Sound meter software exist for the taskbar?

Thanks for taking the time to read this. (screen grab included)

This kind of a two part question.

I sometimes have an issue with my microphone where it sounds terrible and stat-icky. I usually just jiggle the part of the mic where it plugs into my computer and that fixes the issue. I'm pretty sure its either the inexpensive mic I purchased or worse case scenario it's the part inside my notebook where the mic connects to. I just don't know!

As you can see in my screen shot, I keep that window open so I can know when the mic gets all messed up. When the problem is happening the meter lights up totally green, when its normal the meter is much lower.

1. Do you think it's the crappy mic connector?
2.if it is, and we have ruled out my notebook as the problem, can you recommend any software that will allow me to have a similar meter (gauge) but on the task-bar so I don't have to keep the Windows mic gauge open?

Thanks!

maceman said:

Hi Mattdamonisdumb,
First is easy to test. Just try your mic with another computer or borrow a working mic and plug it in your computer. Then you can see what is borken.
Number 2 is harder, but I think you can find something when you search deskbar "VU Meter" or "Audio Meter". Of course free
I found couple, but didn't try any...

thanks, maceman. The problem only happens from time to time. Do you think this means it is not my system? I ask because I am not in a position to test my crappy mic on another computer.

maceman said:

It is actually pretty hard to say without hearing it myself. This could also be the driver issue or a slow internet connection..
But when it's fixed when you jiggle the plug, I would say that it's the microphone. Specially when it's an inexpensive one. I've noticed that they are not very durable, at least with me

thank you, ill give it a real test when I am home

Final Update:

the problem was fixed when I updated my sound card drivers!

MattDamonisdumb said:

Final Update:

the problem was fixed when I updated my sound card drivers!

I had this problem on a desktop but with the speaker OUT connection. I think it has to do with the auto sensing. The Realtek control panel kept resetting the driver as it thought the speaker was being plugged in and then unplugged. At first I thought the jack itself was dirty but after I updated the driver, disabled "front jack panel jack detection", and turned off auto-pop-up dialogs. The problem has been seen (or heard) again. Perhaps the recent drivers change the level at which auto-sensing functions.

Ap

Aphelion said:

MattDamonisdumb said:

Final Update:

the problem was fixed when I updated my sound card drivers!

I had this problem on a desktop but with the speaker OUT connection. I think it has to do with the auto sensing. The Realtek control panel kept resetting the driver as it thought the speaker was being plugged in and then unplugged. At first I thought the jack itself was dirty but after I updated the driver, disabled "front jack panel jack detection", and turned off auto-pop-up dialogs. The problem has been seen (or heard) again. Perhaps the recent drivers change the level at which auto-sensing functions.

Ap

where can i disable "front jack panel jack detection" in Wind 7? And auto pop-ups?

MattDamonisdumb said:

where can i disable "front jack panel jack detection" in Wind 7? And auto pop-ups?

Go to the Realtek control panel.

On the right hand side in the upper one third of the panel is a folder icon, click on that, de-select "Enable auto-popup-dialog" and select "disable front panel jack detection".

Next, right click on the jack icons and select connector retasking... de-select the auto popup dialog where available.

Ap