Microphone problems

Juggernaut
Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User
edited March 2023 in 2014 Archives

I recently purchased a Speedlink Spes clip-on microphone for use with my Packard Bell Imedia S2885 desktop (running Windows 8.1). When I try to configure it, however, I get either “The computer did not hear you” or “The computer did not hear you very clearly”. When I record my voice the sound is rather muffled. Under “Properties” I have volume set to 100% and boost set to maximum 30 dB. I have downloaded and installed the most recent driver from Packard Bell but it makes no difference. However, when I use the microphone with my Acer Aspire laptop it works perfectly. Can anyone suggest what I might be doing wrong with the desktop, please?

Answers

  • laurent_14
    laurent_14 ACE Posts: 10,297 Trailblazer

    Hello,

     

    Is your desktop connected to the ground of the wall outlet?

    France
  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Thanks for replying, Laurent. Sorry to be so obtuse, but I don't understand what "ground of the wall outlet" means. The computer is connected to the main electricity supply but I'm not sure if that's what you're asking, Could you rephrase your question, please.

  • laurent_14
    laurent_14 ACE Posts: 10,297 Trailblazer

    Hello,

     

    I don't know in which country you live. I give you an example with french wall outlets:

     

    Outlets.jpg

     

    France
  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Thanks, Laurent. Now I understand. I live in the UK and my desktop is connected to the wall socket with the usual thee-pin plug, so it is connected to earth (ground).

  • laurent_14
    laurent_14 ACE Posts: 10,297 Trailblazer

    Hello,

     

    Do you have the same issue when you connect the microphone to the rear input?

     

    Note:

    In electricity, the symbols are L(line), N(neutral), GND (ground).

    France
  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Hi again, Laurent. Yes, I've tried the rear input and it's still the same.

     

    In the UK the symbols are L, N and E (for earth) as you can see from the attached scan of a card that is attached to plugs sold here:

    plug0001.jpg

     

  • laurent_14
    laurent_14 ACE Posts: 10,297 Trailblazer

    Hello,

     

    Thanks for the picture. Today I have learn something. For me Earth is our planet.

     

    Have you tried this Microsoft Fix it? 

    France
  • Spartan1
    Spartan1 Member Posts: 36

    Tinkerer

    I'm wondering if the microphone is not compatible with the Packard Bell input.  Some microphones require a small voltage to make them work, i.e. an electrostatic mike.  Can you perhaps try a different microphone...?

  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Thanks, Laurent. I tried Fix it and although it said the problem had been fixed, it hadn't; it's still the same.

  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Thanks, Spartan. I tried my headset mike and the recording quality is better (maybe because I'm speaking closer to the microphone?). When I try to configure the mike, though, I still have problems. 

  • Spartan1
    Spartan1 Member Posts: 36

    Tinkerer

    What is sound quality like generally on the Packard Bell if you're playing a music CD for example?  Is there sufficient volume, or are you having to 'turn up the wick' a bit to hear music clearly?

     

    Did you buy the P-B with Windows 8.1 on it, or has it had some Windows updates?  Windows Updates are notorious for upsetting perfectly working hardware!  You could check to see if the P-B website has any more up-to-date sound drivers.

     

    It might be worth checking with the manufacturer/supplier of the microphone, to see if they recommend the model you've got for that particular P-B machine.

     

  • Juggernaut
    Juggernaut Member Posts: 15 New User

    Thanks for your suggestions, Spartan1. Sound quality through the speakers is OK. The PC came with 8.1 installed. I have already downloaded and installed the most up-to-date driver from the P-B website but it didn't help.

     

    I am beginning to think that Acer/Packard Bell have a problem with sound recording: although the Speedlink Spes mike works OK on my Acer Aspire laptop, the inbuilt mike on that device is absolutely useless.

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