Microphone recording problem

I got a new headset with a microphone for Christmas. I want to record
audio and use VOIP applications, etc. However, I have a very
pronounced, high pitched screeching or squealing in the recording no
matter what ALSA settings I attempt. I'd like some ideas on how to
proceed with figuring out the problem.

Here are some facts and things I have found or tried:
- - The computer has a built-in microphone and an external microphone jack.
- - alsamixer and KMix show only one "capture" control and one "mic" input.
- - Background noise is present when using either the built-in microphone
or the external.
- - KRecord's level meter set to the "log" scale is constantly bouncing
from 39 to 43 or so dBs.
- - KRecord's frequency meter shows the background screech all the time.

Big Hint:
By closing X and getting to a text only terminal, I can use the "rec"
and "play" command line programs to record and play back a .WAV file.
In this environment the recording is *clean* with either the built in
mic or the external mic.

Based on the clean results from the command line, I'm thinking KDE is
aRTs fighting with ALSA or something of that nature is going on when in
the GUI environment.

I am running:
Linux 2.6.18.2-34-default i686
openSUSE 10.2 (i586)
KDE: 3.5.5 "release 45"

It was very late last night when I got to this point and had to stop the
effort. So, in anticipation of taking this up again this evening, I
thought someone on the list may have ideas about what to look at next or
any online resources to check.

Alan
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