Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge *Part 2*

M4400 || T9800 || Quadro FX 770M || Windows 7 Professional 64-bit || BIOS A14

I've installed the 189.92 graphics drivers and I think I've got the display set up A-OK Thanks a lot!

Thing is, TrueG, I don't want to record the microphone, I want to record the sound being played by the speakers - I realise now I should have said STEREO MIX (I think!).

I've just found THIS THREAD where someone bought "more than 10" M4400's only to find there's no stereo mix available - the suggestion is to install Sigmatel XP drivers in compatibility mode, but there was no response as to whether it worked on the M4400 - it did work on some machines according to responses. In any case, it appears that the Sigmatel drivers are no longer available - at least, Dell says they're not found via the link given in the thread.

I've tried connecting the in/out sockets with a 3.5mm jack cable but then I can't hear any live sound, which is essential. Is there a way around it?

I've also tried telling the microphone to listen other devices - I had this working after a fashion before installing the IDT drivers but then ended up recording both mike and speakers in some instances. Since trying it with the IDT drivers installed I get horrendous feedback, but may have given the wrong instructions

Am in despair, I had set my heart on an M4400 or M4500 as my workhorse recording machine (replacing Asus G1Sn, which is even older than the M4400 and that had stereo mix, as have my 2 other Dell laptops, I had no idea that such a crippling omission could exist ).

I would be very grateful for thoughts/advice.

EDIT - It's just been suggested that I could use the 3.5mm jack cable in/out connection with an audio splitter and attach external speakers for the live sound (I do have USB and "jack" speakers I could use).

Just in case anyone else with a newly acquired M4400 is totally unaware that some 'machines' won't have Stereo Mix...

Sound Settings > Recording tab:

Rec. Playback
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Currently unavailable

Right-click on it and set it as default recording device. Problem solved.

Phew!

 

I've seen a video on YouTube showing how easy it is to change the keyboard on the M4400 - but is replacing non-backlit with backlit just as straightforward, or does wiring/whatever have to be faffed with?

 

I am having a problem after reinstalling windows, where I am getting noise when playing music through my usb sound card (DMX 6Fire USB), talked with their support and they told me to try to update the USB driver.

Do anyone know where I can get a new version of the USB driver to try it?

Note. the soundcard worked fine before I reformated.

Thanks

 

Check Removable Storage HERE (scroll down to see list) - be sure to select 32-bit or 64-bit from the drop-down box at the top of the list.

 

Having replaced both, they're identical. There are no wires, it's more like a stiff slot. And, as far as I am aware, either backlit of non-backlit will work (and definitely have in my M4400, as I once accidentally ordered the wrong part).

 

Newest USB controller drivers can be had from Intel's website (chipset inf driver set). Though you most likely have the newest.

 

Thank you, I shall have a go (don't hold your breath though) and will report back.

Seein' as you are such a helpful star, bothering to respond ...

My bios is A14. The system had only Windows drivers installed, but I've installed 189.92 graphics and the IDT sound, but that's all and the system seems to be working well doing what I need it to. I see that bios A26 is "recommended", do you think I should install it, and are there other drivers that are important?

I have read that you shouldn't update if your system is running OK.

 

Hey folks,

My new (to me) M4400 works great with the exception of one thing:
The 15.4" WUXGA RGBLED display (Samsung LTN154CT04) goes white right
on cold boot (until the Dell logo BIOS shows up and boots) and when being powered
down (until the laptop turns off). This behavior is consistent and even occurs when
Win7 powers down the LCD after a few minutes. I originally thought that my LCD
hinge cable was bad but even with a new unit, the problem persists.

My questions to those with the same screen:

1)I assume that this not normal laptop behavior. Can someone confirm?
This being a "new" laptop to me, I can't be 100% sure. Previous owner
is not reachable.

2)I'm running BIOS A27. Is this BIOS working fine with that LCD?
I've owned Dells in the past and stayed clear of some BIOS versions
due to fan issues and other colorful snags - nothing's perfect.

3)I am assuming that it has nothing to do with Windows or drivers as this occurs
right at boot. It is either a BIOS, a motherboard or an LCD problem. I suppose
that I could have a new hinge cable that is defective but that's a long shot.
Any thoughts appreciated however...

 

1) No, that's not normal behaviour. I've had my m4400 for over 4 years and I've never seen anything like that.

2) I've been running A27 since it came out. No issues.

3) You are correct, that has nothing to do with Windows. Most likely hardware related.


TrueG

 

I am so far very pleased with my m4400,and boy is the ccfl wuxga screen bright.Hopefully this sytem will last for quite sometime.