My DVD-rw drive can't install the DVD programs

Are you trying to use the mic input on the back or plugging it into the instrument input on the front? If you use a low impedance mic with a quarter inch instrument input cord, you would need a transformer adapter to make the mic work on high impedance. Even if you put it on line in, you would still have to convert it. Only the XLR socket on the back will work on a low impedance mic.

First, I could NOT find an MXL99 microphone... IF you have an MXL990 microphone, you can STOP trying to have the Alpha read it because it won't !!! The MXL990 is a condenser mic and requires that Phantom power be supplied to it and the Alpha does NOT have Phantom power.
I have found a common problem on the audio interface inout is having to GO INTO the windows Sounds and Devices and verifying that under the VOICE tab, checking that the inout device is listed AND then checking the volume is turned up in that window... It seems like you have to verify everything and tweek a dozen places to get everything right to work. Having to look under the "VOICE" tab is not a good description of where the Alpha input control should be... so anyway, check that as well as it is not MUTED in that window. With Adobe Audition, make sure you set under the options, the "metering" to monitor the input recording level.

You should be at SP2, but that MAY NOT be the problem. One thing to check is if you are supposed to have the device connected when you install the software... in SOME cases doing it with or without connection will affect the outcome. Also make sure ALL virus/spyware/popup blockers are disabled during install.

Before using this device, make sure that going to the control panel and looking at the "Sounds and Devices" shows that the Lexicon is the inout and output device for all the tabs within that window.

Make sure you have NO antivirus/antispyware/antiadware or other resource hogging background programs running while processing the audio. These programs hog resources to the point that the buffering within the audio devices is overrun causing gaps.

Sorry but... Very simply, you CANNOT use a condenser mic with the Alpha since it does not supply the required Phantom power for the mic. You must step up to another interface to use condenser mics. You can use dynamic mics with the Alpha or other audio sources. I use a Roland/Cakewalk UA25E interface with condenser mics and also the Lexicon Omega which does have Phantom power for the mics..

The Lexicon Alpha does NOT have phantom power. The mic input expects a standard mic or a "self-powered" condensor mic. This means that you will neex external phantom power. There are power units available that use 9V batteries for this.

Dan

you can download and install the alpha driver here: http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=7#downloads

See if this info here will help you:http://www.lexiconpro.com/knowledgebase.php?product=7 Let me know if this helps.

Here is the support site for downloads:http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=7#downloads Hope this helps.

Check for ground loops.

You MIGHT be able to cut the noise by setting the EQ's to clip the highs.