...or, I guess good afternoon. Seems you're all across the pond, aren't you? Im Brandy, and somehow came across Reach On Air despite being located in the United States. I've intended to broadcast from Houston now since the start of the new year, but its been one technical tragedy after another. I am now firmly convinced that the troubles are user generated: "replace user and try again".

Be that as it may, I'll try to explain the problem. I've read everything I can here on the forums, and about half of what I can find on google, and all its served is to make me cross-eyed.

The basics: Windows 7 with Sound Blaster Audigy SE card. My microphone is...er... black. *looks around sheepishly* The sound card is newly replaced -- until yesterday, I was using onboard sound. The operating system is also newly replaced. Until last week when I decided to try to set my machine to dual boot with XP to work better with Broadcaster, I was running Vista exclusively. After causing a meltdown that resulted in subsequent reformat, I upgraded. Sidegraded. Changed. =)

I have found the posts on how to enable the phantom "What U Hear" and "Stereo Mix" -- my card does not have a stereo mix option that I have found, and What U Hear disappears when I update drivers...so I rolled back again. In sound tests, I have managed to get Broadcaster to pick up audio from windows media player, but I can't get ANY sound out of my microphone.

So far as I can tell, it isn't muted. It isn't disabled. I can't talk in ventrilo, skype, sound recorder, anywhere. I know it works, because its the same headset Ive used for the last six months in the same chat programs. Joking aside, Im using a headset / mic combination with (oh, bother. Forgive my lack of technical terminology here) a double-pronged sort of adapter into the back of my sound card -- NOT USB, though I have a USB headset, and may try that next though from what Ive read, it seems that really isn't the route I want to take if it can be avoided.

I regret that I don't have any more technical details to provide. If screen shots would be helpful, let me know what you'd like to see. Im hoping to get this squared away and on the air soon.

Respectfully,
Brandy

So after MUCH angry staring and a switch to a USB, it inexplicably -works-. Id like to know why... but Im content for now to know that it does.

It wasn't working before I upgraded the sound card, so Im not totally convinced that its a broken...spot...for the microphone on the new card, but I suppose it COULD be. I'm not sure.

Maybe I just needed to talk through the problem. *grins* At any rate, thanks!

-Brandy

Glad you got it sorted Brandy, look forward to hearing you on air soon!

You often find these things just start working, computers are strange like that.

Welcome to Reach!

Hi and welcome to Reach.

May I recommend a downgrade to Windows XP?

On a serious note, I have used both Vista and 7 and found them to be very fussy with regards to audio and sound card settings, and Audec broadcaster seems to hate Vista!
Although Audec does work on Vista/7, it takes a lot of setting up and (as detailed in the presenter setup guide) you need to activate a fair few check boxes etc

Glad you got it working in the end. USB mics arent that bad, I presented using a USB for about 6 months with no issues.

If you have anymore tech issues, check the presenter setup guide (within the members area "Documents" tab) or check within the forums - chances are, its been asked before!

Enjoy your time here!

Rich
Head of Production

Well, it really looks like I spoke too soon. I rebooted my machine, and now mic works, but Broadcaster wont pick up other sound.

Grr.

Id seriously considered (and tried) the downgrade / dual boot method just for this purpose, but it didn't work out as intended. I was directed to the setup guide (HANDY document, that is!) and its helped somewhat, but still having some trouble. I'll work through the document again and see if anything catches my attention this go, then I might work on that dual boot setup again. I'll peek in and give you all a heads up again later. =)

-Brandy

Hello and welcome to Reach! As Rich has said, any problems then let us know in the forum as there is always someone about that could help.

In relation to Vista and 7 - you have to remember that it's not the broadcaster that "Hates" the soundcard settings. AuDEC Broadcaster is doing everything it was programmed to do however, it's the way the OS controls the soundcard options that screws it up. AuDEC Broadcaster only looks at the sound card settings from Windows so if the option isn't there, it's the driver or OS at fault.

I just though I would throw that in there

While I tend to agree, there was MUCH hatred in the office earlier, between me, Vista / W7 / XP / the sound card, drivers, volume mixers, headsets and anything within throwing distance. The dog was avoiding the chaos... but, I am pleased to announce that all is well. For real, this time!

With the help of another presenter, we managed to get me sorted in about 20 minutes. The trouble? My shiny new sound card is misprinted when it comes to the jack colors and labels. We plugged my old mic in, swapped it around until we found the right combination and it works. Soundcheck is up and approved, and Im nervously waiting for my first show. Should be Sunday at 4. =)

Thanks again. I can't wait, and will graciously accept all the kind, gentle critiquing you have for me. I promise not to Yee-Haw, or even say Howdy... but... no making fun of me as I greet y'all warmly every week.

-Brandy

Hi Brandy,

Good to hear you got it all sorted.

Here at Reach, you will find that we arent critical about other people's shows - everyone broadcasts to the best of their ability, and even if a particular presenter isn't up to commercial radio standard, the whole point of Reach is to have a go, see what its like to be a radio DJ and then practise your skills!

The best piece of advice I could give is to be yourself and to make sure you have prepared for your show - the rest of it will come with practise!

Enjoy your first show

Rich