Sound noob needs help with HSA1/Asus Xonar DG issues

[Bamboo]

Hi Guys, I know next to nothing about PC audio or Audio in general. I am a gamer. I could really use some help with the following sound issue on my new rig.

I am getting low volume out of my new set up. I have to crank the volume up on everything(headset/card/windows) setting to get remotely loud sound out of my headset. I also notice that my MP3s seem to lightly fade in and out on volume while I play them. In general, it sounds like shit compaired to my last audio setup(Logitec G35 USB headset). I would have just got that headset again but it was too heavy for the amount of hours I game(I'm retired).

My best guess is that the card is not enough to power these headphones correctly.

Rig and settings:

Windows 7 64bit
Corsiar HS1A Headset
Asus P8Z68 Deluxe (Bios 0603)
i7 2600k @ 4.7
EVGA GTX 460
8 gigs Corsair @ 1600
realtek ALC889 8-Channel HD Audio codec(Disabled in bios and drivers not installed)

Asus Xonar DG
Audio Driver Version 7.12.8.1794
GX 1.0.10.917
DSP info 1.1.3

Xonar Settings:
Audio Channel - 6 Channels(2 sounds horrible)
DSP Mode - Dolby Headphone DH2 (Gives most Volume/sounds best)
Sample Rate - PCM 44.1 KHz
Analog Out - Headphone Pro gaming Mode or for 32~64ohms Headsets
Hi-Fi - Off
GX - Off
EQ - Set to soft rock(seems to sound best. Way better than generic)
Every thing else on default.

In control panel I set output to match at 16bit 44.1Khz or 44100 Hz
The Asus Xonar is only active sound output device.
Volume in 100% on everything everywhere.

I'm just not happy with my sound. It's kinda low, unpowerful and generally crappy. It does sound better than the onboard sound(realtek ALC889 8-Channel HD Audio) it just still sounds bad IMO.

Thank you for any and all suggestions.


P.S. I do use vent when I game if that matters. The Mic seems to work fine.

Edit: I'm using the Corsair HS1A Headset....oh brother lol

 

[OFaceSIG]

Well first you have to set your card to 2ch I would think. That's the way it's on the x-fi side out of the house.

Second the DG is known actually for being a very clean sounding card so you need to check another headset to make sure your headset isn't a dud.

If a second headset also sounds like crap the headphone amp on your DG may be blown out and you may need to RMA your card with Asus.

 

[Bamboo]

Thanks OFaceSIG.

Testing now.

Edit Update:Yep still sounds bad and fading in and out with cheap backup headset. Gonna test against onboard card again for volume levels and fading in/out.

 

[Bamboo]

OMG yeah it's broken.

I about blew my head off at the same settings with onboard soundcard lol.

Thanks man!

 

[OFaceSIG]

NP... Anything I can do to keep sound cards alive. Gotta keep the community going! Onboard BLOWS!

 

[Toconator]

NP... Anything I can do to keep sound cards alive. Gotta keep the community going! Onboard BLOWS!

Yeah, dedicated cards are better but the ALC889 is specced for 104dB in / 108dB out so it's one of the best onboard currently out there. He shouldn't 'suffer' too much while waiting for a replacement.