Subj:  Re: Contest voice blaster problem
Date:  Thu, Jan 26, 1995 6:42 AM CDT
From:  wb2k@ritz.mordor.com
Sender: owner-cq-contest@tgv.com
Reply-to: wb2k@ritz.mordor.com
To: barry@w2up.wells.com, cq-contest@tgv.com

>Hi all - Several months ago I bought the Contest voice blaster software
>(V2.0) and finally got around to building the interface. I have a couple
>of strange problems:
snip
>2. more importantly, when I record a message the audio level is almost
>non-existent. When I record using a VOC editor, and then bring the voice
>file into CVB, it works fine.
>I am using a Gateway computer with 16 bit sound card (made by Aztech),
>and speaking with Tim, K3LR, this is where he thinks the problem lies.
>Wonder if anyone else is running CVB with a Gateway computer, or has
>anyone else had similar problems?
>Tnx/Barry
>

Although I can't speak with regard to first-hand experience on Aztech sound
cards or Gateway computers, I've helped many folks with Sound blaster
problems and the level settings can be a bit tricky. Sound cards come with
default level settings internally, and they are often too low for most
folks. To remedy this problem you need to run a utility (SB16SET.EXE or
SB16MIX.EXE) under DOS, or click on the MIXER icon under windows. Use these
utilities to set the various input and output levels, AND (very important)
to set the amplication gain (x2, x3 etc). Many folks overlook the
amplification gain since it's usually tucked in the lower right had corner.
It has a dramatic effect. If you're in windows don't forget to use the pull
down menu in the mixer for "Save Settings on Exit". If you're in DOS,
you'll need to do this every time you boot, or insert the appropriate
SB16SET command line parameters in your AUTOEXEC.BAT (see you sound card
manual for syntax). With a few minutes of tinkering, you can set the levels
to your liking, and have them stay that way in both DOS and Windows.
You'll also enjoy the added pleasure of not having to reach around the back
of the PC to twiddle the volume knob anymore.
73, John - WB2K
------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Ross, IV  - WB2K / VE2TJA [Zone 2]  (wb2k@ritz.mordor.com)
Bell Atlantic Business Systems Services