5.1 centre channel woes

[Kaldskryke]

Simply put, I cannot seem to get the centre speaker of my 5.1 system to work.

I have Logitech Z-640 speakers, and I doubt they are the problem. I've plugged the centre channel into my discman and things have worked fine.

I believe the problem stems from either my soundcard or its drivers. Well, it's not really a soundcard. I use the integrated audio codec on my Asus A7V8X-MX motherboard, which claims to be a 6-channel system. It uses SoundMAX drivers, which I have updated to the latest version. I have my 'speaker setup' set to 5.1 surround speakers.

Basically, I thought I was not getting any sound whatsoever from the centre speaker of my 640's (unless I was using the Matrix button). After muting the other channels I noticed that I do actually get some output, but it's extremely quiet. When I use the Windows volume control, changing the 'center' balance has no effect, yet the 'lfe' balance does. Changing Lfe also increases the volume output of my subwoofer (which makes sense). Why would changing the Low Frequency Effects slider change the volume (from very very quiet to very quiet) of the centre speaker? It's as if all the data for the centre speaker is being sent through lfe. Using the "swap Center/Lfe" option changes things so that the 'center' balance does change the volume, but it is still far too quiet, and now changes the subwoofer.

I've contacted both Asus, SoundMAX, and Logitech about the problem but I have yet to recieve any support (after several days, too). The Asus support system seems to be completely dead. That's why I'm posting here.

Any ideas to solve this problem? If it really seems like the best option I have the money to buy a new sound card, but I was hoping to simply resolve the situation without spending money. I'm not an audiophile and the onboard codec is enough for me, if it would only work. Still, if it really is best for me to invest in a new soundcard, I would appreciate suggestions for a reasonably priced 5.1 compliant soundcard.

 

[Kaldskryke]

No replies? That's a pity.

I'm really quite confused now. I bought DooM3, and when I play it the centre channel works! So basically I don't care much about this issue anymore.

*sigh* however DooM3 runs like crap on my computer.

 

[lilpoopypants]

Join the club.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=788558

Same setup here, but using surround headphones.

When I plug my rear or center channel into the front speaker output they are loud like the front.. so i know its not the speakers.

I have friends that have had the same problem with onboard audio and i think its cuz its not amplified (at least in my case).
Its been fixed by turning down the loud outputs (front) and the rest turned up.. this solution works on amplified speakers. But not on unamplified headphones.

I tried my old audigy but it was such a POS that during doom3 the sound just quit completely.. plus that junk creative product has no equalizer beyond basic bass/treble.

 

[KillRoy X]

Holy Moly, exactly the same problem dude. It is amazing that Soundmax sucks so bad. I mean, no support what soever from those freaks.

Soundmax should die!

 

[IdiotInCharge]

Whay are you expecting something good from onboard audio, that isn't Realtek nonetheless.

 

[bboynitrous]

My center analog output doesn't work on my A7N8x deluxe, you know what worked? Plugging the stereo jack (on the motherboard) half way through so it forces a mono like effect. It's retarded but it worked. I didn't like that solution so I ended up using the coax on my z680's. Then I hated the sound from those and bought a sb audigy 2. haha. Anyway, I think mine uses the realtek codec. Try that. If it works then cool. One thing as well, I noticed my subwoofer would force center channel effects through it because the onboard was really just gay. Try it out, if it does the same shit, it's just onboard audio being shitty.

Oops, nevermind I see it is a driver problem.. sorry about that