Ion LP2 flash record player - no sound

I've checked the links and installed the downloaded EXE file, which has added the Realtek HD Audio Manager onto my system with an Orange icon on the bottom right of my computer screen.

However, for some reason, I am still not getting any sound (other than the Surface sound from the turntable itself).

I am beginning to think there must be something wrong with my record player, or if not, what do I now need to do in order for the sound from my records to play through my computer's loudspeakers?

I have a pair of Logitech speakers, which work fine with Youtube files, Windows Media Player, Real Player, etc, so the source of the Sound problem can't lie with the Speakers, but I am just totally intrigued as to why I can't get any sound from my record player through these speakers.

In the Realtek menu, I have 5 sub-menus:

Sound Manager
Audio Devices
System Sound Events
Windows Media Player
Volume Control
Sound Recorder

I shall eventually get Audacity up and running (the program I've chosen to filter scratches, if or hopefully when I can get sound from my machine), which is hopefully easy to set up, but as far as I know, this is not needed in order to just Play records.

In "Audio Devices", I have:

PLAYBACK
Speakers - Realtek High Definition Audio Working (ticked);
Realtek Digital Output - Realtek High Definition Audio Working

RECORDING
Microphone - Realtek High Definition Audio Not plugged in
Line In - - Realtek High Definition Audio Not plugged in
CD Audio - Realtek High Definition Audio Disabled
Stereo Mix - Realtek High Definition Audio Disabled

SOUNDS
No Sounds
Windows Default
Windows Default (modified) (modified) (this option is activated)

SYSTEM SOUND EVENTS
Same as "SOUNDS"

VOLUME CONTROL

Speakers, Windows Sounds and Plugin Container for Firefox - All working on full level

Strangely though, a fourth option has appeared then disappeared again "Name not available". I clicked off the Volume Control then back on it, and it's vanished. When it was there, it was muted.

When playing files on Youtube, only the Speakers menu (first column) is activated.

When not playing files on Youtube, the Firefox Plug in is not listed in the Volume Mixer menu. Not sure why this disappears when Youtube is not running or especially why the "Name not available" Volume control option has remained vanished.

If I've understood you correctly, you said I could install the Realtek EXE file from Dropbox.com or Foxconn, but upon checking Foxconn, there are several "G33" drivers and I'm unsure which one I'd need to install.

For some reason, even the Realtek driver hasn't enabled any sound. Very puzzling.

Shall I start from scratch by deleting the Realtek program then install the Foxconn driver you think is best?

From the data you posted, it would seem you have the Realtek drivers installed now. Let's move to the next step: seeing if the turntable's USB connection is detected.

(not sure if the turntable as a USB device might be related to "Name not available" or not)

1. Since you say the turntable spins
> I assume you have the turntable plugged in with its own AC cord?
> I assume the turntable is turned on?

2. Is the turntable's USB cable plugged directly into a USB port on the computer? (or are you also using any external USB hubs?)

3. Open Device Manager. (Rt click Computer->Manage->Device Manager). With AC connected and turntable powered on, plug into the USB port and unplug it
> Do you hear the Windows device connect/disconnect sounds as plug/unplug the USB cable?
> In Device Manager, do you see any new device appear or disappear under either the Sound or Universal Serial Bus Controller categories?

Click on the thumbnail to see the full view of example of Device Manager and the 2 categories

Still persevering, but still no sound

The Realtek HD Audio Manager is now installed which comprises:

Sound Manager
Audio Devices
System Sound Events
Windows Media Player
Volume Control
Sound Recorder

http://img225.imageshack.us/i/generalp.jpg/

I've compared the contents from the above link with the contents in my own Device Manager directory which are virtually identical with a small number of contents not on yours that are on mine and vice versa.

In the ION "LP2 Flash" record player manual it states "The LP2FLASH does not support USB hubs".

Is this why I'm getting no sound?

However, it's very strange it says the LP2Flash does Not support USB hubs, given that it's a USB lead that connects the record player to my computer.

I've not seen "Name not available" show up since, so I don't know what that is or why it appears then disappears.

1. Since you say the turntable spins

> I assume you have the turntable plugged in with its own AC cord? -
I think so

> I assume the turntable is turned on? -
Yes

What does the AC cord look like?

2. Is the turntable's USB cable plugged directly into a USB port on the computer? (or are you also using any external USB hubs?) -
The USB cable is plugged directly into a USB port at the back of my computer tower with other USB and jack sockets

When you say “are you also using any external USB hubs”, what are these?

3. Open Device Manager. (Rt click Computer->Manage->Device Manager). With AC connected and turntable powered on, plug into the USB port and unplug it

> Do you hear the Windows device connect/disconnect sounds as plug/unplug the USB cable? -
Yes. It sounded 4 times when plugging the cable in then twice when unplugging the cable (both times with the record player switched on)

> In Device Manager, do you see any new device appear or disappear under either the Sound or Universal Serial Bus Controller categories? –

The extra devices are identical in name and number to before I installed the Realtek HD Audio Manager, as follows:

“Human Interface Devices” - 1 HID-compliant consumer control device; 1 USB Human Interface Device
“Sound, Video and Game Controllers” - 1 High Definition Audio Device; 1 USB Audio CODEC
“Universal Serial Bus Controllers” - 1 USB Compositive Device
NB: Unplugged – 8th USB Root Hub is highlighted blue; Plugged – 1st USB Composite Device is highlighted blue

Two new sections have appeared since installing the Realtek HD Audio Manager:

IEEE 1284.4 Compatible Printer
Imaging Devices

NO SOUND MOVEMENT ON ANY GRAPHIC EQUALIZERS

USB Lead is connected between the record player and the computer, and the record player lead is plugged into a plug socket, but still no sound

Volume Mixer
Speakers
Windows Sounds

Playback
Speakers - Realtek High Definition Audio - Working (ticked)
Realtek Digital Output - Realtek High Definiition Audio - Working

Recording
Microphone - Working
Microphone - Realtek High Definition Audio - Not plugged in
Line In - Realtek High Definition Audio - Not plugged in
CD Audio- Realtek High Definition Audio - Disabled
Stereo Mix - Realtek High Definition Audio - Disabled

Sounds
Windows Default (modified) (modified) – Selected

Should I change the setting from the above to “Windows Default (modified)”?

General Info

ION wants you to connect the turntable directly to a USB port on the computer (and not through an external USB hub - if you had bought one). Hubs allow you to expand the number of USB ports on the computer

The AC cord is the power cord that plugs into your wall outlet

Next Steps

As you saw, several USB devices appear when the turntable is connected (which is good)

Here's some Control Panel->Sound snapshots on a Windows 7 machine with a USB headset (you should be seeing something similar i think).
=> Note the "green tick marks" indicates the default device
=> You can change it by selecting a device then clicking the Set Default button

Playback Tab
==> You want the Realtek speakers to be your Default Device
/* Start new edit */ From your last post, sounds as tho this is how your Playback device is currently set */ End of edit */

Recording Tab
==> You want the USB Microphone to be your Default Recording Device (it might be listed as your USB Audio Codec Recording device, or similar)

If still problematic, on Recording tab, select the USB Microphone, then click the Properties button, then the Advanced tab, uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control", click OK

Dxdiag Report
=> Finally, if still a problem, please generate and attach a dxdiag report. Click the Windows Start button on lower screen left corner

=> Type dxdiag into the search box
=> Click on dxdiag that appears at top to run the program (it may ask, we don't care, if it checks digital signatures)
=> Notice the progress bar in lower left of dxdiag window. When done, click Save Information.

Save it to a text file on your Desktop. Use the TechSpot paperclip icon to attach the file to your next post

Update - Still no sound

Thanks again for your efforts.

I've connected the turntable directly to a USB port on my computer (from your description, I have no hubs) and the AC cord is connected to the socket.

Observing your Sound snapshots, mine are almost identical on Windows Vista.

Playback Tab
There are two options on my computer - "Speakers" and "Realtek Digital Output". I have mine on "Speakers", as in your diagram.

Recording Tab
I was unable to change Any setting to Default, so had to right click on USB Microphone, "Properties" and "Advanced" where I unticked "Allow applications to take exclusive control".

Dxdiag Report
I wasn't sure whether to tick "No" or "Yes" to the question. I clicked on "Yes", then exited the option, then returned to it, when it prevented me from ticking "No", but either way, I typed in "dxdiag", saved the information to my Desktop and attach the paperclip as requested.

It's very puzzling how I still can't get any sound beyond the turntable's resonance sound. My loudspeakers will play Youtube, Windows Media Player and anything else fine, but not my records.

This DXDiag file is the updated version

I can't find a way to delete the original DXDiag file or to add the updated version in my main reply.

The one timed at 15:05 (35.5 KB) is the updated version. Please ignore the one with my main reply.

Well, your latest dxdiag report confirms you now have
1) Realtek installed ok
2) Realtek speakers set as your default playback device and
3) USB Audio Codec microphone is set as the default recording device

So all that looks good. (i'd guess Windows didn't give you the option to select USB Audio Codec as default since it's the ONLY working microphone option so it's default by default )

So not really sure why still the problem . Do you also have the software installed yet (i don't know if it may also be needed to hear the microphone playback). I did find this Guide about using/troubleshooting Audacity with USB turntables if it might also help

Otherwise, only other things i can think to try and do (don't know if it will make the difference or not)
1. Try reinstalling the chipset drivers on the Foxconn site. The download is under System & Chipset Drivers. Download and open the zip file. Run the Setup file

2. You can try reinstalling the Microphone USB Audio Codec driver. Find it listed in Device Manager, rt click select Uninstall. Then rt click on anything in Device Manager and select Scan for Hardware Changes, the USB Audio Codec device should reinstall

Separately, from your ION issue.. i noticed the driver for the Onboard network card isn't installed? You must have a wireless card or an addon network card then??? Should you want to also use the onboard network card (i.e. the one that comes on your Foxconn motherboard), you'll find the drivers on Foxconn under On-Board LAN Drivers

Sorry for the long delay. While I'm still very busy, I want to resolve the mute sound issue asap, as I'm very keen to digitize my record collection with the ION recordplayer. It looks good and I'm sure isn't faulty, but I just can't work out why there is no sound.

Many thanks for your assistance to date.

I feel as though trying to find the source of the lack of sound will be never ending, having tried several options and still no sound, but there must be a solution.

I'm trying anything possible including your suggestions so the sound can hopefully soon be activated, but not expecting anything extra, I've gone back to functions I've tried before and found extra sections:

If I may, I'd prefer to only reinstall anything as a last resort in case I struggle to reinstall anything I've deleted, but going through your reply, it generally sounds promising that I have what I need installed.

I'm not sure how to determine if Windows has the option for me to select USB Audio Codec as default or if I have the software installed that you're referring to.

How and where do I determine if it's installed?

The using/troubleshooting Audacity with USB turntables guide is very useful. I shall read this right the way through shortly.

Also, how do I find the Onboard network card or an add on network card?

I'm not well up on what I have or where to find it.

I'm not sure what the Onboard network card does, but if you think I need this, I'll visit the Foxconn web site next time around.

At present I have Windows Vista, but so I can get the record player and Audacity up and running asap, I think I'll upgrade to WIndows 7 next year, in case all settings are lost when I switch operating systems.

I've since tried my recordplayer and found there are more options when the USB lead is connected, as follows, but unfortunately, I am still not getting any sound and can't understand why:

In Audacity, there are these options -

*Playback*
Microsoft Sound Mapper - Output
Speakers (Realtek High Definition)
Realtek Digital Output (Realtek)
Speakers (USB Audio Codec)

*Recording*
Microsoft Sound Mapper - Input
Microphone (USB Audio Codec)

In turn, I tried the last 3 Playback options in conjunction with Microphone (USB Audio Codec), as the Wiki guide said that "Sound Mapper" is the wrong mode, but all to no avail.

Likewise to when I ticked "Software Playthrough".

Please read at your own leisure, as I've listed a fair amount, to try to get to the bottom of the lack of sound dilemma:

In "Sounds" -

Playback - Speakers - Properties -
Levels - Realtek HD Audio output and PC Beep are 100, while CD Audio, Microphone and Front Pink In are 0; There is option to Balance them but I've not changed any settings
Enhancements - Nothing is ticked and "Setting" is None
Advanced - Set to 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality);
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" are ticked;
I clicked on the "Test" button and the sound is working, just not for the record player

Playback - Realtek Digital Output - Properties -
Supported Formats - Encoded formats - "Dolby Digital" is already ticked, but I haven't ticked any others;
Sample Rates - 48.0 kHz is ticked

I'd rather leave options as they're ticked or unticked, unless you know for sure that any are set incorrectly

Levels - Realtek Digital Output - 100 - There is the option to Balance this too, but again, I've left the settings unchanged
Enhancements - Nothing is ticked and "Setting" is None
Advanced - 2 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)
I clicked on "Test" and nothing happened
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" are ticked

Recording - Microphone - Realtek High Definition Audio - Not plugged in - Properties -
Levels - Microphone - 6
Microphone Boost - 0.0 dB
Enhancements - "DC Offset Cancellation" is the only box ticked
Advanced - 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" is not ticked and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" is greyed out

Line In - Properties - Realtek High Definition Audio - Not plugged in - Properties -
Levels - Line In - 22; There is an option to Balance but I've not changed it
Enhancements - "DC Offset Cancellation" is the only option that's ticked
Advanced - 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" are ticked
CD Audio - Realtek High Definition Audio - Disabled -
General - Device usage (unlike in other cases) says "Don't use this device (disable)"
Levels - CD Audio - 22 - There is the option to Balance this but I've not changed anything
Enhancements - "DC Offset Cancellation" is the only ticked option
Advanced - 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" are ticked

Stereo Mix - Realtek High Definition Audio - Disabled - Properties -
General - "Don't use this device (disable)"
Levels - Stereo Mix - 22 - Balance option left unchanged
Enhancements - "DC Offset Cancellation" is the only option ticked
Advanced - 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" are ticked

Volume Mixer -
Device - Speakers and
Applications - Windows Sounds
Both are at full level

http://wiki.audacityteam.org/index.php?title=USB_turntables

In addition to and in conjunction with the above observations and Wiki instructions, I've loaded up Audacity and found the "Audio I/O" preference -

I have Windows Vista and the options are set as follows to:

Microsoft Sound Mapper - Output

* Speakers (Realtek High Definition) and Realtek Digital Output (Realtek) are the other options available

Recording - Device has no options available

Recording - Channels is set to "1 (Mono)"
("2 (Stereo)" and numbers 3 to 16, without a Mono or Stereo reference are also available)

"Play other tracks while recording new one" and "Software Playthrough (Play new track while recording it)" are unticked

Unfortunately, the link in Audacity's software is now broken which gives full instructions on how to use it - I have version 1.2.6, as I prefer to use fully fledged versions, rather than Beta versions

As far as I know, there must be a listing somewhere of the full instructions for using Audacity, as otherwise anyone who hasn't yet installed Audacity or has, but hasn't yet used it, won't be able to use it to its optimum

It's a comprehensive program, so full instructions are essential, especially for less technically minded people like myself

As to "Audacity", the above are Default mode settings, and most likely, "2 (Stereo)" would be best, unless recording specifically Mono tracks and "Software Playthrough" might be worth ticking

Like with the Recordplayer and other computer functions, I always prefer to leave options unchanged though, unless you or I know that certain options need to be changed for things to work or work more efficiently, as if I change anything without knowing how to restore it, some options are simpler to restore than others, I'd be stuck with the options in the wrong mode

I haven't yet established how to Record any records on the ION in conjunction with Audacity, which appears to be the only way to allow sound, according to the Wiki link, unless I've misread it:

"Note you cannot automatically play records through the computer speakers unless you are recording, because the turntable has been designed primarily as a recording turntable. To play records in Audacity without recording, make sure software playthrough is enabled on the Audio I/O tab of Preferences, then click in the right-hand recording VU meter with the microphone symbol, which turns on "monitoring". Click in the meter again if you want to turn monitoring off."

Once the sound is established, which might be to do with one of the above settings, but I'll await your advice first before changing anything, it could take some months for me to perfect how to operate and fully utilize the record player and Audacity in order to Record the records then Filter scratches, but I want to persevere with this, as I'm sure I'll find it very enjoyable transferring my records to CD, once everything's up and running in the ION and Audacity.

I appreciate your effort in the detail you wrote about Sound settings in your last post. But my knowledge is pretty much limited to a handful of settings and a few other things to check and look for that we've already done

So I’m sorry to say at this point I’m pretty much stumped.

At this point,
1. We know you now have the Realtek drivers installed (which is good) and
2. When the USB turntable is connected you should be seeing a USB Audio Codec Microphone appear in Recording devices
> Under Playback, Speakers should be set as default (it will have that small green check mark icon)
> Under Recording, the USB Microphone should be set as default (it also has the small green checkmark). I also saw others post (as you mentioned) about also try setting Microsoft Sound Mapper as default (which it seems you’ve already tried and didn't help )

So I’m sorry I'm stuck. You might also try THIS link for ION Tech support. I also found another guide about Vista setup instructions (with pictures) from ION HERE

Otherwise, the only other very general test you can try, if you can, is test your turntable with someone else’s computer.

Best of luck. (I know how frustrating these computer problems can be!)

p.s. re: my comment about a network card. That's unrelated to your sound problem. And I'm guessing you already have a working network connection on that computer so no need to worry about that detail now

Not to worry. I appreciate the vast effort you've put into trying to resolve this ongoing technical dilemma , which is currently outfoxing both of us.

I'm just very puzzled why this problem is ongoing, but I'll follow your remaining instructions, and if I still get nowhere, I'll contact ION, the manufacturers of their record player, as once everything's up and running, I'm sure I'll have a fantastic time transferring (and filtering scratches with Audacity) my record collection. Hopefully, whenever I upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8, whatever the solution for the sound with Vista will be straightforward with that operating system.

Microsoft ought to enable Any program to automatically work, at least with minimal workings so full workings can be added as required. I'm sure I must be one of many customers who's encountered no sound in equipment.

Meanwhile, I will check your points and also follow the instructions in the links you've given me shortly. I feel sure it's just a matter of time before the sound is enabled, it's just trying to determine what it is that's holding the sound back.

Thank you. I'll let you know when the sound starts to work, fingers crossed later this week.

I've followed your instructions, but am still not getting any sound.

Before I follow the links you gave me, very likely contacting ION in the end, a green tick has appeared in the "Playback" and "Recording" sections, but can I confirm if it's the USB Audio Codec that is meant to be listed as activated in the "Recording" section?

As well as the above, I have the USB Microphone set as default, and in "Playback", it's the Realtek High Definition Audio speakers that are set as default.

Can you please advise of the following asap?

A green tick has appeared in the "Playback" and "Recording" sections, but is it the "USB Audio Codec" that is meant to be listed as activated in the "Recording" section?

I have the USB Microphone set as default, and in "Playback", it's the Realtek High Definition Audio speakers that are set as default.

The USB Mic for your ION turntable will only be displayed when the ION is both powered on AND the turntable's USB cable is plugged into the computer USB port

To confirm the Recording device for the ION, try this
> Open the Sound Control Panel and look at the Recording devices
> Watch for the device that appears/disappears as you plug/unplug the ION USB cable

That will be the ION's USB recording mic. That's the one which should have the green tick when the ION is connected

Later than planned, as I'm very busy and am unsuccessfully trying to juggle everything at once, I've followed your instructions.

The green microphone tick appears, both when I've connected the USB cable and after I've switched on the record desk, but sadly still no sound.

I'm going to have to contact ION directly. It's ridiculous and frustrating that record players don't automatically work when plugged in to computers (years ago, devices always worked when you connected them to hi-fis, for instance), but hopefully I'll have this sorted, once and for all, before the month is up. I'd like to think I can have it up and running before July, and before the end of the summer!

It's me again

I've tried numerous things, both what you've recommended and my own attempts, still getting nowhere.

I have re-read things a few times, including the Audacity instructions in conjunction with the turntable and found that, in Audacity, "Edit" - "Preferences", the Recording Device is completely blank.

This might have some impact.

Likewise to the Microphone section on the right - It's greyed in.

I can't understand why nothing's happening. I've tried both with and without the USB lead plugged in.

All the Playback devices are working, but in the Recording devices, only the USB Audio Codec Microphone is working, the others are disabled or not plugged in.

The ION record player is the only device I've ever had that won't work as a plug and play. It sounds like Microsoft, not ION, are at fault for this situation.

http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/USB_turntables

I've since found out that the record player won't work just to playback sound, Audacity has to be recording a record, but even then, no matter what I do, absolutely nothing happens to the sound.

The Audacity's Mixer Toolbar settings are greyed in, so I can't adjust any of the settings, of which the Left and Right controls appear to be set to maximum level.

When I clicked on "Record", I get this:

Error

Error while opening sound device. Please check the input device settings and the project sample rate.

In "Interface" - I ticked "Always allow playing", and in "Sound" - "Playback Devices" - "Speakers - USB Audio Codec" the default, which made other sounds (like iPlayer or Youtube etc) silent. It still makes no difference.

There is also an option to update Audio drivers, but I'm finding all this very confusing.

However, the Audacity Project Rate button is set correctly to 44100 Hz.

What am I doing wrong?

I wanted to check this with you first, in case there's something I've missed, but if you don't know a solution or you do and I still can't succeed, I'll contact ION at the end of the week at the very latest, as otherwise this darned machine will never work, which I would have returned to the shop, if I hadn't been given this item as a present, as I've got absolutely nowhere with it.

I had hoped to have it up and running by July, but I've been trying constantly with your excellent instructions and link recommendations and my own personal attempts. Still no sound.

Sorry, but i don't know...

Your next best step might be trying to test it on a different computer. It might be a pain to take it over to a friend's but still easier then all the effort you've expended as it might just be something about your Windows installation that's bad.

In any case, is just a guess after all your testing so far on your own machine. Hope you get it figured out!

Thanks for your help to date. I just wish I knew why I can't get any sound. I've tried endlessly to resolve this, both with your help, the links' guides you quoted (some of their instructions are very clear, while others are totally confusing) and experimenting myself, all to no avail.

Mum has an Apple, so I'll try it on hers and see what happens. I believe she has a few USB sockets on her computer, so I should be able to connect it.

If all else fails, I'll contact Ion by the end of the week. They made the product, so they should know the answer, but I'll try your latest suggestion first, which will at least determine whether it's my computer or not that's causing the lack of sound.

It would be far better if Microsoft had things set up with the full range of drivers (not just minimal drivers) so these machines could be used instantly, eg Plug and Play (like for my printer), which I much prefer, as it saves so much time getting everything set up and guarantees that the devices will work instantly once plugged in.