.

 

[Proqrammer]

Well see, when you are working with a program that records the voice somehow, e.g. a chat program, that program needs to receive the audio from a source. That source is usually the mic, but sometimes you don't want the recording source to be microphone only. For example you want to record a piece of music from your stereo, in this case you have to change the recording source from mic to something else.

How do you set the recording source in vista?

 

[linney]

Do what I said above, right-click on the blank area of the Property Page, that's reachable via right-clicking on the Speaker Icon near the clock and selecting Recording Devices. See if when you have ticked "Show All Devices" whether you have a "Line-In" Device.

 

[Proqrammer]

I did that, there is Stereo Mix, that's what I was looking for, thanks a lot

 

[Proqrammer]

It doesn't seem to work though in Paltalk,

Here is a guide I have found here

http://pctech.50megs.com/vistasound/

"To play music through your sound card (general information only: right-click "stereo mixer" and over "Set as Default for" then

click "general usage" You'll see the mic activation icon change to Communication and Music icons, while Stereo Mixer will change
to a green Windows logo."

Where is that "general usage" ? I don't see it

 

[linney]

Enable the "Stereo Mix" option by right-clicking on it first and selecting Enable from the Drop Down Menu.

Then try highlighting the "Stereo Mix" and clicking on any Properties Button at the bottom of the page?

 

[Proqrammer]

Yes Linney, when I do that, it makes no difference.



There could be something wrong with the audio chip my laptop has, it has realtek HD audio.

 

[linney]

Have you made sure you are using the correct and latest Realtek, Vista drivers?

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...=23&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

 

[Proqrammer]

Guess what, I restarted the computer after making Stereo mixer appear and it works well now.

But it's a good idea to update the drivers Realtek High Definition Audi seems to be the sound chip my laptop has, are you sure that is the correct driver page for my laptop?

 

[linney]

No, I'm not sure of anything. If it is doing what you want then leave it alone.

I find this free utility useful in detecting installed hardware, software, and more. If you know what's installed that is half the battle in locating the correct drivers.

Belarc Advisor:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

A scan from this site will also tell you (their opinion only) if perhaps there are better drivers available.

http://www.driveragent.com

One thing I have learned over the years is to be wary of driver updates offered by Windows Updates. It is always best to contact the manufacturer directly.

However, like I said, leave well alone, if everything is now working.