topic External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B) in PCs & Accessories

External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

masteve93 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 14:51:52 GMT

I have a PGC-FR415B Vaio. I am trying to use an external microphone connected to the MIC input. When no microphone is attached I get silence as expected. When I connect a microphone that works in other machines I get a loud hum at whatever volume I set the microphone input. Adjusting the input level and boost settings does not remove the hum. Has anyone else with this model found the same problem or is it just my machine? As I say I have tried a number of different microphones that work with other machines. Any help much appreciated.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

rich912 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:09:00 GMT

I am not sure whether this will solve the problem, but it is worth trying

In Control Panel open Speech, click on Configure Microphone and follow the instructions. This has been known to sort out a few microphone problems.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

masteve93 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:19:13 GMT

Thanks - but I don't have speech recognition installed so there are no settings for microphone under speech in control panel. I have a feeling this is a hardware issue rather than software but I would be happy to be proved wrong!

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

rich912 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:23:14 GMT

I have a feeling this is a hardware issue rather than software but I would be happy to be proved wrong!

I have a horrible feeling that you are probably correct.:smileysad:

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

seb21__ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:32:27 GMT

Click Start---> Run---> type DXDIAG---->Network.

then click "Direct Play test"

Here you can testing your micro.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

kee-lo_ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:42:46 GMT

Hi

Make sure the mic is not near speakers too.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

seb21__ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:44:34 GMT

awwwwwww,

that gives a ugly pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

masteve93 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 15:57:51 GMT

Thanks Seb - That was a very useful test I wasn't aware of. I tested the Mic and I still get the hum so I suspect this is a H/W problem with the input. Turning off the 20dB boost helps but doesn't cure it totally. I guess I'm stuck with this. I'm interested if other users of this model have the same problem? Thanks again.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

kee-lo_ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:02:53 GMT

Try another mic.

Also make sure the mic isn't near power sources as this increases hum.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

masteve93 — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:16:50 GMT

As I said in my first post I've tried several different Mic models with the same result. Also moving the Mic around does not affect the hum so I don't think it is induced from some other source. Any other suggestions?

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

seb21__ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:20:48 GMT

Mmmh, if you talk with your Mic. You must speak laud and clearly. As if you talk with a other person.

Re: External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

kee-lo_ — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:39:34 GMT

Sounds like there's something in the machine too close to the soundcard.