X40 built in microphone and problems with other microphones

[louise]

In an attempt to use voice recognition software, I discovered that my X40 has a built in microphone.

How does one turn off this built in microphone?

I want to be able to use a microphone plugged directly in the mic in jack.

I also want to be able to use a USB pod or USB microphone. These essentially create another soundcard via usb.

I didn't know the X40 had a built in microphone and it's been an interesting evening

When I tried to make these things happen I had all kinds of problems. It seems that the built in microphone didn't shut off, I ended up with screeching feedback at one point. At another point I couldn't get control panel/sound to provide the microphone setting option. At another point I couldn't raise the volume of the microphone.

Please help.

Thanks.

Louise

[malone]

Louise,

I don't believe there's a way to really-really turn off the built-in microphone, but if you just want to mute it, you could try the following:

1. double-click the volume icon in your system taskbar (looks like a speaker, beside the time at the bottom right of the screen)
2. click "Options" -> "Properties"
3. under "Show the following volume controls", make sure "Microphone" is checked, and click "OK" when done
4. click "Mute" under "Microphone" (should be to the very bottom right of the Volume Control window)

If you use a microphone plugged in directly to the microphone jack, it will automatically disable the built-in microphone. Just make sure you don't place the microphone too close to your speakers, or you'll get the same feedback you got with the built-in microphone.

One more thing you might want to try is diabling the gain control if it's enabled. To do that:

1. follow steps 1 thru 3 from above
2. click "Options", and make sure "Advanced Controls" is checked
3. click "Advanced" under "Microphone", and make sure "MIC Boost" is disabled.