External Microphone Problems (PGC-FR415B)

[masteve93]

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.

[rich912]

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.

[masteve93]

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!

[rich912]

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:

[seb21__]

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

then click "Direct Play test"

Here you can testing your micro.

[kee-lo_]

Hi

Make sure the mic is not near speakers too.

[seb21__]

awwwwwww,

that gives a ugly pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

[masteve93]

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.

[kee-lo_]

Try another mic.

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

[masteve93]

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?