Error Opening Recording Device in Audacity: A Frustrating Issue

For users of Audacity, a popular open-source audio editing software, encountering an error opening the recording device can be a major headache. This issue has been reported by several users, particularly those using MacBook Pro Mid 2012 with macOS Sierra Version 10.12.6 and Windows 10 systems. In this article, we will explore the possible causes and solutions to this problem.

Symptoms of the Error

The error message 'Error opening recording device' is displayed when attempting to record audio from an external microphone using Audacity 2.3.2 or later versions. The issue is characterized by:

* Audio input from either internal or external mic not detected by Windows or other apps

* Windows seemingly recognizes a Microphone is connected, but it's not functional

* Device manager looks normal

* Error code: -9999 Unanticipated host error

Troubleshooting Steps

Before attempting to fix the issue, ensure that:

* Other applications can detect and use the external mic

* The mic is correctly plugged in and turned on

* Windows sound settings are configured correctly

If you're still experiencing issues, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart Audacity: Sometimes, simply restarting Audacity can resolve the problem.

2. Check Sound Settings: Ensure that the microphone is selected as the default input device in Windows sound settings.

3. Disable and Re-enable the Microphone: Go to Device Manager, find the microphone, right-click on it, and select 'Disable' and then 'Enable.'

4. Update Audacity: Ensure you're running the latest version of Audacity.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Audacity: Completely uninstall Audacity, restart your computer, and reinstall it.

Additional Tips

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, try:

1. Using a different microphone: If possible, try using a different microphone to rule out any issues with the current mic.

2. Checking for conflicts with other audio apps: Ensure that no other audio app is interfering with Audacity's ability to access the microphone.

3. Resetting Windows Sound Settings: Reset Windows sound settings to their default values.

The 'Error opening recording device' issue in Audacity can be frustrating, but it's not uncommon. By following these troubleshooting steps and additional tips, you should be able to resolve the problem and get back to recording audio with ease. If none of these solutions work for you, feel free to share your experience and any other potential fixes you've discovered.

Error opening recording device audacity