CrunchBang Linux

xdr4kex

Member

Registered: 2009-10-24

Posts: 10

Microphone Recording Low Levels

I have a Dell Inspiron 1520 laptop with a built in microphone, whenever I try to use the microphone, the recording is so low as to be inaudible.
I have already tried adjusting volume and various settings in alsamixer, and downloading pulseaudio and trying to adjust settings in there to no avail.
Also, I plugged an analogue microphone in, but that gave the same result. I haven't tried a USB mic as I don't have access to one.
I'm dual booting vista and crunchbang and I also tried turning up the microphone sound in vista, but it didn't work.

Has anyone come up with a solution to get the recorded sound to be louder?

Edit: Also tried changing input from digital to analogue (just makes sound fuzzy)

Last edited by xdr4kex (2009-10-25 10:13:06)

machinebacon

#! unstable

From: China

Registered: 2009-07-02

Posts: 6,825

Website

Re: Microphone Recording Low Levels

you can make a google search with the words: STAC9205 Dell Inspiron 1520 ubuntu microphone, this brings you to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Gutsy_Intel_HD_Audio_Controller. Even after applying patches it says:

Method G: linux-backports-modules

    * does work: Dell Inspiron 1520
(...blah...)

Description: You just need to install the package linux-backports-modules-generic (metapackage to keep it up-to-date when upgrading the kernel, that will install as a dependency the package linux-backports-modules-2.6.22-14.generic). Make sure you have activated the backport sources.

sudo aptitude install linux-backports-modules-generic

(blah)

If sound is too low, go to Volume Control's Preferences and add "Front" (and any other playback tracks) and make sure they are set to the maximum.

(blah)

Problems solved :

    * speakers are muted and unmuted when headphones are plugged/unplugged
    * the internal micro works (not very well, but works)
    * suspend/hibernate

Remaining problems with this method:

    * On the Vostro 1700, PCM volume slider has no effect (And thus neither has volume sliders in applications). Must use "Front".
    * Internal microphone recording level is very soft.
    * Master volume control is "exponential" (first 3/4 of slider has very little effect).

(I suspect the "minimum" and/or "maximum" bounds for the microphone and master volume controls are incorrect.)

So it seems it is a known problem, not only on ubuntu, but also suse. If you are brave, you can upgrade to a newer kernel (-.15 should be the newest 'stable' one) and hope that it changes something Sorry not to have a solution.

Last edited by machinebacon (2009-10-25 13:21:14)

---

Sweaty lads picking up the soap | I love the new "Ignore user" button

xdr4kex

Member

Registered: 2009-10-24

Posts: 10

Re: Microphone Recording Low Levels

Anyone have a clue how to change the minimum or maximum bounds for the microphone without destroying my computer?