Sound System: Microphone Doesn't Work with Microphone Input (109994)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0
  • Microsoft Windows Sound System 1.0a
  • Microsoft Windows Sound System 2.0
This article was previously published under Q109994

SYMPTOMS

If you plug the microphone included with Windows Sound System into the microphone input on your sound card, you may find that Voice Pilot and Quick Recorder/Sound Recorder don't work. This problem can occur if you are using a sound card other than the Microsoft Sound Card.

The Windows Sound System microphone is a phantom power microphone, which means it requires the sound card to supply power to it. Some audio cards, such as the Microsoft Sound Card, the Sound Blaster 16 card, and some Media Vision Pro Audio Studio cards, can provide power to the microphone directly through the microphone input. Most cards, however, cannot.

NOTE: If you have a microphone that is not a phantom power microphone, you should be able to plug it into the microphone input on your sound card and use Voice Pilot and Quick Recorder/Sound Recorder successfully.

The microphone included with Windows Sound System is a phantom power microphone because this kind of microphone provides better frequency response.

RESOLUTION

To use a phantom power microphone correctly with cards that do not provide power through the microphone input, you must use the adapter that is included with Windows Sound System. To connect the adapter correctly, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the 15-pin connector on the adapter to the joystick port on your sound card.
  2. Plug your microphone jack into the adapter's female 1/8th inch stereo connector.
  3. Plug the adapter's male 1/8th inch stereo connector into the line-in input on your sound card.
The microphone should now work correctly with Windows Sound System.

NOTE: Use the audio control utility to adjust the recording and voice command levels, which are used by Voice Pilot and Quick Recorder/Sound Recorder. If these levels are too low, Voice Pilot and Quick Recorder/ Sound Recorder may appear not to work.

MORE INFORMATION

The adapter provided with Windows Sound System provides power to the microphone from the joystick port. It also amplifies the microphone's signal to line level, and delivers it to the line-in input on the sound card.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2003
Keywords:KB109994
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.