EasyCAP capturing low audio

[Jokris]

Hello, this is my first post

I am doing some capturing directly from my camcorder (Samsung VP-D10 pal) using EasyCAP capture device with s-video and audio outout. Video is no problem, but audio volume is extremely low. I have to crank up the volume on my computer to the max if I want to hear any sound.

I have the same problem in both Virtualdub and Virtual VCR and when trying to enhance volume after video is captured with Virtualdub the sound is crackling. When playing video directly from camcorder it sounds fine though.

What could the problem be in this case?
Do you believe it would help if I go with the DV-out port instead?

[davexnet]

Try and capture from the Firewire, then you're getting the digital DV data as-is,
essentially a copy operation to the PC

If you want to persist with the EasyCAP, capture uncompressed audio (WAV/PCM)

Which version of Windows are you using?

[Alwyn]

If that's a modern laptop, you're not likely to have a Firewire port on your computer. The so-called Firewire-USB adapter plugs don't work.

[jagabo]

Is there a playback volume control on the camcorder? Try turning that up.

[dellsam34]

Do you believe it would help if I go with the DV-out port instead?

It doesn't just help, That's the way it supposed to be.

[Alwyn]

Unfortunately, a process of elimination...

Thoughts in no particular order:

You've tried two different programs, so probably not software.

- Are all tapes the same? Borrow a different tape to try.

-Try playing your tape via on the TV (TV AV In, use Composite video). Is the audio good coming out of the AV jack on the camcorder? Or listen with headphones using the AV out audio.

-Do you have a VCR you can try the Easycap on to check for low audio from a VHS tape? Or something else that has "audio out"? You can use the video from your camcorder and audio from elsewhere. This might give a clue to the easycap playing up.

-Borrow/get another camcorder to isolate if it is your camcorder that's the problem. Certain Panasonics (in PAL land, at least eg GS25, GS300) can transfer DV over USB.

-A drastic measure: get a Pinnacle 500-USB or 710-USB and use the Firewire>USB transfer feature (especially if you have a lot of DV tapes to do), but if it is the camcorder, Firewire may be similarly affected.

-A more-drastic measure: get/borrow a good analogue digitiser and use S-video (as you are already) in case it is the Easycap that's playing up. In my experience with Digital 8, an analogue capture using S-video is pretty close in quality to a pure DV transfer.

[Bwaak]

A refurbished Windows desktop with a Firewire board included will cost you less than $200. Don't waste your time with EasyCAP.