Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#697

Author: Class_Action
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 21:01

403 lines
17449 bytes

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.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#698

Author: Bob Levine
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 22:58

7 lines
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Class_Action wrote:

<SNIPPED>

I truly envy you. You obviously have nothing important to worry about.

Bob

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#699

Author: Jan Alter
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 23:33

16 lines
1562 bytes

Are you saying that everything else with your Dell is fine?

-- 
Jan Alter
bearpuf@verizon.net
or
jalter@phila.k12.pa.us
"Bob Levine" <robjlevin@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:hQOef.7$082.0@trndny09...
> Class_Action wrote:
>
> <SNIPPED>
>
> I truly envy you. You obviously have nothing important to worry about.
>
> Bob

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#700

Author: Charles
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 00:14

412 lines
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Three Dell Desktop computers.  Gave two to the kids as I replaced mine.  All 
computers working great.  Have upgraded and "downgraded"  Definitely no 
sound card problems......  Chuck


"Class_Action" <classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:9f7nn198rvjajigq9f2fp50ntsbvka6m95@4ax.com...
> 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.
>
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#701

Author: kony
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 00:26

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On Wed, 16 Nov 2005 14:01:02 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> 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.

You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.

Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
time.  Most of them were industry standard, there was no
difference in the Dell implementation than you'd fine
assembling it yourself or getting it done at a shop, except
in some special cases where the user was particularly
specifying for an unusually well-tuned-towards-audio,
system, in which shielded cabling was used.  This is not
normal for any system and thus, it cannot be considered a
defect for Dell to do what everyone else did.

FWIW, Dell does not "Make" mics or soundcards, they use
standardized solutions.

>
>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)]

What did you expect?

Whiney users need to be jerked around sometimes.
Fact is, anyone who's done a bit of work in analog audio
knows you can't just go stringing cables all over the place
around high speed digital equipment.  Not that it's
impossible, or hard, to do, but more expensive.

If you want a more expensive audiophile grade system, you
have to buy that SPECIFIC THING, not a generic Dell, or HP,
or Gateway, etc, system.  You can't just go to a shop and
expect anything different either, you will have to clearly
specific your needs and determine whether anyone there is a
competent builder towards the end of analog audio quality.  

>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.
>

GOOD GRIEF!

Did you ever consider that you can't blame an OEM for your
lack of ability to use windows?  MIc boost and recording
levels have to be set.  

>
>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!

There is nothing special about Dell Mic recording.  Open the
mixer, select it as the recording source, and get on with
life.

I've snipped the rest, becaue it only serves to show one
central thing- computers are user-configurable and in their
default configuration, they have the "potential" to do many
things, but are not optimized for ALL these things- the user
must configure it.  Same thing goes with a home stereo, if
you had it set to record to tape from the radio, then you
plug in a mic, you can't just whine that the mic doesn't
work, you have to reach out a finger and adjust the amp (or
whichever applicable device).

The funny thing is, I wonder how many people ever bothered
to read the manuals or seek basic audio advice on Google.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#702

Author: Bob Levine
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 01:22

9 lines
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Jan Alter wrote:

> Are you saying that everything else with your Dell is fine?
> 

I've never had a problem with a Dell (or any other computer) that 
couldn't be fixed easily with a phone call or e-mail.

Bob

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#703

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 04:51

35 lines
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Bob Levine <robjlevin@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote:

>Jan Alter wrote:
>
>> Are you saying that everything else with your Dell is fine?
>> 
>
>I've never had a problem with a Dell (or any other computer) that 
>couldn't be fixed easily with a phone call or e-mail.

These must not have been  Dell Techs:

    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

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

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

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

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#704

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 04:52

439 lines
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"Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat> wrote (11/16/05):
>
>Three Dell Desktop computers.  Gave two to the kids as I replaced mine.  All 
>computers working great.  Have upgraded and "downgraded"  Definitely no 
>sound card problems......  Chuck

The same song and dance?

From: "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat>
Date: 10/26/05

Two desktops, two laptops...no sound problems.  In fact no 
hardware problems at all.  Chuck

Don't believe Dell forum moderator?

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=48561&highlight=3-16#M48561
DELL-Cody, Forum Moderator:

    UPDATE [3-16-04]: Information posted prior to 3/16/04 has been
    saved and forwarded to Dell Engineering. Thank you very much for
    your assistance in this matter.

    Thank you all for your assistance and patience in this matter. I
    have requested closure of this case from Dell Engineering,
    preferably with some additional data that will explain the problem
    and/or any further troubleshooting information.

    It does not appear at this time that a hardware fix is available.

    For this reason, I am requesting the additional clarification.

>
>> 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.
>>
>> 
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#705

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 04:53

144 lines
7020 bytes

kony <spam@spam.com> 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.
>
>You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>
>Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>time.

So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?

> Most of them were industry standard, there was no
>difference in the Dell implementation than you'd fine
>assembling it yourself or getting it done at a shop, except
>in some special cases where the user was particularly
>specifying for an unusually well-tuned-towards-audio,
>system, in which shielded cabling was used.  This is not
>normal for any system and thus, it cannot be considered a
>defect for Dell to do what everyone else did.
>
>FWIW, Dell does not "Make" mics or soundcards, they use
>standardized solutions.

Haven't heard of "Proprietary"?  Isn't it well known that Dell power
supplies, for example, are compatible only with Dell system?

>>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)]
>
>What did you expect?
>
>Whiney users need to be jerked around sometimes.

Even when 'whine' about problems even Dell acknowledged?

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=48561&highlight=3-16#M48561

DELL-Cody, Forum Moderator:

    UPDATE [3-16-04]: Information posted prior to 3/16/04 has been
    saved and forwarded to Dell Engineering. Thank you very much for
    your assistance in this matter.

    Thank you all for your assistance and patience in this matter. I
    have requested closure of this case from Dell Engineering,
    preferably with some additional data that will explain the problem
    and/or any further troubleshooting information.

    It does not appear at this time that a hardware fix is available.
    For this reason, I am requesting the additional clarification.

>Fact is, anyone who's done a bit of work in analog audio
>knows you can't just go stringing cables all over the place
>around high speed digital equipment.  Not that it's
>impossible, or hard, to do, but more expensive.

For low mic volume problem?

>If you want a more expensive audiophile grade system, you
>have to buy that SPECIFIC THING, not a generic Dell, or HP,
>or Gateway, etc, system.  You can't just go to a shop and
>expect anything different either, you will have to clearly
>specific your needs and determine whether anyone there is a
>competent builder towards the end of analog audio quality.  

For low mic volume problem?

>>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.
>>
>
>GOOD GRIEF!
>
>Did you ever consider that you can't blame an OEM for your
>lack of ability to use windows?  MIc boost and recording
>levels have to be set.  

   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.

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

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

>
>>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!
>
>There is nothing special about Dell Mic recording.  Open the
>mixer, select it as the recording source, and get on with
>life.
>
>I've snipped the rest, becaue it only serves to show one
>central thing- computers are user-configurable and in their
>default configuration, they have the "potential" to do many
>things, but are not optimized for ALL these things- the user
>must configure it.  Same thing goes with a home stereo, if
>you had it set to record to tape from the radio, then you
>plug in a mic, you can't just whine that the mic doesn't
>work, you have to reach out a finger and adjust the amp (or
>whichever applicable device).

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

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

>The funny thing is, I wonder how many people ever bothered
>to read the manuals or seek basic audio advice on Google.

Maybe Dell Techs don't either?

    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

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

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#706

Author: kony
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 06:04

305 lines
13549 bytes

On Wed, 16 Nov 2005 21:53:32 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>kony <spam@spam.com> 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.
>>
>>You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>>
>>Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>>time.
>
>So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?

It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
"Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
MIC volume, problem."

>
>> Most of them were industry standard, there was no
>>difference in the Dell implementation than you'd fine
>>assembling it yourself or getting it done at a shop, except
>>in some special cases where the user was particularly
>>specifying for an unusually well-tuned-towards-audio,
>>system, in which shielded cabling was used.  This is not
>>normal for any system and thus, it cannot be considered a
>>defect for Dell to do what everyone else did.
>>
>>FWIW, Dell does not "Make" mics or soundcards, they use
>>standardized solutions.
>
>Haven't heard of "Proprietary"? 

Yes, now name even one proprietary Dell standard for sound.
I don't think you can, but IF there is one and you name it,
then show it is common across multiple platforms and years
in Dell systems.  It isn't.  It's not a matter of odds, your
conjecture is simply invalid because you lack the knowledge
to make it.

> Isn't it well known that Dell power
>supplies, for example, are compatible only with Dell system?

Actually, no.
There were a few that were different, and as with all things
that became quite noteworthy because of the difference.
That didn't make them "many", nor "most" of the Dells sold.

Now explain why you fell a power supply is proof of audio
differences?  This is another indicator that you have no
idea, not being able to draw a Dell-specific audio
reference, but then of course you wouldn't, because there is
no Dell-specific reference, just a bunch of Dell owners that
can't change windows settings.

I'm going to hazzard a guess that there are a ton of Dell
owners who would have their text too small if they booted up
their systems at 1600 x 1200 resolution too, but do they
claim Dell is the problem or just change the font size?

>
>>>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)]
>>
>>What did you expect?
>>
>>Whiney users need to be jerked around sometimes.
>
>Even when 'whine' about problems even Dell acknowledged?
>
>http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=48561&highlight=3-16#M48561
>
>DELL-Cody, Forum Moderator:
>
>    UPDATE [3-16-04]: Information posted prior to 3/16/04 has been
>    saved and forwarded to Dell Engineering. Thank you very much for
>    your assistance in this matter.

Dell acknowledging a problem does not make it a Dell-unique
problem.  It's quite common on integrated audio with
unshielded cables inside a system, and even more common when
the audio codec supply lines aren't filtered with a linear
regulator on the board.   

If Dell acknowledges a problem with Outlook Express
infecting window if you indiscriminately open an email with
an attached virus, does that put the blame on Dell?  No.

The fact of the matter is, if you want to buy low-end parts
or have certain features, you have to accept the compromises
that come with them.  Dont' want to accept that?  Fine,
don't, but it makes no difference.

>>Fact is, anyone who's done a bit of work in analog audio
>>knows you can't just go stringing cables all over the place
>>around high speed digital equipment.  Not that it's
>>impossible, or hard, to do, but more expensive.
>
>For low mic volume problem?

Did you measure signal levels?
You write "low mic", but in fact, you have presented no
evidence to isolate the mic as being low volume rather than
some mixer setting, the absence of mic boost activated, or a
driver bug.  Dell is not to blame for a buggy driver or
windows setting that needs changed.

Since Dell does not use proprietary audio (including mic),
if your claim is correct you will find evidence of it across
all systems using same hardware, it will not be isolated to
Dell systems.  Ironically enough, that also means it's not a
"Dell problem" per se, rather than a supplier's problem.  To
suggest that mulitple audio suppliers, year after year,
continually "fix" the audio so the mic doesn't work is
unrealistic.  To suggest Dell has hacked windows to degrade
audio is similarly unrealistic.  The only area where you
might have the slightest reasonable argument is if Dell had
continually used a defective wiring harness to connect a
front-panel mic input to the sound header, but you make no
mention at all of this, and that possiblity is easily
checked by connecting mic to rear mic port instead of front.

>
>>If you want a more expensive audiophile grade system, you
>>have to buy that SPECIFIC THING, not a generic Dell, or HP,
>>or Gateway, etc, system.  You can't just go to a shop and
>>expect anything different either, you will have to clearly
>>specific your needs and determine whether anyone there is a
>>competent builder towards the end of analog audio quality.  
>
>For low mic volume problem?

Have you searched for solutions to just pointed fingers at
Dell, hoping they'll teach you how to use a computer?
That's not an accusation of your actions, it's a legitimate
question as you've not menitoned any kind of troubleshooting
on this at all, only random observations that over millions
of customers, "some", a small population has had an audio
problem or two.  Name a part of a computer where not even a
small % out of millions, have had problems.

>   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.

Have you tried another mic?
Have you tried same mic with another sound card?
A key point in placing blame is identifying the problem.  I
don't see where you've done that, rather a vague "it doesn't
work, fix it Dell".  If your system is still under warranty,
AND you've tried all the general audio/mic settings tips
Google can easily find, NOT Dell-related info but rather
general audio troubleshooting, THEN you might have a more
legitimate claim that Dell needs provide some kind of
support.  They cannot be expected to configure the entire
system though, if what you wanted was a _non_generic system
configuration then buying an OEM box is the opposite of the
prudent path to take.

Did you try a newer driver?
What, EXACTLY, did you do to troubleshoot this?
Are you sure you have the mic plugged into a mic input or is
it a LINE IN?  Forget about what the case might have stamped
on it, or what the manual might say, these things are
written by mere humans.  Did you check the motherboard or
audio card manual to determine where the input jack goes?

Does turning on/off the mic boost change the recording level
at all?  If you take another sound source, like an MP3
player, with it's volume turned down VERY low, and MIC boost
off, do you get a higher signal strength?  Making sure the
input is selected, you could then gradually increase the
player volume and see if it ever becomes loud enough.  Does
it?  

That would be my first guess, that a lot of people just
plugged their MIC into a line-in jack.  LIne-in is not a mic
jack, it's for pre-amp'd sources.

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

You're better off not having them go through this with you,
as that just limits you to whatever is on their scripted
support dialog, or whatever they can think of at a moment's
notice.  You're better off tacking this methodically without
other input to distract your own train of thought because
you are the one with the system immediately in front of you.

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

Creative?

Well that may be part of the problem.  Did you try a newer
driver?   Older driver?   Did you check on where the audio
was interfacing with the card?  I mean hardware-wise, not a
windows control panel setting.

>
>   I have been through every switch, slider and control with
>   XPS Advanced support at least twice. This isn't a user error.
>
>   I think I have seen every single volume control slider that exists
>   in the system, XP, Creative, etc.

Well I would hope so, there aren't that many.

>
>>The funny thing is, I wonder how many people ever bothered
>>to read the manuals or seek basic audio advice on Google.
>
>Maybe Dell Techs don't either?

and?
A bit of advice- Buy a OEM system to get something pre-built
with a larger bundle of software than could be compiled for
same $ by buying separate components one-at-a-time.

Don't buy one because you expect premium tech support.
I can appreciate that you want it working, but frankly, it
is impossible for you to have paid enough that Dell could
afford good technicians.

Point is, it might be reasonable to be upset that a part of
the system doesn't work, but continually looking towards
Dell when it's already obvious they aren't helpful, does not
produce the desired result.  What do you expect from a
lawsuit?  A $9 sound card?  That's all it should take if
everything else is indeed set up correctly already.

I think your time is worth more than $9.

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

Did you use a newer / different driver?
DId you open the case and check the cables?

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

Did you mute all other recording sources and where you using
the MIC input on the rear of the card, not the line-in
input?

If so, you need to get in touch with users of this same
Creative sound card because this would be a sound-card
specific issue IF all the other things mentioned do not
cover the problem area.  Could be I've missed something,
since it's same situation as a Dell tech has, they are not
in front of your system nor know the full history of it.

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

Is your system now entirely back to the way it was before
you had ever noticed there were any sound problems?
Does the mic still seem to work, just at too low a volume?

If you instead plug the mic into the line-in jack, does it
sound level go down (keeping in mind that again, windows
and/or Creative mixer settings may matter)?

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

Of course they did, that is a sure thing- problem gets to
the point where all the cheat sheets have been tried, then
user is instructed to format and start over.  Same with all
the OEMs, has been this way for years.  

It's not that this is necessary, but rather, a failure to
pinpoint the problem.  The check would be whether a static
OS environment  is a solution, and in some cases that does
fix things.  If you do this, you might consider throwing
another drive into the system and unplugging the original,
so if it doesn't help then you didn't lose but another 20
minutes babysitting the restoration process.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#707

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:07

60 lines
3362 bytes

kony  wrote:
>
>Class_Action 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.
>>>
>> > You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>> >
>> > Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>> > time.
>>
>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>
> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
> MIC volume, problem."

Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?

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

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

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

    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

   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.

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

   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.

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

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

   I have to scream into the microphone

>
> <snip rest of idiotic, nonsensical ranting>
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#708

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:28

55 lines
3067 bytes

kony  wrote:
>
>Class_Action wrote:
>
>> kony wrote:
>>>
>> > You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>> >
>> > Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>> > time.
>>
>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>
> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
> MIC volume, problem."

Previously:
-----------------------------------------------------------
>GOOD GRIEF!
>
>Did you ever consider that you can't blame an OEM for your
>lack of ability to use windows?  MIc boost and recording
>levels have to be set.  

   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.

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

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

If the problem is Windows settings adjustment, why then Dell Techs
advise these?

   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

   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.

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

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#709

Author: Grumps
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:53

40 lines
2448 bytes

Class_Action wrote:
> kony  wrote:
>>
>> Class_Action wrote:
>>
>>> kony wrote:
>>>>
>>>> You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>>>>
>>>> Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>>>> time.
>>>
>>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>>
>> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
>> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
>> MIC volume, problem."
>
> Previously:
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>> GOOD GRIEF!
>>
>> Did you ever consider that you can't blame an OEM for your
>> lack of ability to use windows?  MIc boost and recording
>> levels have to be set.
>
>    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.
>
>    I have been through every switch, slider and control with
>    XPS Advanced support at least twice. This isn't a user error.
>
>    I think I have seen every single volume control slider that exists
>    in the system, XP, Creative, etc.

Have you tried the Dell mic on another PC?
Have you tried another mic on the Dell PC?
[I'm not sure why I'm getting involved, all of my Dells have worked
flawlessly]

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#710

Author: Charles
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:36

449 lines
20644 bytes

Hey Class_Action, got my third Dell 2 days after the post that you dug out. 
If there is a song and dance then it is one of satisfaction with my 
purchases.   Chuck



"Class_Action" <classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:223on1p1d88po9hitl7v1t7d1pg92l2oh1@4ax.com...
> "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat> wrote (11/16/05):
>>
>>Three Dell Desktop computers.  Gave two to the kids as I replaced mine. 
>>All
>>computers working great.  Have upgraded and "downgraded"  Definitely no
>>sound card problems......  Chuck
>
> The same song and dance?
>
> From: "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat>
> Date: 10/26/05
>
> Two desktops, two laptops...no sound problems.  In fact no
> hardware problems at all.  Chuck
>
> Don't believe Dell forum moderator?
>
> http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=48561&highlight=3-16#M48561
> DELL-Cody, Forum Moderator:
>
>    UPDATE [3-16-04]: Information posted prior to 3/16/04 has been
>    saved and forwarded to Dell Engineering. Thank you very much for
>    your assistance in this matter.
>
>    Thank you all for your assistance and patience in this matter. I
>    have requested closure of this case from Dell Engineering,
>    preferably with some additional data that will explain the problem
>    and/or any further troubleshooting information.
>
>    It does not appear at this time that a hardware fix is available.
>
>    For this reason, I am requesting the additional clarification.
>
>>
>>> 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.
>>>
>>>
>>
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#711

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:01

76 lines
4274 bytes

"Grumps" wrote:
>
>Class_Action wrote:
>> kony  wrote:
>>>
>>> Class_Action wrote:
>>>
>>>> kony wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>>>>>
>>>>> Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>>>>> time.
>>>>
>>>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>>>
>>> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>>> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
>>> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
>>> MIC volume, problem."
>>
>> Previously:
>> -----------------------------------------------------------
>>> GOOD GRIEF!
>>>
>>> Did you ever consider that you can't blame an OEM for your
>>> lack of ability to use windows?  MIc boost and recording
>>> levels have to be set.
>>
>>    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.
>>
>>    I have been through every switch, slider and control with
>>    XPS Advanced support at least twice. This isn't a user error.
>>
>>    I think I have seen every single volume control slider that exists
>>    in the system, XP, Creative, etc.
>
>Have you tried the Dell mic on another PC?

Yes.

>Have you tried another mic on the Dell PC?

Yes.

---------------------------------
From another thread:

>I'd be willing to bet the price of the [powered Radio Shack] mic that it fixes the problem.

Mic recording low
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=848&query.id=205621#M848

    I have a powered mic plugged in to the sound card, a Radio Shack
    model.  Since my last post I also discovered the Ymf-diag.exe from
    the knowledge base, downloaded and ran it. I get exactly the same
    results as from running MS sound recorder; very low output either
    directly or if I saved a wave file and played it back.

    On the sound recorder modulation line there is no apparent
    modulation unless I have the mic touching my lips. From a normal
    recording distance (~ 12") there is such a low sound to the
    speakers as to be undiscernable.

Radio Shack mic will not record on Creative PCI 64V card
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=1716

    This computer is exactly two days old. It did not come with a mic
    so I purchased one from Radio Shack. With two fresh AAA batteries,
    installed, I launched Audio Recorder. No good. I tried to send an
    ICQ voice message; no good. Today I returned the mic to Radio
    Shack & they provided me with a replacement which tested aok on a
    hand-held cassette recorder in the store. INserting the two
    -contact banana plug into the red jack on the sound card proved
    this mic would not work, as well.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#651

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:02

38 lines
2786 bytes

kony  wrote:
>
>Class_Action 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.
>>>
>> > You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>> >
>> > Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>> > time.
>>
>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>
> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
> MIC volume, problem."

How about an O/S incompatibility or conflict?

   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.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#652

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:03

483 lines
21891 bytes

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

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

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

    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

   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.

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

   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.

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

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

   I have to scream into the microphone


On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 07:36:20 -0600, "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat>
wrote:

>Hey Class_Action, got my third Dell 2 days after the post that you dug out. 
>If there is a song and dance then it is one of satisfaction with my 
>purchases.   Chuck
>
>
>
>"Class_Action" <classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
>news:223on1p1d88po9hitl7v1t7d1pg92l2oh1@4ax.com...
>> "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat> wrote (11/16/05):
>>>
>>>Three Dell Desktop computers.  Gave two to the kids as I replaced mine. 
>>>All
>>>computers working great.  Have upgraded and "downgraded"  Definitely no
>>>sound card problems......  Chuck
>>
>> The same song and dance?
>>
>> From: "Charles" <cb65ATcamcost.nat>
>> Date: 10/26/05
>>
>> Two desktops, two laptops...no sound problems.  In fact no
>> hardware problems at all.  Chuck
>>
>> Don't believe Dell forum moderator?
>>
>> http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_audio&message.id=48561&highlight=3-16#M48561
>> DELL-Cody, Forum Moderator:
>>
>>    UPDATE [3-16-04]: Information posted prior to 3/16/04 has been
>>    saved and forwarded to Dell Engineering. Thank you very much for
>>    your assistance in this matter.
>>
>>    Thank you all for your assistance and patience in this matter. I
>>    have requested closure of this case from Dell Engineering,
>>    preferably with some additional data that will explain the problem
>>    and/or any further troubleshooting information.
>>
>>    It does not appear at this time that a hardware fix is available.
>>
>>    For this reason, I am requesting the additional clarification.
>>
>>>
>>>> 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.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>> 
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#653

Author: kony
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:47

46 lines
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 02:07:31 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
>> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
>> MIC volume, problem."
>
>Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?

No, I see you only repeating the same thing over and over
again and not making any reasonable attempt to do anything
more than listen to a Dell tech's instructions.  BUT then
there was no report that you did actually restore the system
to a known state by formating drive and doing a clean
install of everything.   At this point, who knows what is
wrong, you might have initially changed a setting and it
would've been working all along but for this change.

>
>    if this mic is more than 6 or 8 inches from my mouth
>    at normal speaking levels, it barely picks up my voice.
>
>    the mic does not pick up my voice unless I put it
>    right up on my mouth.

This is why you don't have a working system, because you
simply ignore everything and just repeat same thing over and
over. 

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

Then maybe you should fix the problem, then you wont have to
do that.  Restore system to a known state and check the
things I'd written but you snipped out.

>   I have to scream into the microphone

You don't say?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#654

Author: kony
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:48

8 lines
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 02:28:15 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:


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

and did you?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#655

Author: kony
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 18:08

83 lines
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:02:08 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
>> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
>> MIC volume, problem."
>
>How about an O/S incompatibility or conflict?

How about it?
Did you do any research on this?
If that is true, it would not be a "Dell specific" issue, it
would effect all users of same sound card (which is not Dell
proprietary to this extent) with same driver and OS.

Did you try a newer sound card driver?
You don't want to fix this, IMO, you want to find some angle
to cheat Dell out of a new computer instead of a $9 sound
card.

IF you really wanted this problem fixed, it would be working
by now.  Any competent shop could get your system working.
For all we know, Dell tech support might even be able to, if
it were someone else they were talking to, but they can only
go by the information you provide, which is that you have to
eat a microphone.  I hope you have condiments.

>   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.

That cannot be deterimined because you have not returned the
system to a factory state, and we can't even be sure if you
have hooked it up properly.  For all we know you could have
a mic cord that the vacuume cleaner has ran over 40 times
and it's damaged.  No amount of chatting with a dell tech
about widows sliders will fix that, but the key here is that
you are not following a systematic troubleshooting method.

>
>   A Dell tech wanted to reinstall the multimedia part of xp. When I
>   asked why, the Dell tech said there's possible conflict.

That's a polite way of them saying "you've probably screwed
up your system by changing, installing or uninstalling
something."  Users get defensive when they break a system,
nevermind why, it's a known fact that you can put a working
system in front of a user, have them *use* it for a period
of time, and then it won't work right for various reasons
because of their use.  Return system to same state it was in
before they ever touched it, and voil�, it works again. 

Sometimes it's possible to put blame on windows, but then
you did buy a box with windows on it,

>   I asked
>   why then Dell shipped out systems with possible -- known --
>   conflict.

Would you rather that they, at this point, told you that
their former statement was basically a lie to stroke your
ego?  

What kind of resolution did you hope to get out of this?
Is the system still under warranty?

I'd have thought that if you were really interested in a
solution then you would've had a dialog with Dell something
like "I did the system restore and the MIC isn't working
still, the mic or soundcard needs replaced, which will you
be sending out first?"

Truth is, they'd probably have been glad to send out one or
both of these parts if they thought it would fix things, but
apparently per the tech's converstations with you, there are
still things you need to do to the system before it can be
concluded that mic or sound card replacement is warranted.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#656

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:39

45 lines
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kony wrote:

>Class_Action wrote:
>
> kony wrote:
>> >
>> > It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> > "Dell low mic volume problem".
>>
>> Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?
>
> No, I see you only repeating the same thing over and over
> again and not making any reasonable attempt to do anything
> more than listen to a Dell tech's instructions.

Do you see any Dell Tech instructions in these?

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

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

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

    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

   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.

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

   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.

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

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

   I have to scream into the microphone

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#657

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:40

59 lines
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--------------------
kony wrote:
>Class_Action wrote:
> kony wrote:
>> >
>> > It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> > "Dell low mic volume problem".
>>
>> Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?
>>
>>    if this mic is more than 6 or 8 inches from my mouth
>>    at normal speaking levels, it barely picks up my voice.
>>
>>    the mic does not pick up my voice unless I put it
>>    right up on my mouth.
>
>This is why you don't have a working system, because you
>simply ignore everything and just repeat same thing over and
>over. 

What's ignored?
What's repeated over and over?

--------------------
kony wrote:
>Class_Action wrote:
> kony wrote:
>> >
>> > It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> > "Dell low mic volume problem".
>>
>> Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?
>>
>>    I have to yell into my Dell provided microphone for anyone to hear
>>    me
>
> Then maybe you should fix the problem, then you wont have to
> do that.  Restore system to a known state and check the
> things I'd written but you snipped out.

Fix what problem when you don't see the problem?

Do you see the problem CLEARLY now?

--------------------
kony wrote:
>Class_Action wrote:
> kony wrote:
>> >
>> > It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>> > "Dell low mic volume problem".
>>
>> Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?
>>
>>   I have to scream into the microphone
>
> You don't say?

Shove it up your asshole?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#658

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:41

25 lines
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kony wrote:
>
> Class_Action wrote:
>>
>> kony  wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> > You have no idea what in the world you're talking about.
>>>> >
>>>> > Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>>>> > time.
>>>>
>>>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>>>
>>> Rather, there is a "Windows users don't know how to adjust windows
>>> settings, including MIC volume, problem."
>>
>> If the problem is Windows settings adjustment, why then Dell Techs
>> advise these?
>>
>>   Dell tech support insisted I reformat my hard disk and reinstall
>>   everything.
>
> and did you?

Reformat hard disk to adjust Windows settings?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#659

Author: Class_Action
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:42

38 lines
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kony wrote:
>
> Class_Action wrote:
>>
>> kony  wrote:
>>>
>>>> > Dell has used MANY different platforms in that period of
>>>> > time.
>>>>
>>>> So?  Is that the cause of low mic volume problem?
>>>
>>> It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
>>> "Dell low mic volume problem".  Rather, there is a "Windows
>>> users don't know how to adjust windows settings, including
>>> MIC volume, problem."
>>
>> How about an O/S incompatibility or conflict?
>>
>>   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.
>
> How about it?
> Did you do any research on this?
> If that is true, it would not be a "Dell specific" issue, it
> would effect all users of same sound card (which is not Dell
> proprietary to this extent) with same driver and OS.

It's Dell who said there's OS/soundcard incompatibility.  Yet Dell
ships out systems with known incompatibility *without* fixes!

Would that incompatibility be fixed by PC Restore?

>
> <snip rest of garbage>
>

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#660

Author: Bob Levine
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 23:17

7 lines
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Class_Action wrote:

<Drivel Snipped>

Congrats...You know how to copy and paste. I'm very impressed.

Bob

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#661

Author: kony
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:15

20 lines
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 14:39:24 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> No, I see you only repeating the same thing over and over
>> again and not making any reasonable attempt to do anything
>> more than listen to a Dell tech's instructions.
>
>Do you see any Dell Tech instructions in these?

Do you see that everything you write is only evidence that
instead of following their instructions you're just wasting
time repeating same thing over and over again?

>   I have to scream into the microphone

Maybe you sounded like a broken record so it just started
ignoring you?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#662

Author: kony
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:16

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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 14:41:15 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>>>   Dell tech support insisted I reformat my hard disk and reinstall
>>>   everything.
>>
>> and did you?
>
>Reformat hard disk to adjust Windows settings?

Are you stupid?

The question was pretty easy to understand.

You have no desire to fix any problem, you're just trolling.

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#663

Author: kony
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:20

21 lines
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 14:42:23 -0700, Class_Action
<classactionlaw1@yahoo.com> wrote:

>It's Dell who said there's OS/soundcard incompatibility.  

They made a passing remark, because it was less offensive
than telling you that the system needs wiped to return it
to the state it was in before you came in contact with it.

>Yet Dell ships out systems with known incompatibility *without* fixes!

No, that is your illogical conclusion.

>Would that incompatibility be fixed by PC Restore?

You mean the one that may not exist except inside your
imagination?

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#664

Author: Class_Action
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 03:42

55 lines
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kony wrote:
>
> Class_Action wrote:
> >
> > kony wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > It is clearly an indication that there is no such thing as a
> > > > > "Dell low mic volume problem".
> > > >
> > > > Don't you see these as the low mic volume problem?
> > > >
> > > >    I have to yell into my Dell provided microphone
> > > >    Only when I shout really hard I get a fuzzy little noise recorded
> > > >    I don't want to -eat- this microphone!!!!
> > > >    I had to practically put the mic in my mouth.
> > > >    the volume is so low that you have to scream.
> > > >    Do you know a way to record an outgoing message without "eating"
> > > >    the microphone?
> > > >    I have to scream into the microphone
> > > 
> > > No, I see you only repeating the same thing over and over
> > > again and not making any reasonable attempt to do anything
> > > more than listen to a Dell tech's instructions.
> >
> > Do you see any Dell Tech instructions in these?
> >
> >   I have to yell into my Dell provided microphone
> >   Only when I shout really hard I get a fuzzy little noise recorded
> >   I don't want to -eat- this microphone!!!!
> >   I had to practically put the mic in my mouth.
> >   the volume is so low that you have to scream.
> >   Do you know a way to record an outgoing message without "eating"
> >   the microphone?
> >   I have to scream into the microphone
>
> Do you see that everything you write is only evidence that
> instead of following their instructions you're just wasting
> time repeating same thing over and over again?

Do you see any instructions in these?

    I have to yell into my Dell provided microphone

    Only when I shout really hard I get a fuzzy little noise recorded

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

    I had to practically put the mic in my mouth.

    the volume is so low that you have to scream.

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

    I have to scream into the microphone

Re: Dell's Sorry History of Microphone/Soundcard Issue (Update)

#665

Author: Class_Action
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 03:49

409 lines
17808 bytes

Another one, kony?
Really proud of you, kony!

kony wrote:

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