A perplexing problem for a computer dummy.............

[Ray Montee]

In Win-8, I have a voice actuated dictation application. The microphone on my webcam turns on each and every time I attempt to record with Sound Forge and thus, voice over the music being recorded.

Do I have to unplug the video cam each time I want to use Sound Forge?

Or, is there an alternative solution for me. I've searched for other 'corrective measures' but as yet, have been unsuccessful.

[Jack Stoner]

I assume you have a laptop since you talk about a webcam.

I've seen issues with webcam's setting themselves up as the default recording device and if Sound Forge is set up to just use the "default" recording device the webcam will be the recording device.

I'm not sure exactly what you have or what you want to do. Do you have another separate microphone (built in or external) that you want to use?

[Ray Montee]

Thanks Jack........

I have a Dell Desk Top XPS one year old.........

I'm using a HP S2031.........no idea if it has a hidden mike or not.

I've got a Microsoft webcam hung over the top of it.

I've just installed a new updated, Sound Forge Audio Studio or something like that; new on the market.

My computer came with a voice actuated application that is similar to Dragon........

It worked great when I tested it. But now, anytime I activate a sound system, the Microsoft Web Cam comes on makes voice overs on top of my music.

If I uninstall the voice application will it likely disallow me from reinstalling it at a later date? I don't really want to lose it forever.

[Jack Stoner]

Web cam's tend to "take over" the recording.

Go to the Control Panel/Hardware and Sound and finally click on Sound.

In the Sound Panel, click on the Recording Tab and see what is listed in the recording section. The Web Cam has probably installed itself as the default recording device. You should have "System Mixer" or could be called "Stereo Mix" and that should be set as your default recording device.

With the System Mixer (or Stereo Mix) set as the default that will allow you to set that as the default recording device in SoundForge and enable you to record audio from any device, such as streaming from the internet, CD, line in, mic, etc.

I don't know how often you use the web cam, but I would disconnect it (the USB cable) and only connect it when I wanted to use it, if it can't be "tamed" in the Sound/Recording panel.