thanks everyone. Yes I am using a Macbook, but a techy mate is coming to sort out parallels for me so I can use Windows software. And yes I had cables in wrong slots. And yes I hadn't done any calibrations. Whilst its raining for next few days - I am watching a lot of PHD2 and SharpCap tutorials. Thanks so much to everyone who has guided me (no pun intended) in the right direction.
