Why is Ustream Producer not recognizing my usb mic?

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I am using the free version (which may be the issue) of Ustream Producer on my Mac and it will not recognize my USB mic. However, when I go to use the web version, the audio input option defaults to my USB mic.

How can I get producer to let me use my USB mic?

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Ivana (Official Rep) March 01, 2012 05:55

Hi,
Have you selected the right audio input? Are the audio levels moving when you talk?

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Hi, Have you selected the right audio input? Are the audio levels moving when you talk? <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/705897/Screen%20shot%202012-02-29%20at%209.54.25%20PM.png?1330581324"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/705897/Screen%20shot%202012-02-29%20at%209.54.25%20PM_inline.png?1330581324" alt="" /></a> <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/705900/input.png?1330581489"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/705900/input_inline.png?1330581489" alt="" /></a>

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bcathletics March 01, 2012 16:18

The audio preferences on producer does not recognize my USB mic at all so it will not give me the option to select that as my audio input device. It looks exactly like your screenshot above as it only sees the on-board, or built-in, mic and not my USB mic.

When I talk into the mic, the audio levels do not move at all even with "Built-in Input" selected. I think that's because I have already selected my audio input as my USB mic within my mac's system preferences.

Here are some screen shots to show what I'm looking at, didn't realize I could add images. As you can see, the web broadcaster recognizes my mic but not producer.

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The audio preferences on producer does not recognize my USB mic at all so it will not give me the option to select that as my audio input device. It looks exactly like your screenshot above as it only sees the on-board, or built-in, mic and not my USB mic. When I talk into the mic, the audio levels do not move at all even with "Built-in Input" selected. I think that's because I have already selected my audio input as my USB mic within my mac's system preferences. Here are some screen shots to show what I'm looking at, didn't realize I could add images. As you can see, the web broadcaster recognizes my mic but not producer. <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706094/Screen%20shot%202012-03-01%20at%2011.14.51%20AM.png?1330618486"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706094/Screen%20shot%202012-03-01%20at%2011.14.51%20AM_inline.png?1330618486" alt="" /></a> <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706095/Screen%20shot%202012-03-01%20at%2011.16.31%20AM.png?1330618511"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706095/Screen%20shot%202012-03-01%20at%2011.16.31%20AM_inline.png?1330618511" alt="" /></a>

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Ivana (Official Rep) March 01, 2012 18:12

Hi,
It seems like you did everything correctly. Unfortunately some microphones aren't compatible with Producer. I am sorry but it seems to be the cause. Can you test a different microphone?

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Hi, It seems like you did everything correctly. Unfortunately some microphones aren't compatible with Producer. I am sorry but it seems to be the cause. Can you test a different microphone?

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Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 01, 2012 18:20

Hi bcathlethics,

Make sure no other programs (like the web broadcaster) are using the mic before you open up Ustream Producer.

What brand/model microphone is this? We can see if there are any known issues.

Thanks,

Andy

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Hi bcathlethics, Make sure no other programs (like the web broadcaster) are using the mic before you open up Ustream Producer. What brand/model microphone is this? We can see if there are any known issues. Thanks, Andy

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bcathletics March 02, 2012 12:22

Hi Ivana,

I think you might be right as this mic is a cheap headset and could be the reason why it isn't working. Unfortunately I do not currently have a different USB mic to use. My mac doesn't have an audio input port, just a combination jack that supposedly supports both audio in and out, kind of like on a smartphone, but is labeled a headphone jack. In fact I tried using the PC Buddy which will take my regular PC Headset which has always worked on other computers with Producer and connected the 3.5mm ends to the respective ports on the PC Buddy and the other end was a combination 3.5mm that went into my audio in/out port. For some reason though, I couldn't get the thing to work which I later found out is a common problem with Mac. I just got this USB headset as a cheap solution but I may need to invest in a better mic, or a different adapter like a 3.5mm to USB adapter.

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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 02, 2012 23:48
  
  Hi bcathletics,
  
  Now this makes sense. This kind of adapter will not work with the combined Macbook audio port. The Macbook audio port can be set either as an Input or as an Output in your Sound System Preferences. It cannot be used as an input and output simultaneously.
  
  Correction: With an iPhone/Apple approved headset, this jack can transmit audio in and out at the same time, but we have not had success with adapters like the one above.
  
  -Andy
  
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Hi Ivana, I think you might be right as this mic is a cheap headset and could be the reason why it isn't working. Unfortunately I do not currently have a different USB mic to use. My mac doesn't have an audio input port, just a combination jack that supposedly supports both audio in and out, kind of like on a smartphone, but is labeled a headphone jack. In fact I tried using the PC Buddy which will take my regular PC Headset which has always worked on other computers with Producer and connected the 3.5mm ends to the respective ports on the PC Buddy and the other end was a combination 3.5mm that went into my audio in/out port. For some reason though, I couldn't get the thing to work which I later found out is a common problem with Mac. I just got this USB headset as a cheap solution but I may need to invest in a better mic, or a different adapter like a 3.5mm to USB adapter. <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706429/31Smon-1DAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg?1330690886"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706429/31Smon-1DAL._SL500_AA300__inline.jpg?1330690886" alt="" /></a>

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bcathletics March 02, 2012 12:28

Andy,

I've made sure that upon bootup, the first thing I open is Ustream Producer....

As far as the product model, I'm not a 100% sure because I seemed to have misplaced the packaging it came in however, it is a Cyber Acoustics USB Headset. I did a quick google search and found this headset, the AC-840 Model of Cyber Acoustics, which looks exactly like mine and is about the same price I paid for it.

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Andy, I've made sure that upon bootup, the first thing I open is Ustream Producer.... As far as the product model, I'm not a 100% sure because I seemed to have misplaced the packaging it came in however, it is a Cyber Acoustics USB Headset. I did a quick google search and found this headset, the AC-840 Model of Cyber Acoustics, which looks exactly like mine and is about the same price I paid for it. <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706432/41SJbdwOvtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg?1330691139"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/satisfaction-production/s3_images/706432/41SJbdwOvtL._SL500_AA300__inline.jpg?1330691139" alt="" /></a>

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Ivana (Official Rep) March 02, 2012 17:53

Hi,
Please let us know once you get a different microphone of it works with Producer. Or if you are ok with using a different encoder like the Broadcaster, that might be a solution too.

Good luck to you and I suggest testing the new equipment before buying it:)
Cheers!
Ivana

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Hi, Please let us know once you get a different microphone of it works with Producer. Or if you are ok with using a different encoder like the Broadcaster, that might be a solution too. Good luck to you and I suggest testing the new equipment before buying it:) Cheers! Ivana

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WesleyanVillage March 02, 2012 23:41

I like the UStream Producer, but I can't seem to get an exterior mike to work. The sound is only picked up by my computer mic, even tho I plug in a mic. Any ideas?

This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled
exterior mic not picked up by UP.

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- Max (Official Rep) March 02, 2012 23:48
  
  Wesleyan Village,
  
  Can you please let me know what mic (make and model) you are using? As Andy mentioned above please make sure no other applications are using the mic (like the Web Broadcaster). Also make sure that you have it selected in the sound Control Panel or System Preferences.
  
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- kevindietz March 20, 2012 09:59
  
  i have the same problem. trying to use the mic "in" on the laptop from my audio source. no luck Producer doesnt see it. The exact same combination works fine in broadcaster!!! After reading comments all night I am not alone on this issue.
  Frustrated after buying Producer Pro, it wont do what the free broadcaster does. Ugg fix it ustream please or how do I get my money back for purchasing producer pro.
  frustrated in Seattle!!!
  
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- kevindietz March 20, 2012 10:01
  
  oh im using windows 7 on a brand new laptop runing i7. I see as many people with Apple having problems just like PC which tells me its in the code not the machines.
  
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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 20, 2012 16:46
  
  What brand/model microphone are you trying to use? When you say "free broadcaster" are you referring to the free version of Producer or the flash based web broadcast console?
  
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- kevindietz March 20, 2012 17:08
  
  https://www.ustream.tv/broadcaster/ Im using the factory mic in jack on my laptop to get audio from another source. It works fine in the web based broadcaster but wont work in Producer Pro. Since it works in Broadcaster I know my laptop is working.
  
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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 20, 2012 17:21
  
  Hi Kevindietz,
  
  If it's not a USB mic, then you might want to start a different thread, but in general, you should still be able to use an analog external mic with Producer.
  
  If you click the "change audio" speaker icon on the right side of Producer, what options do you see?
  
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- kevindietz March 20, 2012 17:35
  
  why does it work in broadcaster and not ProducerPro? When i click on the link for the built in mic/audio in I get a question mark. I just dont understand why it would work in one and not the other. Ok Ill start another thread if you cant help or explain why it works in the web based product but not the paid $200 version!
  
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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 20, 2012 17:52
  
  Hi Kevin,
  
  I'm sorry you're having trouble and know that it's frustrating, but we have been able to use external microphones with Producer Pro on all of the machines we've tested here, Mac OS 10.6, 10.7 and Windows Vista, Windows 7. It should just be a matter of adding the correct source. What options are displayed in the drop-down menu if you click the "change audio" speaker icon on the right side of Producer?
  
  Make sure no other programs(like the flash broadcaster) have control of the microphone before opening Ustream Producer.
  
  One other thing you may want to try, in the Ustream Producer Preferences menu, in the General tab, Un-check 'Open last document on startup'. Then quit and restart the program. That way you will be starting with a fresh document, which can sometimes clear up lingering issues.
  
  If nothing ends up working for you, you can submit a refund request by emailing support@ustream.tv with PRODUCER REFUND REQUEST in the subject line. Please state the reason for the request, your name, order number, serial number, and date of purchase so we may further assist you. Refunds take between 3 and 6 business days.
  
  -Andy
  
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- kevindietz March 20, 2012 19:51
  
  Open last document on startup was a good idea I hadn't seen that before in my quest to solve this mistery. But it did not work. The correct source does show in my drop down audio menu in producer and i can select it, it just doesn't let the audio from the external audio source play through. It works in broadcaster but not producer? You try and plug in a cd or mp3 player in the 3.5mm jack audio/mic in on your machine there and see if producer pro will allow that audio to stream. If you can get your cd player to stream then it must be on my end. I can point you to a lot of other posts about this same problem on this forum. Try it yourself.
  
  kevin pullinghair out
  
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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 20, 2012 20:52
  
  Hi Kevin,
  
  I tried it myself! I made a demo video of setting this up on a Windows7 computer. I also posted this on another thread you created, but wanted to make sure you saw it.
  
  I start off with a Desktop Presenter shot, showing only the Ustream Producer window with no audio source.
  
  Then I switch to an external webcam where you can hear the music playing from my phone and see me plug it into the headphone jack.
  
  Then I switch back to Producer and add my Microphone input as a shot.
  
  I select this Microphone shot, you see full screen black and hear the music playing.
  
  I switch back to Producer and the audio goes away. I add the Microphone audio to the Producer shot. Now you see Producer and hear the external audio source.
  
  So it's definitely possible, I hope this helps you figure things out!
  
  -Andy
  
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- kevindietz March 21, 2012 16:56
  
  Andy Et al
  
  OK, I've tracked down the problem. Thanks again for showing me how easy it should be, I've learned a few things that may help other users with similar problems. If you have multiple microphone inputs that have the "Same name" in windows, Producer can't tell them apart. So it chooses to show only one of them in the drop down menu. Unfortunately even though it shows one of them neither of the microphones will play in producer. The Fix is to go into windows7 "Sound" and rename the microphones to different names. The windows software uses the same name generically for multiple microphone inputs which confuses producer. So just rename the mic inputs so they are different and voila they all will work fine after that.
  
  Hope That helps others with similar problems after switching to producer pro.
  
  thank you Andy, hope you can tell others of my experience and maybe the developers can fix that or have a faq about the problem.
  
  sincerely stoked now that its fixed.
  Kevin
  
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- Andy Francis (Technical Operations Manager) March 21, 2012 17:01
  
  Hi Kevin,
  
  That is awesome! Thanks for the detailed feedback and instructions, makes total sense and I'm sure this will be helpful to others. We'll pass this along to the developers as well.
  
  Happy Ustreaming!
  
  -Andy
  
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I like the UStream Producer, but I can't seem to get an exterior mike to work. The sound is only picked up by my computer mic, even tho I plug in a mic. Any ideas? <span class='translate'><em>This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled <a class='notranslate' href="/ustream/topics/exterior_mic_not_picked_up_by_up/changes" target="_blank">exterior mic not picked up by UP</a>.</em></span>

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