Error “could not open port audio stream” in SuperSID 1.2.2 Software in Windows 10

The error “could not open port audio stream” in Windows 10 usually points to a problem with PortAudio, a cross-platform audio I/O library used by many audio-related programs (like SDR software, audio recorders, or audio analysis tools). Here’s how you can diagnose and fix it:

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🔍 1. Identify the Root Cause

This error is typically due to:

• No audio input/output device available.
• Incorrect sample rate or format.
• Device already in use by another application.
• Permissions or driver issues.

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🛠️ Fixes to Try

✅ 1. Reboot First

• Sometimes the audio device is locked by another app. A reboot can free it.

✅ 2. Check Audio Device Access

• Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone (and Audio input if present).
• Make sure access is enabled for apps.

✅ 3. Use Windows Sound Settings

• Right-click the speaker icon → Sounds → Recording tab.
• Ensure the correct microphone or Line In is enabled and set as default.
• Check sample rate: under Properties → Advanced, try setting it to 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz, 16-bit.

✅ 4. Check for Conflicts

• Make sure no other application (e.g., Skype, Zoom, DAW software) is using the microphone/audio input at the same time.

✅ 5. Update Audio Drivers

• Open Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
• Or try uninstalling and then restarting to let Windows reinstall the default driver.

✅ 6. Try Different Host/API

If your software allows, change the PortAudio host API setting:

• Common APIs:
  • MME (older, slower but more compatible)
  • WASAPI (modern and efficient)
  • DirectSound
  • ASIO (low-latency, often for audio interfaces)

✅ 7. Run Software as Administrator

• Right-click the application and choose Run as Administrator. This can resolve permissions issues.

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🧪 If You’re a Radio Astronomer or SDR User

If you’re using something like SDR#, GNU Radio, Radio-SkyPipe, etc.:

• Try switching audio input/output device in the software settings.
• Ensure the correct device is selected (e.g., USB soundcard, virtual audio cable, etc.).
• If you’re using VB-Audio Cable or Voicemeeter, check they are installed and configured properly.

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💡 Example: Fix in Radio-SkyPipe

If you’re getting this error there:

• Go to Options → Sound Card Settings.
• Ensure the correct input device is selected.
• Try changing the sample rate from 22050 Hz to 44100 Hz.

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Thank you — since you’re using SuperSID v1.2.2, the error:

“could not open port audio stream”

is specifically from the PortAudio library SuperSID uses to access the sound input. This error means SuperSID couldn’t access your sound card (usually your line-in or microphone), which is essential for receiving VLF signals.

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✅ Targeted Fixes for SuperSID on Windows 10

1. 🎧 Check Audio Input Device

SuperSID expects a line-in or microphone connected. To verify:

• Right-click the speaker icon → Sounds → Recording tab.
• Look for your Line In, Microphone, or USB audio device.
• Ensure it’s enabled and set as Default Device.
• Click Properties → Advanced and set the format to:
  • 16-bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)

⚠️ USB audio devices are usually more stable with SuperSID than onboard audio.

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2. 🎚️ Check SuperSID’s Config File

Open supersid.cfg in a text editor (Notepad). Look for the line:

input_device = -1

Try changing the value:

• -1 = default device
• Or set it explicitly to match the correct PortAudio device index.

To list available PortAudio devices, run SuperSID from a command prompt:

supersid.exe --list-devices

Then set the desired device number in supersid.cfg like this:

input_device = 2  ; (for example, if device 2 is your line-in)

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3. 🔧 Update PortAudio DLL (Optional)

Some users fixed this by using a newer version of portaudio_x86.dll. You can:

• Download the latest PortAudio DLL from https://www.portaudio.com/
• Replace portaudio_x86.dll in the SuperSID folder with the updated version (make a backup first)

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4. 🖥️ Run SuperSID as Administrator

Right-click supersid.exe → Run as administrator

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5. 🔌 Check for Conflicts

Ensure no other app (like Audacity, Skype, Zoom) is using the audio input at the same time.

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6. 🎛️ Optional: Try a USB Sound Card

If you’re using onboard audio and still getting errors, many SuperSID users report better results with a USB audio interface (~£10–£20 on Amazon). They often have more stable input ports for radio work.

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