🚀 go-pugleaf

I am proud of you!

Bob Levine wrote:

--------------------------------------------------
Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue
--------------------------------------------------

Here are the selected compilations of Dell microphone/soundcard issue 
posted in the Dell Dimension audio forum.  Note that the problem was 
reported from the very beginning of the forum establishment in late 
1999 and continuing to this day.  It makes you wonder if Dell ever 
made functioning mic/soundcard.

Despite all the numerous problem reports spanning many years, Dell is
unconscionably not only not acknowledging the problem, but 
reprehensively engages in jerking around the customers with the same 
runaround tactic over these years.  [See the post on (1/29/2002)]

A law firm is on the verge of being retained to file a class action 
lawsuit on this issue.  If you would like join in the lawsuit or have
relevant information to pass along, please email:

classactionlaw1@yahoo.com  
[the last character in name is numeral one]


Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=50332

   The link ends by Dell starting a new thread and locking it
   so no one could reply, they made it a sticky post for two months
   (locked) then they removed the sticky status and the post was
   dropped back about 20 pages of posts to HIDE it.


Poor mic pick-up  (12/6/1999)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=422

    if this mic is more than 6 or 8 inches from my mouth
    at normal speaking levels, it barely picks up my voice.


MICROPHONE=POOP  (12/10/1999)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=495

    FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WILL SOMEONE PLEASSSSEEEE TELL ME
    HOW TO GET MY MIC TO RECORD?!?!

    I am experiencing the same problem and so are many others
    if you look around in the DellTalk area.  It drives me nuts!


Mic recording low  (12/25/1999)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=848

    My mic works but it is low. I have to turn the speakers all the
    way up to hear anything recorded through the mic.

    There is something very wrong with this Yamaha sound system that
    needs to be fixed and from all the people posting here this is
    not just an isolated problem. When and how will Dell fix it???

    I have had my Dimension XPS T for a couple of months now, and
    have the same low Mic volume as you do. I am also getting very
    frustrated.


Microphone  (5/4/2000)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=4894

    the mic does not pick up my voice unless I put it
    right up on my mouth.

    I too am having the same problem, with the same setup.
    Apparently Dell needs to take some action on this problem.


Montego II A3D low mic volume solution!!!!  (5/8/2000)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=4951

    There clearly is an issue here - Myself and three collegues all
    have the same problem on brand new Montego/Dimension systems.
    At the very least the factory settings are not correct and the
    user is left fumbling round randomly!

    They obviously don't include a mic test before shipping.


Microphone - low input  (9/6/2000)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=7947

    I have to yell into my Dell provided microphone for anyone to hear
    me

    Just got off the phone w/Customer Service, they told me that
    the microphone provided was provided "as a COURTESY"

    This is EXTREMELY disappointing, I expect better from Dell.


Unable to record with a microphone  (12/7/2000)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=9981

    I seem to be unable to record anything with a microphone from SB.
    Only when I shout really hard I get a fuzzy little noise recorded


Live Value Soundcard: Mic record level too low (1/29/2002)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=21877

   I have my Dimension 8200, Win ME, Soundblaster Live soundcard for
   two months here is my story.

   I discovered that using the creative sound recorder I had to put
   the record level on max, select +20% gain in the mixer and put the
   mic 3 inches from my mouth or else it wouldnt pick up what i said.

   so i contacted Dell tech support they advised me to uninstall the
   soundcard and reinstall it. I did that and it made no difference.

   They told me to uninstall the windows sound recorder and reinstall
   it, that made no difference either,

   they told me to uninstall the whole of windows multimedia
   I did that and it made no difference


   I also hope you find the answer. I too would have liked to use
   Netmeeting! I have a 4300 with ME and the same sound card. Same
   exact problem. Dell actually sent someone out to install a new
   card, no help.  I also reinstalled the OS once, drivers twice,
   no help.

   After trying all the things Dell suggested and that Creative Labs
   suggested, Dell sent me out a new soundcard. Didn't make a blind
   bit of difference.

   Well... technician came and installed new card (same type SB Live
   Value! 512V CT4780).... He tried uninstalling, reinstalling drivers
   etc.... all the same stuff I have tried before.... still no
   better....

   Hey !!! This seems to be a DELL age old problem. I have a DImension
   4100 with Soundblasterlive 512V and Windows Millenium. I have
   exactly the same problems when trying to record.

   This system was purchased in fall 2000.... No resolution yet!!! not
   a good sign.

   I don't want to -eat- this microphone!!!!

   Yes! PLEASE let me know if they successfully fix that problem
   either through replacement or otherwise! They should just recall
   that card and give us something that works if it's just a defective
   card because it seems there's a good bunch of us with the same
   problem!


XPS GEN 4 - Audigy 2 zs Microphone Too Quiet (1/5/2005)
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=55447

   I have my mic volume all the way up, the booster on, and its still
   way too quiet.  I had to practically put the mic in my mouth.


Low Mic Volume on Audigy 2 Zs (2/14/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=55500

   I have seen similar problems in the forums without a solution.
   Has anyone been able to fix this?

   When I plugged a mic into the front panel, the volume is so low
   that you have to scream.

   I have the same problem with the same computer and the same
   soundcard.


SB Audigy 2 ZS GEN4 No sound through microphone (3/11/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=56256

   Now a tech is sheduled to come to the house and replace the sound
   card. Just what I need a 7 day old system for which I paid extra
   for a high end sound card and now I'll have a refurbished one.

   As I recall on my Dimension XPST 700r there were issues with that
   SB card as well.  You would think they could get their act
   together.


Confirmed problem with SoundMax integrated audio (5/9/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=57548

   I want Dell to fix the problem in my $1500 machine! Now they are
   saying it is an O/S incompatibility with the onboard sound and I
   should do a PC Restore. Hello? It is still using the system that
   shipped with it. XP SP2. If it's incompatible, then this problem
   existed from the factory.

   A Dell tech wanted to reinstall the multimedia part of xp. When I
   asked why, the Dell tech said there's possible conflict. I asked
   why then Dell shipped out systems with possible -- known --
   conflict.

   What's infuriating is Dell techs say they never had calls on
   soundcard/microphone problems, but then later they say they had a
   couple of calls, like when I asked the Dell tech shortly after the
   mumbling.

   Saying that there's possible conflict without having dealt with
   problem calls meant that Dell knew about the problem before
   shipping. Dell techs had to change the weasel, initial "story"
   about not having dealt with the problem calls, seeming to give the
   impression Dell didn't know about the problem before shipping. But
   then that brings up the question: Does Dell test components'
   compatibility?


microphone does not work HELP (5/14/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=57668

   I just can't believe that I got rammed hard by Dell and didn't even
   get a kiss from it !!!


I DARE DELL (5/15/05) [DELETED]
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=57678

   I dare anyone from DELL to solve this problem.

   Since getting my new system i have correctly connected my
   microphone headset to the mic port on the SB card but although
   I can hear very well, my voice is very quiet.

   Do you know a way to record an outgoing message without "eating"
   the microphone?


can't get mic to work on Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (5/14/05, 6/3/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=57660

   After reading through this forum it was interesting to see how many
   problems they have with this board, yet each support tech acts like
   it never happened before.  They teach Acting 101 at tech school.


can't get mic to work on Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (6/14/05)
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=58450

   It sure isn't yours. It's Dell's problem. It's Dell's
   responsibility to fix. Dell put together the configuration. Dell
   should have tested it.  Dell should have known about the problem.
   Again, why the "never heard of" charade even now -- after many
   problem reports for a long time!!

   > Anyone know a good lawyer that likes to do consumer class action
   > suits?

   There are currently two class action lawsuits:

        http://www.seegerweiss.com/
        http://www.lerachlaw.com/


Is there a fix for Dell's low mic problem? (7/16/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=59038

   I haven't seen any fix. It's amazing how many people (including me)
   have this problem with Dell computers and Dell seems to be unable
   or unwilling to address it.


Microphone on Audigy 2 ZS not recording (8/9/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=59439

   I just got my new XPS Gen 5 and can't get it to record any audio
   using my microphone.
   I have to scream into the microphone

   this problem has been posted on this forum for many months without
   any resolution.


Microphone - weak input, out of ideas... (8/29/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=60002

   Dell tech support insisted I reformat my hard disk and reinstall
   everything.

   It's really sad to see this problem persist for so long without any
   help from Dell Support. If you search this forum, you'll see many,
   many posts about this. What's really pathetic is that you were sent
   a replacement sound card and told to reformat when Dell should know
   by now that it's not just YOUR card that's not performing as it
   should.

   I am amazed (& frustrated) with the numerous "hoops" that Dell Tech
   Support had me jump through over 12 days without ever admitting a
   problem.

   Your tactic seems to be to "wear the customer out" until he/she
   gives up.


Augiby SB ZS microphone problems FIX HERE!!!! (9/9/05)
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=60340

   I can see it coming, my warranty ends in November 05 and Dell's
   gona tell me to pound sand.

   I tried an old Yamaha Waveforce 192XG out of my 5 year olds PC and
   guess what? It worked.

   Now I don't know about you, but that doesn't make me feel good
   about the $$$ I spend on my XPS system.


WEAK MICROPHONE + AUDIGY 2 PROBLEM - TRY THIS... (9/18/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=60572

   Brand New XPS 600 with Audigy 2 Zs. I have tried every option that
   has been suggested on the forums and via Google search. I just
   can't get any decent volume from my mic.

   Therefore, Madam, I kindly ask that Dell take its responsibility to
   make my XPS system (under warranty) fully functional.

   I think I have seen every single volume control slider that exists
   in the system, XP, Creative, etc.

   I just got my machine Friday, an XPS 600 with the Audigy 2ZS with
   the same exact problem all of you are having. I can get some mic
   volume with everything upped but it is not exceptable.

   Well, I just installed my second Audigy 2ZS replacement card (a
   refurbished one, according to the package), and not surprisingly
   the issue remains exactly the same...

   I told the support that another replacment likely wouldn't help,
   but what do they care.... He claimed he is not authorized to send
   another type of soundcard (and did not want to put me in contact
   with someone who was).

   I still think they made a change on the card itself to reduce the
   mic gain because they had a lot of complaints about
   noise/interference in the mic line.

   I have been through every switch, slider and control with XPS
   Advanced support at least twice. This isn't a user error.


At a Loss!!!! Dimension Audio problems (10/3/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=60815

   They had me do the complete restore right away, but the problem
   came back within a week or so. They are going to make me do a
   complete restore again.

   You're joking..... for real????? That's ridiculous !!!! I'm sorry
   to hear that, I cannot believe NO ONE can figure out a problem that
   many people are having.


Low output from "standard" mic (10/9/05)
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=61118

   I can't get the mic that comes with the computer to generate much
   output.

   If you go to Dell tech support with the mic problem and ask if
   they've heard of the mic problem, they will most likely say they've
   never heard of the mic problem !!


can't get mic to work on Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (10/13/05)
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=58450

   This is a widespread and continuing problem with the Dell version
   of the Audigy 2 ZS sound card. The mic input does not work.

   Yet Dell is still bundling these cards with its systems.


Low volume microphone problem -DELL OEM Audigy 2 ZS soundcard 
(10/21/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=61522

    Apparently DELL conveniently chose to delete the thread of 
    all customers having the low volume microphone issue on their
    newly shipped XPS Gen systems, entitled: Microphone Problems
    Listing (10/14/05)

    That is to me pretty much confirming the existence of the problem
    but not taking the responsibility to address it. Shame on you!


Low Mic Volume?  (10/29/05)
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=61754

    I have read several posts about the low mic volume on Dimension
    Desktops with the Soundblaster 24k Sound Card but unfortunately I
    haven't found any of them with a solution.  Is there to date a
    solution for this?

    I bought my pc for the purpose of Voice chatting that I use for
    business purposes on a daily basis and would really appreciate
    any fix for this.