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    Inspiron 9400 / E1705 serious audio issue

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by mark_h, Mar 9, 2006.

  1. mark_h

    mark_h Newbie

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    Hi guys - just bought a 9400 - really pleased with it apart from one shocker - No Mixer option on the recording control application.

    I bought the laptop to record music etc I compose midi and send it through its internal card, as per the norm with all other PC's laptops I have come accross - however, this laptop only lists mic and line in.

    I have logged the call with dell - uk customer - do we get 21 days send back??? Time to dig out the contract.
    Any advise greatly received - great resouce guys!!
    Regds Mark.
     
    mark_h, Mar 9, 2006
    #1
  2. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    You are correct. The 9400 only has a microphone port, no built in microphone. I would look at maybe some free or paid recording software.

    Yes, you have 21 days from i believe shipment date to return it. There are details of that on Dell's website.
     
    Amber, Mar 10, 2006
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  3. Blues

    Blues Notebook Enthusiast

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    Talking about audio with the dell 9400, can put put the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook card on it?
     
    Blues, Mar 10, 2006
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  4. USAFdude02

    USAFdude02 NBR Reviewer & Deity NBR Reviewer

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    You should be able to use that card in the 9400. Looks like it is just PCMIA.
     
    USAFdude02, Mar 10, 2006
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  5. diverdown

    diverdown Newbie

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    The 9400 does not have a PCMCIA slot, it has the express card slot. Some users have been using the external coundblaster device.

    ~S
     
    diverdown, Mar 10, 2006
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  6. USAFdude02

    USAFdude02 NBR Reviewer & Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Withdraw my previous statement. LOL :)
     
    USAFdude02, Mar 10, 2006
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  7. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    but you can still use the USB Sound blaster... they are better than the PCMCIA card, but you won't have the mobility of the PCMCIA card. They do have a small USB Sound Blaster that I've been looking at, and it is suppose to be portable.

    its going to be hard to remember that the 9400 doesn't have a PCMCIA slot.
     
    Amber, Mar 10, 2006
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  8. Blues

    Blues Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got the Sound blaster USB is like 50 bucks, i just wanted to upgrade the sound blaster to a better audio. I guess i can't.
     
    Blues, Mar 11, 2006
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  9. mark_h

    mark_h Newbie

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    Cheers for the advise and feedback - Yeah, it looks like a usb soundcard is going to be the way, its just convenient to use the on board one from time to time. DELL have been supportive, they checked out the forum and as it has been raised there they now dont think i'm crazy and are hopefully going to release an updated driver, talk of labs etc etc.. however as Southergirl points out without the internal mic they may not be able to offer the mix function. Anyway, they have indicated a progress e-mail by Tuesday GMT, so hopefully the driver people will put a bit of effort in and get some more options on the card.
     
    mark_h, Mar 13, 2006
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  10. H-O-D

    H-O-D Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was thinking about getting a 9400 but now I wont since Ill be using it to record music also. Thx for the advice.
     
    H-O-D, Mar 13, 2006
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  11. mark_h

    mark_h Newbie

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    Dell have offered no further support - offered the option of me buying the creative usb external card - at my cost - thanx a bunch.

    H-O-D - As an aside - its a cracking machine - fast and very quiet and other laptops out there seem to be more expensive, so weigh it up.
     
    mark_h, Mar 20, 2006
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