Why does Windows 7 crash when I try to get my Blue Icicle-connected mic to work with Audacity?

Question

So here's what I'm working with:

- a several-year-old laptop running Windows 7
- Audacity, with LAME MP3 encoder plugin
- a Behringer C-1 condenser mic
- a female XLR to male XLR cord, connected to the mic
- a Blue Icicle XLR to USB connector.

Basically, I just want to connect my mic to Audacity so that I can record things onto my computer with it, but I'm having a ridiculous hard time trying to get it to work. When I go into Preferences in Audacity and set my default recording mic to the Behringer, I get that generic error message from Audacity: "Error while opening sound device. Please check the input device settings and the project sample rate." The internet tells me then that I need to go into the Windows Control Panel and fiddle around with "Manage Audio Devices" under "Sound". But, when I go into "Manage Audio Devices" and click the "Recording" tab ... it just freezes completely. Can't click on anything, have to exit out with Task Manager. I've tried unplugging and replugging the mic, and although the "Recording" tab works fine when the mic isn't connected, as soon as I plug it back in the tab freezes back up again.

Does anyone have any idea why it's doing this? The Blue Icicle connector came with a user's manual, but apparently the thing's pretty old, because it only comes with instructions for Win98/XP/Vista.

Answer 1

You are following the correct procedures up to the recording tab/freeze-up, but you may want to contact BLUE anyway for troubleshooting. They have 9-5 hours (Pacific Time) and can be reached by phone at: 818-879-5200

Audio processing, even on Audacity works best without other programs running, so do all the usual (disc clean-up and defrag, then optimize graphics and audio for least taxing settings) and be sure not to have anything else occupying your aging processor. Most home studio setups keep all their stuff on an external drive and dedicate their computer solely to recording whenever possible.

I have heard of glitches with the Blue Icicle, which it may serve you better to upgrade to a better XLR to USB converter like the reliable Shure X2u, or the similar MXL MicMate Pro

Answer 2

Hello ,



I have Windows7 and use a USB Microsoft Web Cam with built-in mic ,, real nice program . Fast and clear . However , the Computer freezes when the Web Cam is not being used after 20 minutes . Tip : When computers starts to act up , freeze , runs into unfixers etc. , I cut to the chase and perform a Complete System Restore and be back online in 6 hours . If the issue persists ... we are stuck and need to replace one of the devices .. perhaps a different Brand . I have not Restored my computer yet . I hope that would fix my ... Web Cam / Computer freeze problem .

Answer 3

Remove the battery and charger/ac adapter/power cord from your HP Pavilion notebook, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to discharge any residual current inside the HP Pavilion notebook. This clears your RAM and is like a hardware reset. Replace the battery and charger/ac adapter/power cord and turn your HP Pavilion notebook on. Boot in "safe mode". As it starts up press F8, the computer ask you if you'd like to start in safe mode. Highlight "safe mode" and press enter. See if your HP Pavilion notebook is booting up ok . If your HP Pavilion notebook boots ok, do the following, Try System Restore first, Start Menu->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore. Choose the most recent date before you the encountered problem. If it doesn't work, try the next date. If System Restore does not fix it, as a last resort, you might need to fdisk, reformat your HP Pavilion notebook hard disk clean and reinstall OS, that usually fixes all bugs. Before going that route, try following, Uninstall unnecessary programs and applications. Scan with a antivirus program Scan with a spyware/malware program DEFRAG C: CHKDSK C: Clean up and repair registry problems with registry repair software of your choice If the problem persists, did you check if it could be your HP Pavilion notebook power cord or power source problem? Defective or insufficient power supply might cause error messages that are misleading. Take the battery out and power on your HP Pavilion notebook with the charger only. Make sure your HP Pavilion notebook power jack and charger plug tip are securely connected. Did you notice the power jack loose? You can find HP Pavilion notebook power jack on ebay. Fixing and soldering the power jack requires professional skill though. The charger green/blue LED should be on. If not, replace the defective charger.Both HP Pavilion notebook battery and charger, especially its power cord/cable, need to be replaced every few years, consider buying a lifetime warranty charger online from company like topmic

Answer 4

fix it then