I have been using Zararadio for a couple months now and have gotten pretty well used to it and would like to start doing some segs live. HOW? I have tried every way I know to get a microphone to work. Im feeding audio to my FM transmitter and shoutcasting with winamp. Can anyone offer any suggestions? I do have a small mixer I could use if I could figure some way to get Zararadio to use it. I have seriously considered switching to SAM but hate to go thru that learning curve again. I'd be forever in debt if someone could offer a relatively easy solution.
How are you plugging your mic in?
It must go through a preamp and digital interface .... or you could just use a USB mic. Having a mixer depends on whether you want to control multiple sources outside the computer, and it's output should also be digital, or connected to an interface.
HTH ...
I have the feeling we may need more info on your audio setup, hardware and connections. Are you getting any signal at all from your mic? Also, what type of mic are using?
Some sound cards may have compatibility issues.
I'm not using Zararadio, but in the SHOUTcast Winamp input window, you can choose your input. Make sure you have the right one. For example, the soundcard audio input. I often have USB sources from mixing boards with USB ports. A USB audio device should show up as a choice in the SHOUTcast Winamp input window, so you could use a USB mic if you have one.
HTH ...
Zara uses the Windows Mixer. Seems like you should be able to enable the MIC channel in Windows PLAY Mixer. Bring the MIC level up (or un-mute it) to talk.
Zara has a button to drop the music to a pre-set level and returns to normal when you click it a 2nd time.
As long as you set the Windows RECORDING Mixer to "What You Hear" or "Stereo Mix" or something similar depending upon your sound card, Shoutcast should pick it all up.
My Shoutcast source is set to "Soundcard Input".
Regarding my suggestions, I set mine up like this and tested it. It works. It would be nice if Zara muted the MIC until you press the Zara "Talk" button. Instead, you'll either have to MUTE the MIC in Windows Mixer or bring the MIC level down when not using the MIC.
Guys, I tried as you suggested and still havent had any luck. I have both an USB mic and regular headset mic. Ive tried both with several configurations. I was able to get the USB mic to work, but it only worked on the net, didnt come out to the transmitter.
I might add that I am simulcasting on FM. I have the output of my soundcard going to the input of the FM transmitter via physical cable.
All outputs on Zara are set for the SoundMax Digital Audio card. The mixer is set for sndvol.exe and AGC is off.
I seem to remember seeing a post somewhere where a fellow suggested setting the satellite button to recording control - Microphone and using the satellite button for the microphone. Tried that and no luck either.
Im just looking for a solution to use the mic and have it work both the transmitter feed and the net at the same time. I may have to try using this little outboard mixer I have.
Howdy 1041.
Odd your not getting any line out signal from the sound card from the mic input. Sounds to me like its a mapping issue with the sound card. From what I have read so far with this...it may be that its the sound card that is the heart of the entire problems your having.
Some built in sound cards cant do multi-mapping. Basically it means that it is limited in what it can map that is being piped into it. Are you using a desktop or laptop..because if its a laptop...those always have sound card issues more than desktops even with built in sound cards.
Yes it sounds like your going to have to outboard mix everything in order to get everything piping to both the FM and net side.
RFB
One problem when using a USB mic is that is shows up in Windows as a 2nd sound card. Some of the trouble you're having using the USB mic bay be related to that.
You'd probably have to stop Zara, change sound cards (to or from USB mic) and then restart Zara.
Not a smooth way to do it.
1041 ...
Are you using the Winamp SHOUTcast plugin for your playlists? If so, you must switch the source from the Winamp playlist to the sound card, then restart the broadcast. Whatever is plugged into the 1/8" pink input (a microphone or line source) should come out on the internet. Not the most elegant solution, but it should work.
If not, there must be something wrong with your sound card. Have you tried it with, say, a CD player?
Another suggestion, since you appear to be having sound card trouble, is to purchase a simple USB interface, such as the Griffin iMic.