1 Rookie
•
30 Posts
0
72
April 19th, 2025 09:52
XPS 16 9640 Can't record from line in
XPS 16 9640
I'm trying to use the line in input to record some audio using Audacity but Audacity keeps telling me that the recording device is not recognised. I've tried all combinations of host and recording device in the Audacity audio setup settings and nothing works.
This is particularly infuriating as this laptop replaced a XPS 15 where Audacity just worked.
Details of audio devices on this laptop below, any advice will be much appreciated
Audio
Sound Cards
Intel Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth Audio
Intel Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio
Playback Device
Speakers (SoundWire Speakers)
Recording Device
Microphone Array (6- Cirrus Logic XU)
No Events found!
elverdiblanco
1 Rookie
•
30 Posts
1
April 22nd, 2025 18:40
Well I eventually found the problem. My internet security suite was blocking all apps from using the webcam and microphone. I switched that off and after re-starting the computer Audacity records just fine.
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
•
655 Posts
0
April 19th, 2025 10:15
Hi
Dunno.
I wonder if this is relevant....
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=vwpkk
because it possibly has the Waves MaXXaudio Pro somewhere inside.
ALSO
Dell XPS 1640 Audio Specifications
Speaker System
Quad-speaker design:
2 x 3W main speakers
2 x 2W tweeters
Total peak output: 10W
Studio-quality tuning with Waves MaxxAudio® Pro and Waves Nx® 3D audio
Dolby Atmos software enhancement
Audio Ports
3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, featuring Waves Nx® 3D audio with head tracking
Microphone Dual microphone array, optimized with Waves MaxxVoice for VoIP applications.
So maybe the above is useful, even the link below may lead somewhere helpful.
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pjppgg8tgvg?ocid=webpdpshare
(edited)
elverdiblanco
1 Rookie
•
30 Posts
0
April 20th, 2025 07:29
Thanks for the reply. I visited that link but it said the driver was not compatible with my system. I did install the Waves Maxx application but it looks like that is just for tuning audio playback so it didn't help at all with the lack of ability to record from a line in
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
•
655 Posts
0
April 20th, 2025 12:13
Hi
Prego.
I of course would use Audacity in Linux Mint where perhaps it would perform better/differently.
Initially you need Linux Mint or similar, used as a LIVE environment, that means it runs in RAM and does not install until you request it. It runs a tad slower and perhaps a little lumpier, but nevermind.
https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php …….from a local mirror
Then use Rufus et al to put it on an 8 or 16 GB USB memory stick, which you can then BOOT from.
Also a coupla commands like
inxi -Fxz
lsmod
Will tell you a lot about the machine's innards.
If in doubt please ask.
(edited)
elverdiblanco
1 Rookie
•
30 Posts
0
April 20th, 2025 16:35
@anne_droid Does the Linux Mint live environment include Audacity by default? Might be worth a try if all else fails
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
•
655 Posts
0
April 20th, 2025 17:31
Hi
No. However it is simple to install ....
sudo apt install audacity
[sudo] password for ann_droid:
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree... Done
Reading state information... Done
The following additional packages will be installed:
audacity-data libflac++10 libid3tag0 libopusfile0 libportmidi0
libportsmf0t64 libsbsms10 libsuil-0-0 libvamp-hostsdk3v5
Suggested packages:
ladspa-plugin
The following NEW packages will be installed
audacity audacity-data libflac++10 libid3tag0 libopusfile0 libportmidi0
libportsmf0t64 libsbsms10 libsuil-0-0 libvamp-hostsdk3v5
0 to upgrade, 10 to newly install, 0 to remove and 1 not to upgrade.
Takes but a few keystrokes and the same amount of seconds.
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
If in doubt please ask.