5.1 Sound Issue

[imported_Werdna]

Basically i have just purchased a new computer system and the 5.1 sound system isnt working... now i know this is probably an easy fix and is right under my nose but i just cant seem to figure it out for the moment.

When i test out the speakers through the Creative Program all of them make sounds but when i try to play music via Windows Media Player only two speakers work.

If you have anything that might help out pls respond thanks.

 

[PurdueRy]

I am gonna guess that you are using a digital connection...

You have a non-encoding card which means you will only get surround sound via the digital connection with pre-encoded sources that can be sent via bitstream to a decoder in the receiver unit.

Also, by using a digital connection you are bypassing your cards D/A converters which is normally a bad choice to make considering they will likely be of higher quality than the ones in the receiver unit.

So, in summary, connect via analog, the three normal 3.5mm miniplug wires and all will be better.

EDIT: just reread what you said. If you are playing music, music is a stereo source so it will not come out all 6 speakers unless you use a program or software to do this. In the creative settings turn on CMSS if you wish to do this.

 

[emoxley]

When I first got my system, it was the same. In the speaker setup part of the software, there should be a button that's labelled "Calibrate". Click on that, and go through the process. Only takes a minute or two. Also, if "Digital Output" is checked, uncheck it and see if it makes a difference. All mine started working, after I calibrated them.
Good luck!

BTW..........
I'd also use the Creative player, instead of Windows Media Player. But that's just me.

 

[imported_Werdna]

Alrighty let me just say a sound card is one of the things that im not to well versed on. Now i cant find the "calibrate" function that you were speaking of but if it helps me sound card is a......Creative Labs SB Audigy SE and i have the logitech 5.1 x530 sound system.

I probably should have been able to figure all of it out from the help you have given me but some things just dont work out in my mind so if any other help would be great.

Thanks for the response

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Werdna
Alrighty let me just say a sound card is one of the things that im not to well versed on. Now i cant find the "calibrate" function that you were speaking of but if it helps me sound card is a......Creative Labs SB Audigy SE and i have the logitech 5.1 x530 sound system.

I probably should have been able to figure all of it out from the help you have given me but some things just dont work out in my mind so if any other help would be great.

Thanks for the response

just look through Creatives drivers for the CMSS 3d setting. Your manual should also show where this is. Turn it on.

Also, you haven't specified what you were playing in windows media player

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Like PurdueRy said, a stereo source like music is only going to come out your from speakers (as it should) unless you decide you want to apply a surround faking mode on like CMSS. I really have no idea where that option is for the current creative drivers... it might be in an EAX settings section.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Like PurdueRy said, a stereo source like music is only going to come out your from speakers (as it should) unless you decide you want to apply a surround faking mode on like CMSS. I really have no idea where that option is for the current creative drivers... it might be in an EAX settings section.

I really need to have these responses on standby, its gotta be one of the most common audio "problems" asked about here

Hi Jello ::waves::

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Like PurdueRy said, a stereo source like music is only going to come out your from speakers (as it should) unless you decide you want to apply a surround faking mode on like CMSS. I really have no idea where that option is for the current creative drivers... it might be in an EAX settings section.

I really need to have these responses on standby, its gotta be one of the most common audio "problems" asked about here

Hi Jello ::waves::

Hi.

I was thinking about making a "digital sound" thread but I'm too lazy. I'm even too lazy to get my general audio thread in order.

 

[imported_Werdna]

Alrighty i have managed to locate the CMSS portion of the software and i have turned it on. Now i have the ability to only switch from the front speakers to the two rear ones but still not getin any sound from the top much less the front and back at the same time. But hey, at least im geting somewhere.

Thanks for the help thusfar and i hope im close to figuring it out.

 

[imported_Werdna]

And just to specify i am using the creative media player for the moment. I can switch back to Windows Media if necessary

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Werdna
And just to specify i am using the creative media player for the moment. I can switch back to Windows Media if necessary

If you place the CMSS at 50% or midway it should be equally balanced between all the speakers

 

[imported_Werdna]

Alright maybe the problem is the only sound files i have to test this with are the windows default music selections.. Could that be the issue? i have other downloaded movie files but not to great of quality.

Maybe that would help?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Werdna
Alright maybe the problem is the only sound files i have to test this with are the windows default music selections.. Could that be the issue? i have other downloaded movie files but not to great of quality.

Maybe that would help?

don't you have any MP3's you could try out. CMSS should take any stereo source and upconvert it to 5 or more speakers

 

[imported_Werdna]

Alrighty i have figured it out and i thank you all alot for your speedy response time in the moment of crisis

You were alot of help and i thank you, all is well now

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Make sure you try stereo too. You may feel like you're wasting your surround speakers, but when you apply these fake surround modes you're screwing up what the music was really intended to sound like. See whatever sounds better (not just louder too)