"Input Monitor" Greyed out -can't increase/decrease

[hkk]

Hi,

I've had this problem for months - basically on my volume control the "input monitor" volume is greyed out, so that you can't change the volume level.

I record my dj mixes to my mini disc player and then from my mini-disc player to the computer, but because the input monitor is greyed out (and up about 80%) it means that the music is distorted and as it is greyed out you are unable to lower it whatsoever. So, all i need to know is how to rectify this; does anyone know how to un-grey this volume control, all i need is to be able to push the volume level down so my mixes don't get distorted and wouldn't mind if i could just lower it once to a low level and for it to stay like that. Nowadays i make my dj mixes lower in volume so it's okay, but older ones are recorded up high, so it means i can't record them in because they distort

I have tried google, this forum etc but nothing seems to come up related to my problem and used to be able to increase/decrease this input monitor before no problems

I have a Dell Dimension 5150
Motherboard name: Dell DM 051
Motherboard id <dmi>
Sigmatel Audio

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Everest details (not sure if the below info is necessary):

--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Quick Report
Computer DHGCL82J (Kev)
Generator Kevin
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2008-02-21
Time 13:07


--------[ Motherboard ]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID <DMI>
Motherboard Name Dell Dell DM051

Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel NetBurst
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 200 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 800 MHz
Bandwidth 6400 MB/s

Memory Bus Properties:
Bus Type Dual DDR2 SDRAM
Bus Width 128-bit
Real Clock 267 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 533 MHz
Bandwidth 8533 MB/s

Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel Direct Media Interface

Motherboard Manufacturer:
Company Name Dell Computer Corporation
Product Information http://www.dell.com
BIOS Download http://support.dell.com


--------[ Debug - PCI ]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[hkk]

Sorry i meant to say there was more info from everest but just seems to be a series of 0000 etc, but if this info is useful i will add it (couldn't do it in original post due to character limit).

[CCT]

From what I am reading, I get the impression that the Input Monitor only allows you to hear what is being recorded BUT NOT actually change recording levels.

I think you want another setting.

edit:

In any event, this thread purports to have a 'fix' to enable that function:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=78279

[hkk]

Thanks for the reply. I guess that makes sense, but still i'd like to know how to ungrey this section, it's strange: one day it just greyed out and i couldn't change it

I'm assuming you know a way lot more than me, but the fact is that the input monitor is up very high and my mixes are coming up distorted, i don't get it! A coincidence? input monitor up too high, mixes are recording too loud yet on the other hand the line in level is down at the lowest as you'd think line in would be the one to affect recording volume. So i really don't know how to fix this problem.

[CCT]

I may have editted after you posted; please see:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=78279

[hkk]

Thanks, i think the problem is that i have to wait a while until my post appears so i couldn't edit it after i seen your edit and didn't want to end up overposting.

Anyway i appreciate your help and will try that on the link provided and see what happens

[CCT]

This site may have no bearing at all, but has some interesting stuff:

http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=2&gl=ca

[hkk]

Thanks i will check out this link and see if it is of any use.

I may have editted after you posted; please see:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=78279

I went on to that site, but it says to change the inputmonitor bit in registry from 00 to 01, but mine was already '01', so that doesn't solve the problem.

[CCT]

The way I read that it says there are more than one instance of that entry and ALL must be changed (step 7).

In any event, you have a different Dell and may or may not have that sound system.

I don't have any of those keys or setttings on my XP Pro non-Dell comp.

[hkk]

Hi,

In any event, you have a different Dell and may or may not have that sound system.

I was thinking this myself

The way I read that it says there are more than one instance of that entry and ALL must be changed (step 7).

Yes, but when i carried out step 7 the computer said there were no more to be found of that, so i couldn't actually change anything.

Thanks for your help

[Platypus]

Have you tried experimenting with the settings for the sound hardware? There will no doubt be a control centre for setting up the sound chip, which will offer several operating modes. My impression is that maybe the rear channel out is used as a send for input monitoring in your DJ setup. If for example stereo mode has been forced in the sound chip setup, the extra channels may be unavailable, hence the function greyed out, as only the normal output is available to monitor input.

[hkk]

Hi, thanks Platypus. The truth is i don't really know how to change the settings for the sound hardware. Any chance you can advise me on how this can be done?

many thanks

[The_Inspector_069]

I have read thousands of complaints pertaining to the Input Monitor feature being disabled by default in Vista (all distributions). There is nothing wrong with your computer. The blame goes to Microsoft and the integrated sound chipset manufactures. They have negotiated a deal to prevent the end users from being able to transfer music onto their computers. Why you ask, because of copy-write issues. Apparently, there is a past history of individuals copying material, enhancing the sound and selling their copies as originals and making a profit.

Since I am a system builder and I learned of this problem, I contacted the three sources, Microsoft, Intel, and Sigmatel, now known as IDT. Microsoft responds by informing me that they are "sorry for the inconvience" and that they would like to assist me. Well you know what, they didn't. They would not admit to the limitation of recording ability using Windows Vista. The next step, I contacted Intel and they said point blank, Windows Vista will not allow you to record external sources to your computer. And as far as IDT, I received absolutely no response.

Now I am sure that a lot of you, like myself began searching for answers on how to enable the Input Monitor function. Some suggested editing the registry. I attempted that and discovered that the Input Monitor in my case was in fact enabled, but still the Input Monitor was grayed out. Than, I read where some people allowed Windows to install the sound driver as opposed to using the driver on the disk that comes with your computer.

At this point I grew frustrated and realized that I had spent entirely too much time on this issue and developed a work around. I went out and purchased an add-on sound card. That was it. Once I installed that sound card, I was able to utilize the Input Monitor feature in Windows Vista Ultimate.

Final Thought: I think it is insane for Microsoft to charge as much as they do for the Full Version of the O/S when they had every intension of placing limitations on (sound recording) in Vista.

[NooNoo]

Welcome to Windrivers Inspector...

I am a tad confused... you are saying that Vista doesn't support changing the input monitor... but if you buy a new sound card is does? If Microsoft were to blame for this apparent Dell Driver restriction, then surely adding a new sound card would have had the same restriction at OS level.

I think Dell are the ones you should be pointing the finger at!

[The_Inspector_069]

Hi,

I can understand your confusion.

I noticed that people seem to point the blame at Dell. I do not understand why. My system does not have any Dell drivers. As mentioned in my last post, I am system builder, I do not buy hardware from Gateway, Dell, or HP. My motherboard is an Intel DP35DP w/ integrated Sigmatel chipset purchased from Intel. For some reason, this happens with systems that have an integrated audio controller. For example, IDT, Realtek, and SoundMax. This was the reason for the purchasing of a PCI add-on sound card. The driver, not to mention the software that comes with the card is used. The driver and software for the integrated audio is uninstalled and disabled in the BIOS.

Now here is the latest, apparently this information had gotten out and now the sound card manufactures are designing their PCI-e cards so that the Input Monitor feature is permanently disabled. The PCI card that I purchased about a year ago is from a manufacturer that is not listed in my post. Remember, people never had an issue with their Input Monitor/ What U Hear/ Stereo Mix, until they upgraded to Windows Vista. If you do not think it is due to the combination of the O/S, and the audio driver, I'd be interested in learning your view point on this matter. After all, this is a forum where we express experiences and our thoughts.

Again, that is why I strongly believe that this issue was intentional between Microsoft and the audio chipset manufactures, and now the add-on sound card manufactures.

It's my undertstanding that Microsoft is due to release another SP for Windows Vista. Whether this would resolve the issue, I highly doubt it.