Sound is there, but not there?

[consumertalks]

Dell 2350 P4 w/XP.

I have a Sony NetMD Walkman, and I record the minidiscs to my computer. Because of Sony's "anti-piracy" rules I can't USB the tracks from minidisc to computer unless they originally came from the computer. So I just have a cable from the headphone out to my soundcard, and record it real time as it plays. I've done this many many times without a problem. (Don't worry, I'm not trying to get help copying music, I'm a dj and I record my sets on minidisc.)

Problem:

I can hear the sound, it's there. But I'm not getting levels on my desktop to record. I even tried the standard Windows "Sound Recorder" but that's not working. There are levels going in, because it's playing on my speakers. But there's no sound on the desktop!

I've checked the volume control, nothing is muted. I haven't changed anything that I remember, so I can't figure out why there's audio but no levels to record!

Anyone???

[George VII]

What program are you using to record?

Also, have you thought of just using Windows Media Player to record your songs onto your computer? You can disable the copywrite and burn them onto another CD later.

Just a thought -
Jon

[cbuddha42]

have you got latest sound card drivers? if you plug a microphone into the soundcard do you get levels?

[osprey4]

Make sure you've got the recorder source set to line in, not microphone or something else. I think if you open Creative recorder and set it there, it works for other apps as well.

Where's MD1032 when you need him? He's got a setup like this.

[MD1032]

OK, A netMD? I've got an MZ-S1 myself. Yeah, OpenMG is a pain when it comes to all of that write-protection stuff. We'll have to deal with it. Anyway, are you SURE you've got it plugged into your blue line-in jack on the back of your computer? My dad bought one of those double-male line cables for myself recently. Kind of a shame that the thing doesn't really work (the plugs just don't fit right into mini jacks) too well, but it works nonetheless. Anyway, I often plug my MD player into my PM4.1's jack. You're not plugging your minidisc player into your speakers, are you? They don't send the signal back to your computer. Tell me your setup. Also, when you're recording and getting a signal from the MD player, always keep the volume at around 15 and keep the bass boost off. Bass boost can kill your speakers as it is too powerful and is meant for the crappy headphones you get with the player. Buy some KSC-35's BTW, they'll make your MD player sound unbelievable.

edit: move to audio please

[consumertalks]

Originally posted by MD1032
OK, A netMD? I've got an MZ-S1 myself. Yeah, OpenMG is a pain when it comes to all of that write-protection stuff... always keep the volume at around 15 and keep the bass boost off.

PROBLEM FIXED!!

So after searching all the volume control options, I realized the line in had been unchecked and the CD Player had been checked. Odd, because I do alot of recording and audio production, and I've never seen this happen. Oh well, I guess know where to look next time.

On the minidisc thing, I've got my volume at 10, and I never use the bass boost anyway. I've got one of those fancy meters that tell me if the audio is peaking in the red.

[osprey4]

[consumertalks]

Originally posted by osprey4

Funny thing is I read that and kept going.. I didn't change it so I didn't think that was it. Next time make sure I listen!

"...life is like a box of chocolates."

[MD1032]

I don't get the smiley thing, but anyway it's glad to hear you're back online. Yet another "DUH!" moment here at TechIMO.

edit: What NetMD do you have? I ahve an MZ-S1 and LOVE it! I find the format better than MP3 or CD.

[consumertalks]

The smiley thing after my quote is because it's from Forrest Gump.

I've got a MZ-N505. I had a more expensive Sports Net MD Walkman, but when I brought it home and realized they didn't say anything about the copy protection thing, I took it back to Best Buy. Which hurt, because it was $12 off for being an open box, and the day I got it open box items were 10% off. Oh well, eBay was cheaper anyway.