Volumn Mixer (Vista Home Premium)

[Richardxxx]

I am probably missing something really obvious but ------ I have two "sound devices" on my computer, front speakers, rear speakers etc. for listening to music, internet radio and headphone and microphone for using with VOIP calls, Dragon Naturally speaking etc..

My problem is that regardless of the settings in, say, Skype the default device "Realtek Audio" always seizes control of Skype, Google Talk etc.. If I use the headphones as the default device then everything, including, windows sounds etc.. migrates across to the headset.

How do I control which system uses which output.

many thanks
Richard

[Pilgrim]

Richard,

I'm going to assume that you aren't aware of how the new "Mixer" works in Vista. If this information is something you are already aware of, ..... sorry! <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>

1) Click on the "Volume" icon in the Notification Area (aka: System Tray)
2) Click on "Mixer".
3) In the Volume Mixer dialog box, adjust the sound for the device you are wanting to control.

Jeff

[Richardxxx]

Jeff - Thank you for your reply - however - I shall try to explain a little better!

I have several programs on my computer that make noise! WMP is one, iTunes another and an internet radio player yet another - all these I want to play through the speakers. I also have other noise programs - Skype, googletalk, Dragon naturally speaking and the like that I do not want to ever play through the speakers for privacy if no other reasons, these programs I want to play through my headset.

Now I have a headset connected via a USB port and a soundcard with speakers etc. Both show up in devices and both are enabled. (In XP it was no problem to operate my headset and speakers as I suggest above.) Not so in Vista! At least i can't find a way! Whichever device is selected as "default" (and this can be done from either the "Control Panel" or via the "mixer") it gradually takes control of all the sound programs -as they output a sound in fact. Which leaves me with skype blaring out through the house or no music as I work.

What I am trying to find is a way of locking a sound output to a particular device(Sound Card or USB port) - by the way it doesn't seem to matter how I set the program to use one device or the other - eventually they migrate!

I hope that's a little clearer

Regards
Richard

regards
Richard

[Pilgrim]

Richard,

Sorry that I didn't "catch on" to what you really wanted to do. But I must admit that I have never heard of a headset that connects via a USB port. All the ones that I've owned or seen for sale use a mini-jack. Of course, I don't get out much any more. <img src=/S/laugh.gif border=0 alt=laugh width=15 height=15>

So, with that in mind, I would think that if you were to plug in one of these old-fashion type of headsets, the speakers should be automatically disabled. At least that is how they have always worked in the past.

Jeff

[Richardxxx]

Thanks for the reply to my latest posting. However I am sure you have heard of USB microphones, equally i am sure that you have heard of so called "Skype" phones and they run of a USB port and all they are is a headset with added functionality.

Anyway I am bitterly disappointed with Vista's way of dealing with sound output and input. The functionality was so much better with WinXP. A week ago - before I upgraded - I had the following operational, AT THE SAME TIME (and without conflict)

Speakers - iTunes and WMP

Headset - Dragon Naturally speaking

Skype Phone - Skype.

Now, with a new all singing, all dancing, OS which has cost an amazing amount of money to produce I am left plugging headsets in and out - is that the WOW factor! LOL

Thank you again for your reply.

All the best

Richard

[DaveA]

Sounds like you need a update of the software and/or drivers from the OEM of the headphones, or even from "Skype"!