The all-new "HELP! I have an Audacity problem" thread

[anneflebari]

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm trying to start a recording, but I'm getting an error opening recording device -9999. I've allowed the mic to access from laptop settings, still didn't work. Any help?

Did you make sure to connect mic before opening Audacity? It won't recognise mic if program is opened first:-) Anne F

[iManar]

That's correct - it'll not give you any visual confirmation. But then go to your microphones (shift-I) and make sure your mic is selected.

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

[lymiewithpurpose]

That's correct - it'll not give you any visual confirmation. But then go to your microphones (shift-I) and make sure your mic is selected.

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

[KevinS]

That's correct - it'll not give you any visual confirmation. But then go to your microphones (shift-I) and make sure your mic is selected.

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

There is a work around for Catalina, isn't there? (Not that I would understand how to do it!)

[lymiewithpurpose]

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

There is a work around for Catalina, isn't there? (Not that I would understand how to do it!)

I think there is one, but I've heard some haven't had success with it.

[iManar]

That's correct - it'll not give you any visual confirmation. But then go to your microphones (shift-I) and make sure your mic is selected.

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

Windows 10

[KevinS]

I'm on my laptop and I'm using the built-in microphone, should I get an external microphone?
Because the problem is still persistent.

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

Windows 10

This might help. (Ignore all the advertisements.)

https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/audacity-error-opening-sound-device.html

[iManar]

Just out of curiosity, what OS are you using? If it is Catalina then Audacity won't work on it.

Windows 10

This might help. (Ignore all the advertisements.)

https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/audacity-error-opening-sound-device.html

Thank you Kevin, I tried all the solutions, still not working. Is there any other program than Audacity?

[KevinS]

Windows 10

This might help. (Ignore all the advertisements.)

https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/audacity-error-opening-sound-device.html

Thank you Kevin, I tried all the solutions, still not working. Is there any other program than Audacity?

Well, there is VoiceRecorder. It's on my machine but I don't know from where it comes. Maybe it comes with Windows 10? If it works---if you have it---that might test your mic. That would tell us something. And it might be possible to import the audio from this program into Audacity. That would likely be quite simple. Not ideal, but the editing is done in Audacity anyway.

[lymiewithpurpose]

In addition, you could google something along the lines of 'Audacity alternatives for Windows 10'. Some of these alternatives might not be widely used among Librivox users so you may not be able to get as much help in case of problems, but it could be functional.

[iManar]

This might help. (Ignore all the advertisements.)

https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/audacity-error-opening-sound-device.html

Thank you Kevin, I tried all the solutions, still not working. Is there any other program than Audacity?

Well, there is VoiceRecorder. It's on my machine but I don't know from where it comes. Maybe it comes with Windows 10? If it works---if you have it---that might test your mic. That would tell us something. And it might be possible to import the audio from this program into Audacity. That would likely be quite simple. Not ideal, but the editing is done in Audacity anyway.

Thanks a lot, Kevin, this actually worked! So now I can record on the voice recorder and do the editing on Audacity.

[KevinS]

Thanks a lot, Kevin, this actually worked! So now I can record on the voice recorder and do the editing on Audacity.

Glad to hear it! I'd still like to help you get recording directly to Audacity.

[iManar]

Thanks a lot, Kevin, this actually worked! So now I can record on the voice recorder and do the editing on Audacity.

Glad to hear it! I'd still like to help you get recording directly to Audacity.

I really wish, I tried all mentioned troubleshooting and none of them worked.

[Rapunzelina]

I really wish, I tried all mentioned troubleshooting and none of them worked.

I haven't encountered this problem before. Does it mean that when you try to select a microphone from the tool bar (when you have selected the "Device Toolbar" from menu View - Toolbars) nothing shows up in the drop-down menu for microphones? or that none of the options that show there works?

[anneflebari]

This site seems to cover most problems with 9999 error, it does look as if it's a pretty common one:) https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001194.htm Good luck! Anne