Why would my new SpeedLink USB microphone record a scratchy sound?

Question

I bought a USB SpeedLink SL-8707-SSV Pure Voice microphone.

When I record with it (audacity / windows sound recorder) it records a terrible scratching noise:

I've looked for drivers but on the company's website it says:

Microphones don't require drivers. They will be configurated in the settings of your sound card.

My computer:

• P5QL PRO Motherboard (I assume the "audio card" is on the board)
• Windows 7

I've experienced no other sound problems with the audio.

This is my first USB microphone (I've had always used the jack plug microphone).

Is there something that I don't know about USB microphones or is this particular microphone just defect?

Answer 1

Have you tried using Windows 7's "Set up a microphone" wizard? To access it, click start, type in microphone and click the link. It should walk you through positioning it correctly. setting the levels, etc, so that the sound comes through well. As far as I know, there isn't anything you're missing about USB microphones, although admittedly, I haven't used one before.

Answer 2

It could just be simple background noise or interference.

The microphone itself seems to be a great product. It may be very sensitive so it can pick up slight sounds, such as your computer running. You can try turning down the input volume to see if the noise degrades. The sound card where your microphone input is located can also pick up digital noise from other hardware in the system. Other electronic devices nearby may also be interfering. I'd try turning down the input volume first to experiment.