This might not be in the correct NG, but...

My PC has a soundcard which I think is a Soundblaster (?) as it is
listed under devices as SB16. I am running Windows98.

I can play recordings from any external device through both the MIC
and LINE IN sockets and I can hear the output on the PC's speakers.
This suggests to me that the soundcard is working okay.

However, I cannot record audio via either socket.
When I look at audio properties in Windows Sound Recorder, the
"Recording" button is greyed out, no matter which "Preferred device" I
select.

I have tried changing various options in device settings via Control
Panel, etc. but still cannot record.

Can anyone suggest a possible cause and/or solution?



PS. it must be possible to make recordings this way as I recall
briefly connecting a simple microphone a few years ago and managed to
record some short voice clips, albeit that I had to practically yell
into the mic at the top of my voice and could still only just manage
to pick up a faint recording.

---

You're never alone with schizophrenia!

Gary D. wrote:
This might not be in the correct NG, but...


[snip]

However, I cannot record audio via either socket.
When I look at audio properties in Windows Sound Recorder, the
"Recording" button is greyed out, no matter which "Preferred device" I
select.

Sounds like you have to set the recording input in the soundcard mixer.
This can usually be done with either the windows sound mixer or the a
special mixer app unique to your soundcard.

You can usually access the windows sound mixer by double clicking on the
little speaker icon at the right hand side of the taskbar. Selecting
'properties' in the 'option' menu should bring up another menu that lets
you select 'recording volumes'. Going back to the main mixer window, you
should now be able to place a check mark under the input you want to
record from.




PS. it must be possible to make recordings this way as I recall
briefly connecting a simple microphone a few years ago and managed to
record some short voice clips, albeit that I had to practically yell
into the mic at the top of my voice and could still only just manage
to pick up a faint recording.

Perhaps you were using the a mic in a line socket? If not, most
soundcards have an option in the mixer to boost the gain on the mic input.

PS would have sent this again by private email but you don't seem to
have valid email contact details in your message.

--
***My real address is m/ike at u/nmusic d/ot co dot u/k (removing /s)
np:
http://www.unmusic.co.uk
http://www.unmusic.co.uk/Top_50_Films.html - favorite films
http://www.unmusic.co.uk/amh-s.html - alt.music.home-studio