MC5 total noob. playback volume level

Just got MC5, having problems with volume for playback. It seems to record my tests in the mic but playing it back I can just barely hear it. If I crank the track volume to 127 it seems to make it somewhat more audible but theres so much ambient noise from that. Also windows system sounds are signifigantly higher than the playback from my tests (yes the windows volume is up). When I start MC5, I get two messages that might be of signifigance. The first one says:
 
You have not selected any midi outputs. This means you may not hear midi tracks playback.
 
Then it gives me some options for selecting midi outputs. Theres one under the head friendly name that says Microsoft GS wavetable synth. Its device name is the same. I don't know if this has anything to do with anything. After that I get this message:
 
The following plug-ins are referred to by this project, but could not be found. They may be missing or improperly installed on your system. Some more text... and the device it lists is:
 
AmplitubeXGEAR (track:guitar)
 
Gut instinct is telling me this doesnt have anything to do with it.
 
Now heres the kicker. When I first got it and installed in and plugged the mic in, armed a track, hit record and did some tests it sounded fine. Took a break, ate lunch, went back to start recording and it starts doing this. So I don't know whats going on. Dont think its the cords or the adapter, but it may possibly be the mic. Its a sure sm57

Hi Jake,

I'm no pro hear, but I can hopefully get you started on some of it.

If it is a midi track that you are trying to listen to, you must insert a soft synth.  Form the Insert>Soft Synth> then probably TTS-1 or you can likely use Sound Center (I don't have MC 5; only which doesn't have the sound centre.

What do you have selected for inputs and outputs?

What drivers are you using?  Since you are using the on board sound card, you would most likely have to use MME or WDM.  You may have some trouble with latency.

If you are recording audio, the sound card will be your input.  Your output should go to a master bus.  The master bus then will be sent to your speakers (I think...mine is my audio interface, so it could be your sound card).

Hope this doesn't confuse, more than help.

Annette

Ah, I think I've isolated the issue. I plugged the mic into a guitar amp and got no response. Cranked the volume and still didn't really get anything out of it. Bad mic it looks like.

Tried to record on a audio track with no avail. Before I was just using the vocals track, the first track when you start a new project. Definatly think its probably the mic.

using MME driver mode for the onboard soundcard is fine.  if that works, use it.

Can you give us some info on your computer? RAM, speed, operating system, whether it's a 32-bit OS or 64-bit OS is important, too.
Under the 'Options>Audio' menu at the top of the MC screen, what do you have listed for input and output drivers? What are your Recording and Playback Timing Masters?
In the track, do you have an output selected?
Try this: Open MC and from the Template menu, select Blank, No Tracks.
Then Insert 1 audio track, set your input and output in the track and try to record.

Thanks.
It's been awhile since I used the Windows mixer, but double-click the speaker icon in your system tray to bring it up. Make sure that everything is unmuted and the sliders are up.
Since microphones usually require a preamp to boost the signal enough to be heard, make sure the mic input is selected, and maybe mute/turn off the line input. I'm thinking maybe the preamp isn't on if line in is selected...
 
"1. You have not selected any midi outputs. This means you may not hear midi tracks playback. 
  2. Then it gives me some options for selecting midi outputs. Theres one under the head friendly name that says Microsoft GS wavetable synth. Its device name is the same.
3. Ok, I went to insert a soft synth and tried both TTS-1, and sound center. After I select it I get a window with several boxes and options. Do I need to check any of them or just click ok?
4. Could it be a bad adapter?"
 
1. Once you select the MS GS Wavetable synth as your MIDI device, that message will go away. Or just check the box to not show you that message anymore. 2. But the MS GS Wavetable synth is possibly the worst-sounding synth there is. That's the synth chip embedded in your sound card, and is used to play the computer's sounds. Use software synths if you can. They sound much better.
3. The default options should be good enough. The other choices can be experimented with after you get more familiar with soft synths.
4. What adapter?

Try increasing the Volume for the track from outside the program.

Start -> Programs -> Accessories ->Entertainment->Volume Control.

1. Make sure your Mic is connected to the Mic input, Not line.
2. Make sure mick is selected for  Recording.
3. Check the Recording Volume level for the Microphone.
4. Check the Master Volume Level
-TAP-