Thanks!
The first thing that I see that is strange is that the bit depth is different in the "stereo mix" section (16 vs. 24 in the "microphone" section). Do you changed this while testing, or it always was at that position? Windows should automatically correct any problem caused by this, but stil.... worth asking. If there were always like this, try changing them.
Does the content of the "volumes" section (the one showing a waveform) in the "Stereo mix" tab mirrors the ones in the "Microphone" tab? Same volumes in both?
Oh, and while investigating this (I don't use Skype) I've found this: http://support.microsoft.com/mats/skype/ . Don't know what it does, but maybe...
In fact, I've installed Skype and saw that it has an "automatically adjust microphone settings" option with what appears to be a slider showing the level of your sound. It might be worth to try experimenting with this, since your mic works OK in this program. Try using this in manual mode, changing values to see what happens. And keep your eyes on the "bar"! (I'm not sure what's the correct word for that). Does it shows the same "height" as what you can see in the "record" tab at the "sound" window? It would be great if you can take a screenshot of what it shows while speaking at the mic (I'm attaching a picture of what I mean).

I haven't fiddled with bit depths, as I have no clue what they are. The bar in skype fills up to 6-7, while the record tab in windows only gets 1-2 bars... The slider in Skype is maxed out, so it allows the mic to be louder, I guess.

And the volumes in both Mic and stereo mix are all maxed out, so they mirror each other.

OK... two things before I go to sleep (it's past 1 AM here):
1- Try setting both "Microphone" and "Stereo out" to the same rate. I'll try 24bits.... Then reset the computer and test if there is any change.
2- If you move the slider down in Skype, does it shows "less" sound or stays the same? If it changes, could you find the point at which shows the same as the "record" tab and compare the actual volumes? If this works, we are halfway there...

P.S.: bit depth is the "resolution" of the captured signal. The higher the value, the less "compressed" the dynamic range of the sound is. CDs are 16 bit.

Okay, took a day's break from all this hassle, now getting back to it.

How does changing the slider in skype help to fix the problem?

Because if we know what's Skype doing to make the mic work we know what must be done with the other software. Meaning: if you got the same low volume with Skype setting the volume at... say, 20%, we know that the other software it's at 20% also - we will only need a way to raise the volume in the software. Which is what's not happening with the VIA software, in my opinion.

ok. I'll test this skype thing later today, thanks :)


Edit. Actually tried it now. Guess how many "skype mic bars" my recording volume level was with VIA HD ? 1. One damn bar. So Skype enhances my voice 9 bars. No wonder I can't hear a thing when recording...

I know that that looks like a bad thing, but... I think we are on track now. The input of your mic is actually that low; it is, as I suspected since the beginning, a gain problem... and it affects all audio applications, including skype. You need more gain, not volume.
The only gain control I saw in your screenshots was on the VIA software, on the "Microphone" tab -it's the slider that is meassured in db. It was at 30db (and that's a lot!). When you have some time, try lowering the slider slowly down to zero, and tell me if that affects the volume (both perceived by your ears and shown in Windows). I think the gain control is not working properly...
We'll get to the bottom of this, don't worry!

When I did my test recording, only one bar lit up for the mic except when I blew on the it, then it went to about 70%, but the mixed sound was fine.

I'm not sure if this path is leading to a solution for you, but I hope it is and will stay out of things meanwhile. :)
Actually, my reply is meant more for you. The mic level on the Windows Recording devices screen barely moves when I talk, but when I record, it's fine.

I do hope the direction you're going solves the problem. I'm keeping an idea on it so I can learn something new if it does. :)

Would you post a screenshot of what pops up when you click the wrench at the bottom of this screen?

That's actually normal behaviour since the volume displayed there should be shown before any gain boost is applied. At least, that's what I think. The problem seems to be the VIA software not working. Modifying the volume and gain settings apparently doesn't lead to any change in actual volume.
Wish I had a "computer" microphone to test this with my onboard soundcard but... the ones I have all use XLR connectors.

By the way, 30db is A LOT; even for a dynamic microphone. Well, unless you are using an SM-57, hehe.

I too hope somehow this ends being resolved. My fear is that buying a new microphone might not solve the problem, so I think everything should be tried before resorting to that.

The one on the right

http://static.gog.com/upload/forum/2013/01/73c6282b01841b0031038f527ba9db340ebfa548.jpg

I had mine set to 30 db for my test as well.

I do agree that it's probably in the VIA software, and most likely the driver. I think that KTC will find that the mic disappears when the volume is dropped. We'll have to see.

I have the feeling that the driver not patching the mic sound over to Stereo Mix properly and is only getting a bit of bleed-through. But again, we shall see.

I agree that everything should be tried. Within one's patience. :)

Ah yes, you posted that before. Sorry. Not much help there.
Are you in "Expert mode"? If not, what does it look like when you switch to it?

Okay, about the VIA drivers. They are from 2009, but if I update them (there are newer versions), it manages to totally throw away stereo mix from both recording settings in windows and playclaw. If I revert back to the 2009 version, stereo mix comes back, though playclaw still manages to lose it sometimes.

This motherboard was bought when I had windows XP. I upgraded windows to 7, as the board informs that it's "Win 7 ready" with a big sticker on top of the packaging. Maybe the integrated sound card is not fully functional with Win 7 ?
The pic above has expert mode off, and the others have it on.