Narration Trouble in PE7

[DBlev2000]

I just started using PE7 (I have been using PE6), and I have a new PC with Windows Vista Home Deluxe. I can't record a narration in PE7. The audio clips that I record have no volume on playback, and the volume indicator in the Narration window never moves when I speak. What should I try to fix this?

I have a microphone plugged in, and it works with Windows Sound Recorder. When I try Edit-Preferences-Audio Hardware, the only selection I get for Default Device is 'Permiere Elements Windows Sound' Should I have a choice for my sound card?

[ATR]

Before we get too deeply into this, what type of a microphone are you using in Premiere Elements 7? Is it a USB microphone? Whatever it is, has it worked successfully in Premiere Elements 4 or any other version of Premiere Elements that had a narration feature? (There is no Premiere Elements 6).

In your Windows Vista Home Deluxe is there a Control Panel with "Sounds and Audio Devices"/Sounds and Audio Devices Properties/Volume, Advanced Tab? If so, have you checked that out? Are your computer audio drivers all up to date?

The microphone information is important, so let us start with that.

ATR

[DBlev2000]

Thanks for the reply.

The microphone is not USB. I have it plugged into the mic port on the front of my new PC. The mic is a Shure PG48 -- I'm not sure what type to call it. I use it with my digital piano.

What type of microphone is the standard to use with PE?

You are right of course, that my previous version is PE4. I just tried the mic on my old PC with PE4, and it does not work. On the new PC, The Vista has a sound recorder, and I was able to record a clip and import it into my project, as a .wma file, and it works with the video.

Vista does have in the control panel an advanced tab for microphone properties. I can select CD quality, DVD quality or Studio quality. There are check boxes to allow applications to take exclusive control of the device. Another Tab is for Volume, and I turned it up to 62 dB. Still does not work.

[DBlev2000]

Here is more info on my mic from Shure's web site:


1. Shure - Microphones - PG48 Vocal Microphone (http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/us_pro_PG48-XLR_content) An excellent performance microphone for spoken word applications. Cardioid, Dynamic

[ATR]

The USB microphones have a poor history with regard to working with narration of Premiere Elements. So definitely keep away from them for Premiere Elements narration purposes.

I have a inexpensive Labtec microphone that plugs directly into the back of my computer (I have Windows XP Professional and have Premiere Elements 2, 4 installed and 7 soon to be installed. The Labtec has worked without problems to generate narration clips in or out of Premiere Elements. Any chance you can borrow an inexpensive microphone for cross checking?

I need to look into the microphone that you are trying to use and review your situation. I will try to come up with a plan of action by sometime tomorrow. I was just about to close down the computer for the night when I came across two links that may be interesting reading:
http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/us_pro_ea_connectingmics
http://www.webaudioadvisor.com/computer-microphones.html

ATR

[ATR]

Here is another link for you to check out:
http://www.webaudioadvisor.com/microphones.html

I suspect that the core of your problem goes to the use of a professional microphone in your computer. Scroll down to the bottom of the above link to see the comments there on the matter.

You could try those suggestions to see if you can get your professional microphone to work in your computer application. But, you may want to consider using an inexpensive desktop computer microphone that will do the job without complications.

Use of a USB microphone may give better sound in certain non Premiere Elements situations, but, use of USB microphones for Premiere Elements narration spells trouble. See Premiere Elements 4 Read Me Editing Projects;

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb402532&sliceId=2

Please let us know what you decide and the outcome.

ATR

[DBlev2000]

Thanks for the links about microphones. They are very useful.

I purchased a microphone/earphones designed for computers. It works very well on my old PC with PE4. It does not work on my new PC with PE7. Using the Vista Sound Recorder, the new mic produces scratchy sound.

I suspect I may have a bad audio card, so I plan to seek warranty help.

Thanks for your time, ATR.

[ATR]

No pun intended, but that sounds like progress.

Please let us know the outcome. Good luck.

ATR

[DBlev2000]

I called HP Support and talked to a nice young man in the Phillipines. He suggested several tests and adjustments for me to make, and we tried them for TWO HOURS! :mad:. Nothing helped. He finally suggested I do a System Recovery. I decided to do it off-line from him, and I waited a couple of days to rest up from the phone call.

I backed up my data and performed a full System Recovery to put my new PC back to factory condition. BTW, I had paid Office Depot, where I bought the PC to do a PC Performance Enhancement, so the system looks and performs differently now.

The microphone - the head set one - now works perfectly in PE7. I guess the audio card driver was not working properly. I have not tried the dymanic mic.

I finished my video of our grandson's college graduation in time to give him and his parents copies for Christmas.

Again ATR, thanks for the help.

[ATR]

Thank you very much for updating us on your progress. That helps so many when they know the "rest of the story". You did a good job...a lot of follow through, stick-to-it-tiveness, and talent.

How thrilled your grandson and his parents must have been to receive such a meaningful and thoughtful gift which captured a very special moment in your family history.

Congratulations all around, and continued success with your projects filled with many wonderful and happy family milestones.

ATR