Sound Card Problem

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simon14

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#31000 1-Mar-2009 10:18

Hey guys, my parents are using my old desktop and have it connected to their surround sound stereo however when the sound comes our, it's like it's too loud and sounds like crap.

I took my computer around and plugged it into their surround sound system using their cables and the sound was fine so that eliminated the cables/surround sound system. We were stuck so i suggested they purchase a new sound card (they were using the motherboard sound card). We installed the new sound card but we are having exactly the same issue... i don’t understand why.

Any advice here? The funny thing is, i used to have this computer hooked up with my surround sound system and it worked perfectly in the past. Thanks :)

richms

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#198612 1-Mar-2009 13:58

Digital or analog out, stereo or 5.1, what is the source on the computer?

Richard rich.ms

simon14

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#198617 1-Mar-2009 14:38

It's the same setup i have at home.

Its analog out which splits to two plugs.... a red plug and a black plug which go directly into the back of the stereo system.

I've tested this on 3 different speakers and headphones so its not an issue with the speakers.

richms

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#198622 1-Mar-2009 15:37

Ok, so only analog stereo.

Check the soundcards software that you are not applying any equalizer or sound effects to it. People will often turn an equalizer all up for some unknown reason which will clip to hell, and the effects like "cave" and "bathroom" that a lot of cards have also clip most of the time, and really serve no purpose.

Are all sounds effected or just some applications?

If you are playing stuff in VLC be aware that the volume goes to 200% which will distort most things, make sure its at 100% maximum.

Richard rich.ms

simon14

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#198624 1-Mar-2009 16:00

Will check tomorrow.

It appears to occur with movies and Mp3's, but not when we watch tvnzondemand.

richms

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#198630 1-Mar-2009 17:04

... and you watch movies and play mp3's with???

Richard rich.ms

simon14

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#198631 1-Mar-2009 17:25

Windows media player.

I do exactly the same on my computer and when that's connected to their plugs, the sound is fine.

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

simon14

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#198825 2-Mar-2009 21:38

OK so thinking about this some more i realised this issue was only occuring through Windows Media Player, not trhough youtube or tvnz ondemand sound. Since i had tried two different sound cards i also realised both were still going through WMP software which is why the issue would still be occuring.

I downloaded WINAMP and the sound is fine with all videos and mp3's.

The issue is with windows media player itself. Anyone know why this would happen?

I'm glad it's fixed though :)

Would still liek to go back to WMP if i can figure out how to fix it.

grant_k

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#198828 2-Mar-2009 21:48

simon14: The issue is with windows media player itself. Anyone know why this would happen?
...
Would still liek to go back to WMP if i can figure out how to fix it.

Have a look at the Graphic Equaliser settings. Best idea is to turn it off, but if you absolutely must have it running, make sure none of the controls are set too far above the middle (0dB) line. I have found that you can get distortion if they are set too far into the +ve region.

paradoxsm

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#198849 2-Mar-2009 22:57

Almost certainly the "Equalizer".

At a past employer, there was this weird person whom used to listen to their wham CD's on the pc with windows media player so loud it would annoy all of us.

We had some fun with the equalzier, they wanted it loud, they got it loud! They kept buying headphones thinking they had blown them, Classic LOL ;-D

simon14

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#198850 2-Mar-2009 22:58

That's it, it was the Graphic Equaliser settings up too high.

Dunno how this was changed but at least i know now.

Thanks heaps guys ;)