Getting "live sound" from a computer mic?

[anon123]

I just bought a new USB computer mic pictured here [circuitcity.com]

(hope it's ok to post that link, just wanted to better help illustrate, its not an affiliate link and i dont work for circuit city, lol)

I can record and play back perfectly, and it sounds great, but I was wondering...

Is there any way to get "live sound" from a computer mic... Like a karaoke machine?

I basically want to talk into the mic and hear the sound coming instantly from my computer speakers, like an amp.

Anyone happen to know? Can't figure it out.

When it's turned on and you talk into it, theres no sound coming from the computer speakers... Only works when you record and playback.

Cheers.

[edited by: jatar_k at 10:27 pm (utc) on May 4, 2008]
[edit reason] fixed sidescroll [/edit]

[anon123]

Is this something that's even possible? I've never seen it done.

[Key_Master]

On Windows os, open the Volume Control panel, activate the microphone option in Options, then turn the microphone volume up.

<Added> I'm not sure it will work with an USB microphone, but worth a try anyhow.

[edited by: Key_Master at 10:16 pm (utc) on May 4, 2008]

[Receptional Andy]

I've never used a USB mic, but I know for sure I can plug a mic into the slot on a sound card and amplify sounds.

Your problem may just because of the mic (playback) volume turned down/off in the audio mixer. Or alternatively, your sound card might be having problems.

If you want a reasonable sound (and better control), your best bet is to use either software or hardware between the mic and the output.

[anon123]

Hey Key_Master, turned on all the settings and made sure the volume was up but I'm still not getting any live sound.

Any clues?

[anon123]

Thanks Andy,

I tried searching for "live sound" microphone software but couldn't find any.

Do you happen to know of any?

[Receptional Andy]

You should just be able to plug a mic into your PC and hear output, at least through a dedicated mic input (like a soundcard) anyway. I would fix this problem first.

I never used any software dedicated specifically to the purpose you intend, but there're plenty of audio editors and the like out there (and even decent free options like Audacity).

[anon123]

No doubt, I'm using audacity. (excellent program)

But I can only figure out how to record and playback on it.

Maybe there's a way to get live sound with it?

[Receptional Andy]

(You'll probably get more help from an audio-related or even the manufacturer's forum, but in any case...)

When you plug the mic in and make a noise, do you get any visual response from whatever monitoring software you're using? Perhaps you have the audio input settings correct, but haven't changed the output settings?

A lot of software (Windows included) mutes audio that's intended to be recorded, since you don't want feedback from speakers. I still think there's a level turned down somewhere, or it's a USB mic thing.

[Key_Master]

In your Control Panel, open Sounds and Audio Devices. In the Audio or Voice tab, see if you can change the default device for Voice Recording. Maybe you can set get it working that way.

[vincevincevince]

I think the problem is that it is a USB mic. I suggest switching to a good quality sound card and conventional mic, and then driving the speakers from the same soundcard.

[mcavic]

USB or not, by default Windows won't echo the microphone to the speakers. Otherwise, you'd have noise on your speakers all the time that the mic is plugged in. You probably need a program that's designed to do that. I did a search for karaoke software, and found one.

[SteveWh]

Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Volume > Device Volume > Advanced. Under "Microphone" is a "Mute" checkbox that is checked by default. Uncheck it.

You might get feedback if the mic is too close to the speakers, so begin with the mic either switched off or far away.

The procedure might be different depending on the sound card.

[edited by: SteveWh at 11:47 am (utc) on May 6, 2008]