OK, I understand. There is this "admission ticket" of a newer computer and (in my humble opinion at least) some systems troubleshooting knowledge - this software is not plug and play. Did not mean to upset those that enjoy the software in any way.
 
Once times get better and I can afford the required gear I will get it, then get back to trying and perhaps post again. For the moment, thanks for your answers.

I don't think anyone is upset. Guitarhacker just pointed out that the software is a little bit old, and since 'new computer' may mean the computer has Windows 7 or 8 as an operating system, the older software may not be compatible and may not run at all. If someone was upset, they would have written that you're in the wrong forum, but instead we tried to help you.
I would like to know which Cakewalk interface you're using, what operating system you're using and if it's 32-bit or 64-bit. This information may help us help you.
As for changing the driver mode, that's done in the software; there's no switch on the interface to do that. Well, there may be, but we don't know which interface you're using

57Gregy


I don't think anyone is upset. Guitarhacker just pointed out that the software is a little bit old, and since 'new computer' may mean the computer has Windows 7 or 8 as an operating system, the older software may not be compatible and may not run at all. If someone was upset, they would have written that you're in the wrong forum, but instead we tried to help you.
I would like to know which Cakewalk interface you're using, what operating system you're using and if it's 32-bit or 64-bit. This information may help us help you.
As for changing the driver mode, that's done in the software; there's no switch on the interface to do that. Well, there may be, but we don't know which interface you're using

Hi and thanks for your support. I am embarassed, but don't know what "interface" means in this context...

interface is a sound card.....specifically designed to do the type of recording audio that we do.... and is generally external to the computer and USB connected. Generally from $100 to $300 on the lower end....and can be much more for multi channel models. 

Anyone serious about recording has one. It's part of the essential gear needed to do this right. It is the heart of the studio. 


No one here is mad at you..... we're here to help you understand things and get started the right way. Unfortunately, unlike the free audacity software, to get started with "Cakewalk" it does take a small investment in the software ($40) and generally an interface to make it all run smoothly. ($100 or so)  That is the minimum essential needed to get started. 

BUT.... some people can use ASIO4ALL to get fairly good results with a factory sound card until they can get the money to buy a decent interface. Some can...some can't.... you will not know until you attempt to run that setup on your computer. 

It's always a good idea to ask first...that way you know what to expect. 


You can download a demo of Sonar.... it runs for a few days (30 maybe? ) to see how you like it.... then, if money is tight.... you can buy MC6 for $40 knowing it runs similar to Sonar with out the bells and whistles. If you buy MC6... get the box version from a local store. You get more stuff on the DVD than you get in the download. 

I keep reading about "changing the driver mode seting", but there seem to be no such option on my Cakewalk interface anywhere

 
Herb, he says he has a "Cakewalk interface". I assume he means an audio interface.
Unless he's thinking of the software as an interface?

it's possible.... 

clarification would certainly be helpful

Hi again,

Sorry for the delay in answering. I was trying to sort it out on my own, but it turns out I can't.

Some background: Engineer, 46 years old, leisure musician. Previous experience with this same version of Cakewalk, which used to run very well back when my computer was running Windows XP.

I have no plans to mimic a studio. All I wish is to record vocal tracks to facilitate my bandmates learning of their harmony voices. No requirement for any technical sophistication, end target is a humble mp3 file with one voice panned hard left and the others panned hard right.

Right now I have the Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 installed and running in my Vista laptop. No external sound card. I know it may sound like heresy to some here, but it should work with my signal input through the laptop microphone jack. It did in my old computer back in the day, so I see no reason it should not work now.

The symptom I am stuck at right now is that I succeed in recording my audio signal, but the recorded signal is very faint (i.e. weak, low volume). I know for sure that my input signal upstream of the laptop's microphone input jack is strong enough (the VU meters of my US Audio mixer indicate so), yet for some reason I get lots of noise and a very faint signal in my recorded audio track. So far I troubleshooted as follows:

1) checked and tried replacing each cable in the signal chain, from the microphone cable connected to the mixer up until the audio cable connected to the computer's microphone input. Nothing changed.

2) checked the Audio dialog box of windows (labeled Sound, with the little woofer icon) and confirmed that the "recording" tab has (under microphone properties/levels) microphone level set to 100 and the icon indicating that it is not muted. I also have microphone boost set to zero, because as mentioned earlier the signal coming from the mixer is positively hot enough.

Still I get a low signal with lots of background noise (no specific noise that I could identify, such as CPU cooler or anything like that).

I suspect some sort of configuration mistake, but have no real clue of what or where. Any suggestion - aside from spending money on another computer, etc. - will be much appreciated.

if you are using the laptop and all it's internals.....hardware and software..... you may wish to check the windows sound card control panel.

Back in the day, I used a different setup than I do now and I had to go into the windows sound mixer window to change the input levels and the recording levels and options. 

I don't know if that is the case with your system but it won't hurt to check. If you are not using an external sound card or as we call them .... interfaces...... the windows mixer is likely to control the levels going in. It could be as simple as moving a slider. (just read the rest of the post...looks like you did that) 

Should you decide to "do it right" a new computer would not be needed. The Sony is likely more than enough computer to do the job. However, I would recommend getting 2 things. 
1. Update the software by buying the new MC6 which is designed to run on W7 32/64. Around $50 in stores. Get the box version not the download.  That could be part of the problem you now have. CW9 was designed for 95/SE if I recall correctly. I had CW8 and it was 95 all the way. 

2. invest in a simple Audio interface. The simple addition of an audio interface will change things in a major way. You might spend $100 on this but it will make things work the right way. Some of the interfaces (Focusrite) have really nice preamps in them and need no mixer board to get levels high enough for a strong clean signal. I run my inputs on the focusrite at around 5 or 6 out of 10. 

Since you are employed as an engineer, and are in a band with some buddies I would assume you have some money to buy these 2 essential items without having to skip meals for the next several weeks. 

Having the right tools for the right job is the way to go. No need to build more of a studio than you need..... but get the things you need,  to do what you are wanting to do. The right tools will make that job a snap. 

I've been here 6 years now.... this is a common thing we see from time to time. Greg and Beagle have been here even longer. We've seen it before. 

Guitarhacker


if you are using the laptop and all it's internals.....hardware and software..... you may wish to check the windows sound card control panel.

Back in the day, I used a different setup than I do now and I had to go into the windows sound mixer window to change the input levels and the recording levels and options. 

I don't know if that is the case with your system but it won't hurt to check. If you are not using an external sound card or as we call them .... interfaces...... the windows mixer is likely to control the levels going in. It could be as simple as moving a slider. (just read the rest of the post...looks like you did that) 

Should you decide to "do it right" a new computer would not be needed. The Sony is likely more than enough computer to do the job. However, I would recommend getting 2 things. 
1. Update the software by buying the new MC6 which is designed to run on W7 32/64. Around $50 in stores. Get the box version not the download.  That could be part of the problem you now have. CW9 was designed for 95/SE if I recall correctly. I had CW8 and it was 95 all the way. 

2. invest in a simple Audio interface. The simple addition of an audio interface will change things in a major way. You might spend $100 on this but it will make things work the right way. Some of the interfaces (Focusrite) have really nice preamps in them and need no mixer board to get levels high enough for a strong clean signal. I run my inputs on the focusrite at around 5 or 6 out of 10. 

Since you are employed as an engineer, and are in a band with some buddies I would assume you have some money to buy these 2 essential items without having to skip meals for the next several weeks. 

Having the right tools for the right job is the way to go. No need to build more of a studio than you need..... but get the things you need,  to do what you are wanting to do. The right tools will make that job a snap. 

I've been here 6 years now.... this is a common thing we see from time to time. Greg and Beagle have been here even longer. We've seen it before. 

I don't mean to diss anyone's choices, but mine are different. I have a long list of other gear that I'd buy before spending money on an interface, etc. I record once in a blue moon, and this is not a sin. The fact that our shopping priorities are different should not disqualify me for getting technical help, should it?
 
I read the previous posts and failed to identify references to this "Windows Sound Mixer" or "Windows sound card control panel". I will try to locate it via the Windows "Control Pannel", as it sounds like this could lead me to a solution. Again I am thankful for this lead and will appreciate any further comments sent my way.

You need to understand that this is a forum.... and we are users, not tech support paid staff with Cake. We do this because we enjoy helping others. Since you have CW9 there is not much likelihood that tech support from cake will help you much ...referring you instead to the archived support for CW9. 

We are simply trying to help you get CW9 working but there are a number of things going against you, all of which have been discussed in previous posts. 

If you can not get this solved for whatever the reason.... we do know that the solutions we proposed will work. Get  MC6 & an Interface that runs ASIO drivers....  

If you don't want to spend money on the recommended tools, then all we can do is say check your settings and check the windows sound card .... if that doesn't work, I personally, don't have an answer for you. 

It is very possible that there are software issues and conflicts between the CW9 code and the operating system on the newer laptop that allow it to work partially but not 100% the way it was designed. I've seen that happen in the past. But perhaps it's just a setting. 

All the best to you.