Realtek HD sound card

[Herkdriver]

I have searched the forums and found some references to problems similar to mine, but nothing that solved my problem, so here goes. Also, I am in communication with Roxio tech help, but no solution that works yet.

 

What I am doing is digitizing LPs.

 

My equipment is Intel 3.2 GHz dual core processor, 2GB RAM, XFX nForce 610i 7050 motherboard, on-board Realtek HD sound card.

 

Software is Win XP Pro SP3 and all updates, Roxio Creator 2009 SP4, current updates and drivers for sound card drivers, Direct X 11 SDK, PX Engine, and have un-installed and re-installed Roxio 2009 SP4.

 

Physical connection is from the stereo amplifier headphone output to the Line In port on the computer. The sound card manager shows that the jack is plugged into the port.

 

Here's the problem. Using the LP and Tape Assistant I see the "Capture From:" dropdown menu is blank. Clicking on the arrow expands the menu, but it remains blank. The "Input:" dropdown shows "Line Volume" as the only choice. The recording level indicators are active on both channels and I am able to capture audio. The "Recording Level:", "Auto" and balance features appear to work, but they have no effect. As a result I must make the recording level and left/right channel balance at the amplifier. This works, but it inconvenient. Using the Roxio Easy Audio Capture gives the same results.

 

I am suspecting that for whatever reason Roxio doesn't play well with the Realtek sound card and that's just the way it is. I have gone so far as to re-image the C: drive with just Win XP and Roxio and no other software to eliminate the possibility of some conflicts there with no success.

 

I've given as much detail as I can think of, but if I've left something out let me know.

 

 

[Herkdriver]

Your RCA plugs should go from either of your tape deck inputs to your sound card. You then change your setting on the front of your amp to the tape deck your are connected to. You may need a Y cable if you only have one audio input on your audio card. Radio Shack will have such a 2-1 cable.

 

I still use my old 1971 Pioneer SX-9000 receiver in this mode, except I have both the left and right audio connection on the front bay for my audio card.

 

In essence, your computer is your tape deck.

 

Oh, I had to pull my amp out of my entertainment center, in the basement, and I have been catching hell for it, for the past 3 years, but to do the proper connecting to my computer, that is the only way I could go.

 

Your problem is NOT a Windows problem.

 

 

 

You want to connect to the tape deck in connections, since the computer is now the tape deck, and you are trying to record to it.

 

First, let me apologize for not replying to your post sooner. I'm supposed to get e-mail notification when there is a new reply, but didn't get on this time.

 

OK, I'll give it a try even though it will be a pain. I'm not too optomistic because my hookup is exactly in line with the depiction in the Recording Setup How-To Guide - Turntable Setup Type B (1/4 Stereo Phone Plug to 3.5mm Stereo Mini to Sound Card/Line In)

 

Thanks for the suggestion. It will take a while to make the switch, so be patient, but I'll report back.

 

Herkdriver

 

Did you resolve your problem with the Realtek sound ?.

 

Tony

 

Thanks for asking.

 

No, I haven't solved anything yet. I took the day off yesterday to decorate the Christmas tree and forget about the computer for a while.

 

The previous post suggested I use the tape line out to provide the sound source. I'll try it, but am doubtful. Like I said in my reply to the previous post, my connection is in compliance with Roxio instructions. Also, I earlier used a portable radio/tape player's line out as the source with the same results.

 

I'll post the results.

Ralph

[Herkdriver]

STOP...STOP jumping around and trying other things. All I suggested was to get to the built in Volume Control in your system go to .Start|Programs|Accessories|Multimedia, or perhaps Start|Progams|Accessories|Entertainment). A screen titled "Volume Control" appears, click on it.Hopefully you will see the following pics:

 

 

As for the plugging into the Mic jack forget it.

 

FYI

 

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documen...l.mspx?mfr=true

 

Thanks for the link to MS. It said the same thing you have already told me. You may not believe me, but I'm saying that no matter which way I navigate to click on "Volume Control", the title at the top of the window that opens says "Master Volume". Other than the title it looks identical in every respect to your "Volume Control" window.

 

If you tell me how to include a picture I'll show you.

 

 

[Herkdriver]

First, let me apologize for not replying to your post sooner. I'm supposed to get e-mail notification when there is a new reply, but didn't get on this time.

 

OK, I'll give it a try even though it will be a pain. I'm not too optomistic because my hookup is exactly in line with the depiction in the Recording Setup How-To Guide - Turntable Setup Type B (1/4 Stereo Phone Plug to 3.5mm Stereo Mini to Sound Card/Line In)

 

Thanks for the suggestion. It will take a while to make the switch, so be patient, but I'll report back.

 

 

 

Thanks for asking.

 

No, I haven't solved anything yet. I took the day off yesterday to decorate the Christmas tree and forget about the computer for a while.

 

The previous post suggested I use the tape line out to provide the sound source. I'll try it, but am doubtful. Like I said in my reply to the previous post, my connection is in compliance with Roxio instructions. Also, I earlier used a portable radio/tape player's line out as the source with the same results.

 

I'll post the results.

Ralph

 

Well, I found a way to make the tape connection as suggested. As I suspected, there was no difference. When I think about it it makes sense to me(that there was no difference). The computer doesn't know or care where the signal is coming from just that a signal is coming through.

reb

[ogdens]

You are not in the Recording Controls if you are seeing the "Mute"

 

Maybe this will help

 

[Herkdriver]

You are not in the Recording Controls if you are seeing the "Mute"

 

Maybe this will help

 

 

I really appreciate your patience with me. I got the Master Volume window, clicked on Options, selected Properties. The Mixer device menu offers Realtek HD Audio output and Realtek HD Audio input. With the output choice selected the Playback radio button is automatically selected. The Recording and Other radio buttons are shaded/dimmed. When the input choice is selected the Recording button is automatically selected and the Playback becomes shaded/dimmed. With input selected and the Recording button active, the box below displays Recording Control, Line Volume, Front Mic, Mic Volume and Stereo Mix, each with check boxes. I have all boxes checked. When I click on OK I get a window the says "Recording Control" at the top with a balance and volume slider just like your picture. The only difference is that the check boxes at the bottom are labeled "Mute" (the Recording section check box says "Mute all"), and at the very bottom it says "Realtek HD Audio Input" instead of "Realtek AC97 Audio" like yours. All the mute check boxes are un-checked. I'd insert a picture if I knew how.

[ogdens]

I really appreciate your patience with me. I got the Master Volume window, clicked on Options, selected Properties. The Mixer device menu offers Realtek HD Audio output and Realtek HD Audio input. With the output choice selected the Playback radio button is automatically selected. The Recording and Other radio buttons are shaded/dimmed. When the input choice is selected the Recording button is automatically selected and the Playback becomes shaded/dimmed. With input selected and the Recording button active, the box below displays Recording Control, Line Volume, Front Mic, Mic Volume and Stereo Mix, each with check boxes. I have all boxes checked. When I click on OK I get a window the says "Recording Control" at the top with a balance and volume slider just like your picture. The only difference is that the check boxes at the bottom are labeled "Mute" (the Recording section check box says "Mute all"), and at the very bottom it says "Realtek HD Audio Input" instead of "Realtek AC97 Audio" like yours. All the mute check boxes are un-checked. I'd insert a picture if I knew how.

 

You have a Realtek HD Audio device and I have a Realtek AC 97 Audio two different audio devices. This explains why you have different settings in your Recording device than me.

 

Maybe somebody with the same audio device as you will jump in here to help.

[Herkdriver]

What happens when you switch from phono to AM/FM?

 

You might what to check the voltage specifications for headphone output against the voltage specifications for your Realtek input jack.

 

It all works the same whether the output is from AM/FM, phono, Aux (CD). My connections mirror the example given in LP and Tape Assistant/Recording Setup Guide/Turntable Setup Type A, with the option of sound card to Line In.

 

As for voltage spec on the headphone output - the spec is: output at 100 mw into an 8 ohm impedance load, fairly standard. I don't know what the sound card requires, but 8 ohms is pretty much the standard.

[Big_Dave]

I have the Realtek HD Audio Device but I don't have XP up right now. If I get time, I'll swap HDs and boot up XP and see what settings I have for Realtek.

[Herkdriver]

I have the Realtek HD Audio Device but I don't have XP up right now. If I get time, I'll swap HDs and boot up XP and see what settings I have for Realtek.

 

Thanks for the help so far. I'll check in tomorrow to see if any solutions arise.

[Herkdriver]

If there is provision for tape then you should have both ins and outs,otherwise you wouldn't be able to record to tape.

Another thing I don't understand is if you don't get anything under "Capture From" then how in the heck can you record anything?

I can see not having anything under "Input" but if you have nothing under "Capture From" you shouldn't get a signal.

 

Try changing the input to Stereo Mix if it shows as a choice.

 

 

You're absolutely right, there are inputs and outputs for the tape units. I didn't use the outputs for two reasons, 1) they are currently being used, and 2) they are on the rear of the unit, the unit is in an entertainment center, so they're hard to access. The headphone jack is conveniently located on the front panel.

 

Well, it's a mystery to me too, but the signal comes through just fine, and the Windows volume controls on the Master Volume window work.

 

I can't change the input to Stereo Mix because Line Volume is the only choice. I do have Stereo Mix unmuted in the Recording Control window.

 

It almost seems like it's a Windows problem, but I have even gone so far as to do a clean install of Windows, Roxio only, install all updates and new drivers and flashed the BIOS with the latest version. All with the same results. I'm about ready to borrow another computer and try it again.

[Herkdriver]

herkdriver,

 

Does your amp have an input specifically labeled "phono in" ? If not, then you might need a phono pre-amp.

 

My amp, well actually receiver, has inputs for 2 phonos and 1 aux, so pre-amp isn't an issue. For output it's either the headphone jack or a speaker connection. Besides, there's no problem capturing the audio signal. The issue is that Roxio doesn't list the Realtek HD Audio sound card, or any other device, as a source in the "Capture From" menu, and the recording level, balance, and Auto controls are inoperative.

 

 

[ogdens]

It all works the same whether the output is from AM/FM, phono, Aux (CD). My connections mirror the example given in LP and Tape Assistant/Recording Setup Guide/Turntable Setup Type A, with the option of sound card to Line In.

 

As for voltage spec on the headphone output - the spec is: output at 100 mw into an 8 ohm impedance load, fairly standard. I don't know what the sound card requires, but 8 ohms is pretty much the standard.

 

When you go to Control Panel and select Sound & Audio Devices then select the Audio tab do you get this pic below

 

 

PS

Did you try the suggestion in post #21

[Big_Dave]

herkdriver,

 

Does your phono player have a built-in preamp? If yes, you could connect it directly to the sound card and see if that makes a difference.

[jmhoraze]

It's a 1970's vintage Sansui G7000, a great unit. Outputs are A and B speaker wire hookups and the headphone jack on the front panel. In addition to the two turntables and aux inputs there is provision for two tape decks and 4 channel surround sound.

... not OUTPUT for the tape decks?

otherwise you could/should those.

 

do you have the Realtek HD soundcard device driver installed?

otherwise Windows may just revert to a generic one.

 

just a thought...

[Big_Dave]

herkdriver,

 

I booted my XP system this morning and I don't see a problem. Since everything seems to work for you except what you stated in your original post then are you using equalization? I pretty much have the same screens as you do which appear to be slightly different than Ogdens'. You might also want to try reinstallation of the Realtek HD Audio drivers. If you, then be sure that you have the lastest driver from the Realtek web site. I would also recommend that you use Driver Sweeper to remove the Realtek drivers etc.. Follow the removal and reinstallation procedure as recommended by Driver Sweeper. You can Google to find Driver Sweeper.

 

You might also want to try an AUX output port on your AMP instead of your Headphone out jack.

[Herkdriver]

herkdriver,

 

I booted my XP system this morning and I don't see a problem. Since everything seems to work for you except what you stated in your original post then are you using equalization? I pretty much have the same screens as you do which appear to be slightly different than Ogdens'. You might also want to try reinstallation of the Realtek HD Audio drivers. If you, then be sure that you have the lastest driver from the Realtek web site. I would also recommend that you use Driver Sweeper to remove the Realtek drivers etc.. Follow the removal and reinstallation procedure as recommended by Driver Sweeper. You can Google to find Driver Sweeper.

 

You might also want to try an AUX output port on your AMP instead of your Headphone out jack.

 

OK, that's good to know that your's works as advertised and is slightly different than Ogden's. I haven't used equalization, however, that is an option only after the capture is complete. The issue of there not being any "Capture From" device is in step 1 of LP and Tape Assistant. I have done a re-installation several times, however, I have not used Drive Sweeper. I'll give that a try and let you know how it works out. Thanks.

P.S. In your Recording Control window, are the check boxes labeled "Mute" or "Select"?

[Herkdriver]

When you go to Control Panel and select Sound & Audio Devices then select the Audio tab do you get this pic below

 

 

PS

Did you try the suggestion in post #21

 

Almost, but not quite. Instead of "Select" for the check boxes it says "Mute". I'm not sure, but think it's a difference between XP Pro and Home - I have Pro. Haven't we been down this road before?

 

Oops, I forgot to reply to the suggestion in post #21. I did try Drive

Sweeper and reinstalled the latest drivers. No joy.

 

... not OUTPUT for the tape decks?

otherwise you could/should those.

 

do you have the Realtek HD soundcard device driver installed?

otherwise Windows may just revert to a generic one.

 

just a thought...

 

I do, but see my reply to post #34.

 

I have the Realtek HD driver with the latest update installed.

[Big_Dave]

herkdriver,

 

Does your amp have an input specifically labeled "phono in" ? If not, then you might need a phono pre-amp.

[ogdens]

Almost, but not quite. Instead of "Select" for the check boxes it says "Mute". I'm not sure, but think it's a difference between XP Pro and Home - I have Pro. Haven't we been down this road before?

 

Oops, I forgot to reply to the suggestion in post #21. I did try Drive

Sweeper and reinstalled the latest drivers. No joy.

 

 

 

I do, but see my reply to post #34.

 

I have the Realtek HD driver with the latest update installed.

 

I doubled checked with a friend who has XP-PRO and he has exactly what I show in XP-Home.

Are you 100% sure you are on this.

 

 

Tony

[grandpabruce]

It's a 1970's vintage Sansui G7000, a great unit. Outputs are A and B speaker wire hookups and the headphone jack on the front panel. In addition to the two turntables and aux inputs there is provision for two tape decks and 4 channel surround sound.

 

Your RCA plugs should go from either of your tape deck inputs to your sound card. You then change your setting on the front of your amp to the tape deck your are connected to. You may need a Y cable if you only have one audio input on your audio card. Radio Shack will have such a 2-1 cable.

 

I still use my old 1971 Pioneer SX-9000 receiver in this mode, except I have both the left and right audio connection on the front bay for my audio card.

 

In essence, your computer is your tape deck.

 

Oh, I had to pull my amp out of my entertainment center, in the basement, and I have been catching hell for it, for the past 3 years, but to do the proper connecting to my computer, that is the only way I could go.

 

Your problem is NOT a Windows problem.

 

... not OUTPUT for the tape decks?

otherwise you could/should those.

 

do you have the Realtek HD soundcard device driver installed?

otherwise Windows may just revert to a generic one.

 

just a thought...

 

You want to connect to the tape deck in connections, since the computer is now the tape deck, and you are trying to record to it.

[grandpabruce]

My amp, well actually receiver, has inputs for 2 phonos and 1 aux, so pre-amp isn't an issue. For output it's either the headphone jack or a speaker connection. Besides, there's no problem capturing the audio signal. The issue is that Roxio doesn't list the Realtek HD Audio sound card, or any other device, as a source in the "Capture From" menu, and the recording level, balance, and Auto controls are inoperative.

 

You are saying that the amp/recevier that you have that has jacks for 2 turntables but has no output jacks for anything? What amp do you have?

[ogdens]

herkdriver,

 

Does your phono player have a built-in preamp? If yes, you could connect it directly to the sound card and see if that makes a difference.

 

Lets not forget here....he can capture the audio ok. he just cant control the volume/balance etc from the LP & Tape Assistant, only from his amp.

[Herkdriver]

You are saying that the amp/recevier that you have that has jacks for 2 turntables but has no output jacks for anything? What amp do you have?

 

It's a 1970's vintage Sansui G7000, a great unit. Outputs are A and B speaker wire hookups and the headphone jack on the front panel. In addition to the two turntables and aux inputs there is provision for two tape decks and 4 channel surround sound.

[Big_Dave]

What happens when you switch from phono to AM/FM?

 

You might what to check the voltage specifications for headphone output against the voltage specifications for your Realtek input jack.

[ogdens]

herkdriver,

 

I booted my XP system this morning and I don't see a problem. Since everything seems to work for you except what you stated in your original post then are you using equalization? I pretty much have the same screens as you do which appear to be slightly different than Ogdens'. You might also want to try reinstallation of the Realtek HD Audio drivers. If you, then be sure that you have the lastest driver from the Realtek web site. I would also recommend that you use Driver Sweeper to remove the Realtek drivers etc.. Follow the removal and reinstallation procedure as recommended by Driver Sweeper. You can Google to find Driver Sweeper.

 

You might also want to try an AUX output port on your AMP instead of your Headphone out jack.

 

Big_Dave

 

The reason the screens are different than mine is I have XP Home and the OP has XP Pro.

 

In mine when I open up the Volume Control it comes up with "Volume Control" whereas in XP Pro it is "Master Volume". To get to where you select the Line In to record from is totally different. I am getting a friend (who has XP Pro)to send me a step by step procedure to get that selected. Meanwhile, if you have XP Pro could you provide pictures on here that would assist Herkdriver. This may not be the problem, but its worth a try.

 

Thanks

Tony

 

Edit

 

Just got the step by step:

 

START>All Programs>Accessories>Entertainment>Volume Control>Options>Properties>Recording>Line In