Re: Audio interface problems

[dwk]

Internally, Dragon uses 22KHz audio.

https://knowbrainer.com/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=12931&highlight_key=y

https://www.knowbrainer.com/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=23599

It's relatively trivial to downsample audio and most audio interfaces likely supply that functionality. I think the problem is that Dragon does not support pro audio interfaces. With my AT2030 plugged into a Scarlett Solo, I have to connect an Andrea soundcard through the direct monitor interface and use that for analog-to-digital conversion. I looked into this in detail at one point, and I can hunt down the links later (maybe this one http://www.knowbrainer.com/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=19608), but basically there's a bit set in the USB protocol for "professional" audio interfaces, and Dragon refuses to use such an interface. It should be easy to create a driver which fakes the device type, but Windows drivers are outside my expertise.

I still use the Scarlett Solo interface because I like to have the option to plug in headphones into the direct monitor, control the volume, and use it for other purposes. Your quickest fix is going to be to buy a Andrea PureAudio USB-MA (or -SA) and chain it with the Behringer UMC204HD. Sorry if my recommendation led to this, I don't normally mention the Scarlett Solo because it's a bit clunky to get to work. BTW, my current setups:

- (large desk mic, needs stand) Audio-Technica AT2020USB (no converter necessary)

- (large desk mic, needs stand) Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) + XLR converter (Blue Icicle ($50), or Scarlett Solo + Andrea PureAudio USB-MA (or -SA))

- (headset) Audio-Technica PRO 8HEX ($80) + XLR converter

- (headset) Shure WH20XLR ($80) + XLR converter [this one is better if you wear glasses]

On Mon, May 6, 2019 at 2:46 AM Justin Hall <wave...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've been unable to get my Shure wh20 xlr to work with DNS, connecting through a Behringer UMC204HD. The setup is working as I've recorded my own voice on the PC.

Some reading on the knowbrainer forum indicated that others have had similar problems and earlier posts said that DNS could manage max 22khz.

Then DWKS recommended the Scarlett Solo in a previous post but I checked it's tech specs and they look identical to my 204...min 44khz.

To further complicate matters I've been using a cheap gaming headset in the interim and when I checked its sampling rate it is set at 44 kilohertz and it worked fine with DNS considering it's relatively low quality.

Does anybody have a definitive answer here? Can I use the 204 somehow? Am I missing something?

Thank you

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[Justin Hall]

Thank you for that David, it seems really counter-intuitive that I would need to buy another interface to downgrade the signal for an application that values signal quality. Some clear direction at least. Just to confirm:

* I'll have my wh20 plugged into my 204 interface
* I'll have my 204 audio out plugged into the Andrea PureAudio USB-MA
* the Andrea is plugged into my PC and DNS recognises it

As for a XLR converter do you maybe know if Alesis MicLink is supported? As an alternative to the blue icicle? In which case I could go wh20 into converter, straight into PC? The reason I ask is because I'm in South Africa and some of the specific items aren't available locally or are heavily over priced due to them being specialised gear from disabled specialists. Irrespective I think I'll order the Andrea as that should sort the system out as you have described.

Thank you again!

[dwk]

Believe it or not, I too have experienced the joys of purchasing A/V equipment in South Africa :) Yes, the scenario you described is correct. It's not the most cost-efficient setup but if you already have the 204, it will work. Note that if your audio interface is like mine, you will need a 1/4 inch (common for high-end headphones) to 3.5mm adapter/cable (for the Andrea), e.g. https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Housing-Theater-Devices-Amplifiers/dp/B00Y2LANUU. It's a very unfortunate situation and it's really a software bug with Dragon. It was reported as a bug to Dragon 13 but I doubt they ever addressed it.

The simpler the adapter, the more likely it is to not be marked "professional" and the more likely it is to work. I have successfully used an Alesis MicLink AudioLink which has the adapter built-in to the cable; if that's what you're talking about, I can confirm it works. https://www.ebay.com/p/Alesis-MicLink-AudioLink-Series-XLR-to-USB-Cable/1900005906?thm=1000&chn=ps Actually, this was the first XLR converter I used with a Shure WH20XLR so it has been tested end-to-end. Cheers.

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[Justin Hall]

Thank you David that is a huge help. I will go for the miclink then given that you have tested it before and I can get it locally for literally 1/6 of the price of the PureAudio.

Take care

[Justin Hall]

Hi David, I hope you're doing well. I got that Alesis miclink and Dragon is connecting with the Shure microphone now. The only problem is that the levels are INCREDIBLY low. Did you also have this problem and did you find a workaround? Oddly enough the sound settings allow me to boost my interim shitty microphone up to 30db but not the Alesis channel. Thank you