Audio level is always low

M

mactulsa

New Member
I could use your expertise on this one.

Here's my setup:
Vista Ultimate x64 w SP1 - OS
2008 Mac Pro - Hardware
Bose MusicMonitor Speakers - analog plug in-line out of back of Mac Pro.

I run Vista Ultimate x64 natively on the Mac Pro. No VMware of anytype. The OS runs perfectly with everything except my audio.

Here's the issue:
If I run the default Vista audio drivers the output volume on my external speakers is very low ( i would guess 10% of maximum) with all volume controls set to maximum. Double and Triple Checked - but no change.

I have read here an in other forums to try updating to the new Realtek Audio drivers. I have done so, but when I do all of the volume comes from the internal speaker only on the tower. No audio coming out of external speakers. The Realtek Audio Manager in the system tray show a red (ish) speaker. And nothing seems to help. Now I'm wondering if I'm using the wrong audio driver, but other have claimed that this fixed their issue.

In addition, I have all software up-to-date - Mac Firmware and Vista OS, and I have installed all of the latest Bootcamp drivers. My understanding is that the drivers are provided by Apple so that Microsoft can interface with the Mac Pro.

I have tried everything, including an ongoing service request directly with Microsoft support, but they have been of no help (thus far).

I read your post today and tried once again with the latest R2.20 drivers, but no progress.

Do you have any thoughts or ideas on a possible solution?

Thanks for your help. MacTulsa
 

My Computer

System One

This is only a guess here but have you checked the output devices in the realtek drivers? Im thinking that the internal speaker might be the default output device instead of the external speakers?
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Energy Efficient 95W edition Socket
    Motherboard
    Asus P5N-E SLI 650i Socket 775 PCI-E Onboard Audio ATX Mothe
    Memory
    2 X OCZ 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 CL 4-4-4-15 PLATINUM XTC with LIFETIME WARRANTY
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 DVI HDCP HDTV out PC
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATA II 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM
    PSU
    Antec 650W Neopower Modular PSU - Blue LED 12CM Fan
    Case
    Antec 900 Nine Hundred - Gaming Case with 200mm Top Fan - No
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooling AC-FRZ-7P Freezer 7 Pro Socket 775 Processor
    Keyboard
    cheapo argos value one
    Mouse
    5 button logitec
    Internet Speed
    3MB
Yes I've check these settings. Just to be clear here is some additoinal information:

Using Defalut Vista Audio Drivers - the sounds comes out at the extremely low levels described.

Using the New Realtek Audio Drivers - the sounds does not come out to the external speakers and Realtek recognizes the speakers are there but no volume comes out. I've reviewed all the settings in the Realtek Audio Manager - they are all set correctly but nothing. In additon the Realtek icon in the system tray show a red speaker, I believe it is supposed to be green. Which I can only read to be a problem status of some sort.

Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

Try this,

if you are experiencing low audio levels while watching movies, try this.
install ac3 filter from AC3Filter | AC3Filter and in the setting sections increase gain to about 50%.

I hope this helps.

Geo
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    hp dv6314tx
    Memory
    4 gb
Hello mactulsa.

Well, your first problem is that you are using Windows on a Mac.... ;)

I am only have joking about that. Apple makes their hardware very difficult to use with anything non-white and shiny. (not Apple OS I mean). That could very well be causing the issue. I am surprised it works as well as it does.

First things first. Download the latest Realtek Audio drivers (I am assuming this is mobo audio and not a card, and that it IS made by Realtek). I know, you may have done this, but stay with me. Open the installer, and let it remove the old driver, then restart. Then, unplug ALL your audio stuff. Install the driver and restart. Open the Realtek Audio Manager, and make sure everything is set right and functioning. Then plug in the speakers. Check to see if it registers and what it says.

If it is still low, try activating Room Correction, and turn them up. Might help.

~Lordbob

P.S. Not making fun of Macs I swear!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
mactulsa said:
..... In additon the Realtek icon in the system tray show a red speaker, I believe it is supposed to be green. Which I can only read to be a problem status of some sort.

Thanks.
Click to expand...


My sys tray icon is also red and I have no problems, so wouldnt worry about that too much
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Energy Efficient 95W edition Socket
    Motherboard
    Asus P5N-E SLI 650i Socket 775 PCI-E Onboard Audio ATX Mothe
    Memory
    2 X OCZ 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 CL 4-4-4-15 PLATINUM XTC with LIFETIME WARRANTY
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX 768MB GDDR3 DVI HDCP HDTV out PC
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATA II 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM
    PSU
    Antec 650W Neopower Modular PSU - Blue LED 12CM Fan
    Case
    Antec 900 Nine Hundred - Gaming Case with 200mm Top Fan - No
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooling AC-FRZ-7P Freezer 7 Pro Socket 775 Processor
    Keyboard
    cheapo argos value one
    Mouse
    5 button logitec
    Internet Speed
    3MB
Thanks all, I will try these suggestions and get back to you on results.

As for the MAC. I must admit it was a mistake, after giving the Mac Pro and OSX a one year trial I have decided that Windows is much better, especially if you're a heavy MS Office user, which I am. Ironically, the Intel Based Mac Pro is an incredible machine and given all of the other potential hardware conflicts I find it frustrating to no end that the audio is my 1 issue. The video card / bluetooth / wifi / usb et. all work perfectly fine, but I'm hung up on the audio. Urrrg! If I can get it fixed I plan on ditching OSX altogether......
 

My Computer

System One

mactulsa said:
Thanks all, I will try these suggestions and get back to you on results.

As for the MAC. I must admit it was a mistake, after giving the Mac Pro and OSX a one year trial I have decided that Windows is much better, especially if you're a heavy MS Office user, which I am. Ironically, the Intel Based Mac Pro is an incredible machine and given all of the other potential hardware conflicts I find it frustrating to no end that the audio is my 1 issue. The video card / bluetooth / wifi / usb et. all work perfectly fine, but I'm hung up on the audio. Urrrg! If I can get it fixed I plan on ditching OSX altogether......
Click to expand...
I recommend ditching the Apple computers completely and build your own. You could build a similar (desktop) rig for literally half the price if you do it yourself...

Have you tried my suggestion??

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Lordbob,

I have tried your suggestion and still nothing. It doesn't recognize the plug in of the external speakers. I believe for some reason it doesn't recognize the line-out port, but if I plug them into the line-in (just for grins) it did recognize that port.

Going back to my original post - when I have the default vista drivers it recognizes the port and it plays sound (at 10% maximum). Urrr.

Yes, I could ditch the Mac Pro - but I've got too much money invested not to try and fix this darn audio glitch. 4 HDs (I do lots of video editing), 10G Ram, etc. So I'm going to push on until I have no other options. Thanks!

Now I'm going to try Geo's suggestion.
 

My Computer

System One

Well, you audio works perfectly in OSX right?

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Well then we know its not hardware.... I was hoping for a bad connection on the mobo....

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
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