Internal microphone only picks up background noise...

I'm on an Alienware m14x with Windows 7, and my internal mic hasn't worked for some time. I assumed it was just broken until earlier I noticed others having the same problem. It picks up internal noise from the laptop like the keys and when I click my wireless mouse that picks up as well. I've tried disabling all other mics (which pick up no sound) and all the formats in the advanced tab, but nothing works. It seems to be a fairly common problem, anyone know what to do? Here's a picture with the driver info.



I noticed in the properties there was no "audio boost". There were also other mics to select from, but this is the only one that picks up sound. I'm currently using my phone through the external port as a substitute with the microphone app, but it's inconvenient.

The first thing I see is you do not have the correct sound driver. You only have the generic, basic function, Windows installed High Definition Audio Device. The first step is to install the correct sound driver.

There are two different M14x models listed on the Dell site, a M14x (early 2011) and M14x R2 (early 2012). Which model do you have? The 14x downloads show Realtek for the sound. The 14x R2 shows Creative Labs.

Suggest you access the Dell downloads for your model and download the available sound driver, and then see if the mic works.
Support | Dell US

fireberd said:

The first thing I see is you do not have the correct sound driver. You only have the generic, basic function, Windows installed High Definition Audio Device. The first step is to install the correct sound driver.

There are two different M14x models listed on the Dell site, a M14x (early 2011) and M14x R2 (early 2012). Which model do you have? The 14x downloads show Realtek for the sound. The 14x R2 shows Creative Labs.

Suggest you access the Dell downloads for your model and download the available sound driver, and then see if the mic works.
Support | Dell US

Okay, thanks. Downloading Realtek now. Will let you know how it goes

Oh crap, now no audio is working. Nothing from speakers or headphones. I did the "detect system" thing and got the Realtek driver, installed, and restarted.I'm not sure what's going on.


Edit: Okay, now I can't turn off "listen to mic" because the box is unchecked, and the speakers are working, they all just seem ot be tied in together somehow


Edit: Okay, back to where I started except the microphone that picked up the background noise is missing from device list in the audio panel in control panel


Edit again: Seems it's possible that the mic is now being replaced with my external when I plug it in, but I can't tell. Here's a pic of my recording devices.

Set the Stereo Mix as the Default Recording Device and see what happens. Normally, Stereo Mix set as the default and any device that is connected can be used. Stereo Mix is needed if you want to record audio from the internet.

GokAy said:

Pic not showing Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Sorry, I'll upload it to the site. Well, new one, but same thing, just with new detail.

fireberd said:

Set the Stereo Mix as the Default Recording Device and see what happens. Normally, Stereo Mix set as the default and any device that is connected can be used. Stereo Mix is needed if you want to record audio from the internet.

I tried it. It's at one bar constantly. The one above it had the bars go up when I struck a key, so I hit a key before hitting the print screen button. I've tried adjusting the sensitivity and what not. Before the new driver the one picking up the background noise was at maximum because it was also picking up the fan, I suppose.


Edit: Okay, I set the one with four bars as default and turned the volume and boost to maximum, and here's my voice recorded in Audacity. I had to get close to the mic (which I assume is that hole by the webcam) and speak loudly. Normal voice barely registers at all.

Vocaroo | Voice message

Okay, also just noticed stereo mix picks it up when I tap the mouse on the desk, just not as much as the one above it.

Just figured out something else. That voice message on Vocaroo was because I had it set to "listen to device". It doesn't pick it up otherwise. It's kinda weird because I'm wearing headphones so I guess it's picking up directly from the sound card.

I would make sure you have the basics. I notice you have Apowersoft and if you have Stereo Mix set you don't need Apowersoft to record from the internet. Apowersoft may not be conflicting and causing any problems, but remove any potentials. "Get back to the basics".

fireberd said:

I would make sure you have the basics. I notice you have Apowersoft and if you have Stereo Mix set you don't need Apowersoft to record from the internet. Apowersoft may not be conflicting and causing any problems, but remove any potentials. "Get back to the basics".

Ah, forgot what that even was. Been over a year since I was trying that. Got it uninstalled, but still no change.

Do you have other mic's disconnected?

I still think the Dell forums are the best place for this. If not the Alienware section, the Laptop hardware section would be a place to start.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/