I have a newer Sony vaio laptop. I'm trying to record line-in to my computer, and pick it up with software such as Nero WaveEditor.

The problem is, my laptop only has one input and one output. The output is a headphone out, and the input is a line in / mic in headphone jack.

My sound card is Realtek HD Audio. I downloaded the latest drivers.

Because it only has one input, Realtek HD audio manager is set up to think that the input is a MIC input. But my signal coming in is from the line out of my stereo deck. So, even if I have my record volume all the way down, and the MIC 20db boost OFF, the signal WAY overpowers what it's designed to handle, resulting in horrible distortion.

Is there a way to make Realtek think that the input is a line-in instead of a mic in? If it did, perhaps it would knock the record level down about 20 more decibels, which would be just about right.

However, I've poked around the Realtek HD audio manager to look for a setting for this, but there is none. So I updated the drivers, and now it has less options than it did before.

http://www.mjohn911.byethost10.com/pictures/realtek.JPG

Does anyone know how to fix this, or maybe know a registry tweak where I can change the input dB? (There is also no setting in the system Bios)

There should be a way to change it. My mom also has realtek on her PC and it has a setting for it that can be changed, but not this one.

Because it only has one input, Realtek HD audio manager is set up to think that the input is a MIC input. But my signal coming in is from the line out of my stereo deck. So, even if I have my record volume all the way down, and the MIC 20db boost OFF, the signal WAY overpowers what it's designed to handle, resulting in horrible distortion.

Is there a way to make Realtek think that the input is a line-in instead of a mic in? If it did, perhaps it would knock the record level down about 20 more decibels, which would be just about right.

However, I've poked around the Realtek HD audio manager to look for a setting for this, but there is none. So I updated the drivers, and now it has less options than it did before.

www.mjohn911.byethost10.com/pictures/realtek.JPG
Does anyone know how to fix this, or maybe know a registry tweak where I can change the input dB? (There is also no setting in the system Bios)

There should be a way to change it. My mom also has realtek on her PC and it has a setting for it that can be changed, but not this one.

oops! Sorry i put it in there twice.

Hi, shots in the dark.

Get into the Windows [not Realtek] audio settings and see if you can tinker with 'preferred device' or 'device properties'.

[really rusty here] There are generally two types of mic [dynamic and moving coil?] If possible try to flipflop mic types.

I think you're right in saying that the signal is too high. If it's expecting a very small signal from a mic and getting a [nominal 1V P-P max] signal from line in, it will be way too high.

Also try the built in Windows sound recorder.

=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

Try an attenuating patch cable. Most electronics stores have them. It reduces the signal from line out to mic in.

No batteries required!