Microphone mute not really muting the microphone

[noworrries]

I read something about this some time ago, but could not find the right searchwords to find the topic again, so I do not know if there had been a conclusion on this, pls forgive if there was and then pls guide me to the right thread.

My question is, if the thing described below is normal behaviour for all PCs or Windows specific or just something the Lenovo PCs or T60s show.

The mute checkbox for the microphone in the windows XP Master Control for Volumes is on, I cannot hear the mic input on the speakers, but any programm still is able record/use the microphone signals. ( I tried with Skype and Voice Recorder)

This is how I imagine it is working

Code: Select all

°°: Microphone signals
/   :where mute checkbox acts
--  :cable without signal

muted Microphone:
                   °°°°°°°°°°°°Skype, soundrecorder
                   °
            _______°__________
           I       °          I
           I       °          I
Mic °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°/ ---I------ Speakers
           I                  I
           I _________________I
                     Soundcard



unmuted Microphone:
                   °°°°°°°°°°°°Skype, soundrecorder
                   °
            _______°__________
           I       °          I
           I       °          I
Mic °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°/ °°°°°°°Speakers
           I                  I
           I _________________I
                     Soundcard

I believe that this is unexpected behaviour and as such could be a security risk for some business environments (muted microphone but still a programm can record / transmits everything said in the room)

Can someone check it out on other PCs and let me know if it is a generic behaviour of all.
Someone who has more insight into such things: Is it possible that this is a driver issue?

Thanks


noworrries

[Talon88]

:::

Yes, it mute the speaker only.
you need to un-check the "Mic" or pick other
source at input page.

:::

[pianowizard]

Just slide the microphone's gain/volume control all the way down.

[noworrries]

Thanks for the answers, finally got the picture... completely ignored the fact that there is a recording control and not only the master volume...


noworrries