Configuring 5.1 speakers?

[dleib]

Hey Hardforum

So, I'm a relative newbie to sound configuration, which is why I turn to you to help me. I have an ASUS Xonar D1 soundcard, and logitech 5.1 G51 speakers.

Is there anything I should do when I first install my speakers and soundcard to make sure everything is set up right? I haven't been hearing the effects of 5.1 surround really.

 

[wadec22]

make sure windows control panel has your speakers as 5.1, then make sure your xonar is set to 5.1 output. that should be it.

 

[dleib]

alright, i've done that. thanks. is there any way to check to make sure they're functioning correctly, because I haven't been hearing much 5.1 in games or otherwise.

 

[wadec22]

sure. what sound card do you have?

 

[Zachstar]

Hey Hardforum

So, I'm a relative newbie to sound configuration, which is why I turn to you to help me. I have an ASUS Xonar D1 soundcard, and logitech 5.1 G51 speakers.

Is there anything I should do when I first install my speakers and soundcard to make sure everything is set up right? I haven't been hearing the effects of 5.1 surround really.

sure. what sound card do you have?

Lulzors

As for checking I suggest playing a DVD in Windows media player or a game that is known to be in 5.1 like ARMA II

 

[John721]

Does your sound card software/drivers have some sort "channel" test? Running that would help make sure your connections and setup are correct.

The Source engine games have decent surround sound too. Give those a try. Counter-Strike Source even has a built in channel / surround sound speaker test.

Keep in mind, if you're just sending a stereo signal to your speakers, that's all you're going to hear unless you apply some sort of processing (using your sound card software) to emulate surround sound.

 

[Forceman]

The Asus software should have a speaker test built in, and I'm pretty sure Win7 does as well - either of those would tell you if everything is physically set up correctly. Make sure the games are set to 5.1 (if available) also.