Chak, skype question

[millring]

Hey, when we skyped did you have a preamp on your mic?

I've tried to set myself up to skype (now that I have a new computer and a DSL hook-up) but the sound that I can get from my mic is so faint that it doesn't register on the skype test.

Odd, because, for all there was about my old computer set-up, at least THAT wasn't a problem.

[chak]

I thought we did Paltalk no?

Anyway, no preamp on mic needed. I just used whatever plugged into the back of the PC. I had a couple of skype conversations with Pauline with that setup and it worked fine. If you're using Windows, bring up the Volume control and make sure that's cranked up.

I have upgraded (sort of) my computer setup; using a laptop now and DSL so haven't tried skype or anything like that since.

Hey, you wanna have another go at this online thing again? Nobody seems to be interested based on my posts but maybe we can drum up some excitement?

Chak
p/s BTW, thanks for the mando sampler - been enjoying that tremendously, especially the "Parrot song" even though it's not quite mando!

[millring]

I want to do it because I know how much fun it can be.

And now that I won't have the delay caused by a dial-up connection, I'm set to go. But I have tried EVERYTHING to get the volume up on my mic. I have called up every volume control on my whole computer and cannot get any volume from the mic. Again, this puzzles me because it wasn't a problem on my old computer.

A friend told me that I could probably go from the back of my Crate amp (with proper jack accessories to size it from one to the other) into the computer.

I would think that paltalk or skype would EASILY trump chat around here.

In fact, I would love it if everyone would download one or the other and we could have weekly concerts, weekly song circles...

...in fact, I've always wondered (somewhat) at the point of even having a "Songwriting" forum without skype or paltalk being integrated into it.

Did I mention that I woke up grumpy today?

[chak]

Hmm, I always figured you for one of the more cerebral dwarfs like Doc........ never mind.....

I'm with you on the whole concept. I think if we (i.e. you and I) can get something started, the rest can jump in; y'know, if you build it, they will come........

So..... I just downloaded Skype and tested it. It works OK for me EXCEPT the mic volume is pretty low. I can hear myself OK on the recording playback but it is softer than the computerized voice. BUT it is usable. I think the whole preamping idea COULD work but I would suggest going into the "line in" on your PC as opposed to the "mic in".

Speaking of which, is your PC mic plugged into the right port - had to ask.....

[millring]

Yeah, I plugged into the mic jack, but I can try the line-in in the back and see if it makes any diff.

Does PalTalk have more natural volume when you test it as you have them both?

'Cause I have no problem downloading PalTalk if it works better.

And I think the future of more people giving it a try would be much better if NOBODY needed to amp or preamp their mics to participate. I doubt that everyone could do it if it required everyone having an amp.

[chak]

Agreed on the ease of use factor.

This laptop of mine doesn't have Paltalk. Let me download that and get back to you....... stay tuned............

[millring]

I'll check back in later. I've gotta go make some pots. Maybe by tomorrow evening we could do some tests.

[chak]

OK, downloaded and installed Paltalk - dang I love DSL.

Can't see where I can test mic volume and such though.....

BTW, I'm "chak2" on Paltalk and "chak" on Skype - yeah I know, creative me.

Tomorrow evening would work for me but it MAY be late for you. I should be open after 7 or 8 pm my time which is 9 or 10 for you.

[millring]

late is good.

[majorminor]

John - only input I have is to make sure your mic input - or any other part of your mixer you want enabled for that matter - isn't muted. Don't know what hardware and software you have but if you can play a music on a CD etc then you know you have a working soundcard. You can usually access your audio driver(the software that drives your audio) through the Control Panel, or often there is a small speaker icon in one of the tool bar strips at the top or bottom of your screen. Single click that icon and you usually get just volume and mute for audio that is playing. Double click and - usually - an expanded mixer section comes up wherein you can adjust levels and/or mute all things related to your sound card: line level in, mic input, playback volume, stereo pan, etc. If you've gotten to that point and it's still a no go try and verify your mic works properly by plugging it in to some other recording source.

[Cribbs]

Hey, I have skype! We need to all get together one evening and chat, or webcam. Anyone else have a webcam?

I am thinking of carrying mine to the Florida Jam so everyone can log on and check it out.

[SteveO]

Yes, But I'm still trying to figure how to hook it all up
I'm not the Brightest Lap PC'r

[iamjohnne]

I have Skype.

[billhammond]

iamjohnne said:

I have Skype.

Have you tried penicillin?

[iamjohnne]

I have Skype.
Have you tried penicillin?


Smart Ass.

[millring]

Chak and I just talked for a half hour. I did a sound test with guitar and it came through. We noted that it seems to work best if you have headphones on, but that's only because there is some delay. Because of the delay, if you don't wear headphones, everyone hears an echo through your computer.

I don't know how many are allowed in a room. With Paltalk it's nearly unlimited, so we may do well to check out paltalk before we decide on one to use on a semi-permanent basis.

Paltalk can supply us with a room that we can name -- we can call it the Soundhole Cafe Listening Room or some such -- and we can all find it easily that way.

Both Skype and PalTalk have the capability of type-chatting while others are talking. Given that capability, we can easily make in a more permanent chat room with sound capability.

[iamjohnne]

How do we know which room to go in?

[chak]

johnne and everyone,
As John stated, he and I got Skype up and running and I think this thing will work great. My Skype username is "chak" and John's is "John Bauman".

I can see us doing this a couple of ways and please chime in with your ideas. We can start by setting up a mutually agreed upon time where one of us gets things started and conferences others in once we have all interested participants' usernames. The drawback with Skype is I think the conference call is limited to 4 or 5 folks only and if this things gets going, which I suspect it will, some people are going to be left out - no good.

In the meantime, I snooped over at Paltalk and set up a chat room called "The Soundhole Cafe Listening Room" per John's suggestion. Since I created it, unfortunately I'm the only admin that can open the room for use. As we gain momentum, I DO NOT want to be the only one with the keys to the room (so to speak), so we need to have some other folks sign up to be willing to "open the room". I don't know if we can keep a room open indefinitely and not sure if that's the best thing either.

Chak

[Cribbs]

My skype is "Cribbs643"

I will download Paltalk.

[chak]

Cribbs - got your username added to my list!