USB 5.1 surround soundcard suggestions for HTPC

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rlevis

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#240949 3-Oct-2018 19:51

The Realtech soundcard on the motherboard has started introducing strange noises every few seconds. Verified it is the soundcard as I tested with a simple USB soundcard and it doesn't do it.

I use a 5.1 speaker amplifier system, but I use the rear speakers installed in the ceiling when the house was built some time ago. These are not efficient speakers and I need to set the rear speakers to 100% volume and the rest to around 20% for the volumes to be about the same. Therefore I need a USB soundcard that offers a driver that supports adjusting the individual speaker volumes in the Windows Volume Control/Playback Device settings. I'm concerned that is not a standard thing.

Anyone out there using a 5.1 USB soundcard that has this capability in the Windows speaker properties?

Thanks.

richms

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#2101025 3-Oct-2018 20:33

I recall seeing that on a cheap nasty blue cased 5.1 box I had.

Check your USB devices, I have had noise because of things that went away when unplugged. I think its because the front USB header was right by the audio stuff so may have been making noise on the power for it. I had access noises with a 2.5" HDD when plugged into the front ports.

Richard rich.ms

lNomNoml

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#2101041 3-Oct-2018 21:02

Unplug your front USB bus first and see if that solves the problem.

Also I would reocmmend a normal PCI or PCI-E sound card over a USB one.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2101195 4-Oct-2018 01:11

I'm currently using the soundcard on the motherboard, not a USB one, so I don't how unplugging the USB bus or devices can make any difference. The soundcard chip is at the back of the motherboard. I do have a USB wireless keyboard dongle inserted in a front USB slot but it's been there for a year or 2.

It did start making the noises after I disconnected everything to vacuum the inside to remove dust for the upcoming warmer months. The CPU fan was getting noisy. I can't see anything plugged in differently but I'll play around with it before looking to buy a soundcard.

lNomNoml

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#2101660 4-Oct-2018 18:18

rlevis:

I'm currently using the soundcard on the motherboard, not a USB one, so I don't how unplugging the USB bus or devices can make any difference. The soundcard chip is at the back of the motherboard. I do have a USB wireless keyboard dongle inserted in a front USB slot but it's been there for a year or 2.

It did start making the noises after I disconnected everything to vacuum the inside to remove dust for the upcoming warmer months. The CPU fan was getting noisy. I can't see anything plugged in differently but I'll play around with it before looking to buy a soundcard.

Disconnecting the USB bus can help with interference on the audio, also try disconnecting the mouse and keyboard dongle and see if that helps at all.

Also recommend not to vacuum the inside of your PC as static can damage the circuits.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2101690 4-Oct-2018 19:03

We need the wireless keyboard so removing the dongle isn't an option. It's been there for some time without issue. It seems the chip is just faulty now. The motherboard is getting on a bit. I tried checking all cables that plug onto the motherboard but nothing helps.

Just need to find a soundcard that supports adjustable rear volume balance as the Realtek driver does. I can't find any that mention that particular feature. Just asked Creative if any of their soundblasters do. Not sure if I will hear back from them.

richms

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#2101810 4-Oct-2018 21:02

I havent seen any without it TBH, its an essential feature of any 5.1 system and you cant rely on the likes of logitech to put that on their cheap speakers.

Richard rich.ms