realtek hda audio user manual vista

Realtek HD Audio Manager User’s Manual for Vista OS

June 6, 2008

Copy Rights of Realtek Semiconductor 2008

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

GETTING STARTED .......................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................5

1. JACK AND DEVICE.................................................................................6

1.1. Advanced Setting ......................................................................................................... 8

2. APPLICATION ENHANCEMENT........................................................... 11

2.1. Speaker Configuration .................................................................................................11

2.2. Sound Effects ............................................................................................................. 14

2.3. Microphone Effects ..................................................................................................... 16

2.4. Room Correction ........................................................................................................ 19

2.5. DOLBY........................................................................................................................ 20 DOLBY HOME THEATER................................................................................................... 20

DOLBY MASTER STUDIO.................................................................................................. 24

2.6. Default Format ............................................................................................................ 32

3. INFORMATION.......................................................................................34

4. FAQ ........................................................................................................35

4.1. No Sound Output........................................................................................................ 35

4.2. No Sound When Resuming From S3/S4.................................................................... 37

4.3. Sound Output Suddenly Stops ................................................................................... 37

4.4. HDMI........................................................................................................................... 38

4.5. How to Perform Multistreaming .................................................................................. 40

4.6. How to Use Stereo Mix Recording ............................................................................. 41

4.7. Set Up Home Theater Environments.......................................................................... 43

4.8. What Is Default Device ............................................................................................... 45

4.9. Configure Rear Three Jacks As Multiple Channel...................................................... 46

Realtek HD Audio Manager 2

Figure Index

Figure Index

Figure 1.1-1 Set Default Device........................................................................................ 8

Figure 1.1-2 Device Advanced Settings............................................................................ 9

Figure 2.1-1 7.1 Speaker Setup.......................................................................................11

Figure 2.1-2 Stereo Speaker Setup ................................................................................ 13

Figure 2.2-1 Sound Effects ............................................................................................. 14

Figure 2.2-2 karaoke mode............................................................................................. 15

Figure 2.3-1 Microphone Effects..................................................................................... 16

Figure 2.4-1 Room Correction ........................................................................................ 19

Figure 2.5-1 Dolby Virtual Speaker in Dolby Home Theater........................................... 20

Figure 2.5-2 Dolby Headphone in Dolby Home Theater................................................. 21

Figure 2.5-3 Dolby Pro Logic II in Dolby Home Theater ................................................. 22

Figure 2.5-4 Dolby Digital Live in Dolby Home Theater.................................................. 23

Figure 2.5-5 Dolby Virtual Speaker in Dolby Master Studio............................................ 24

Figure 2.5-6 Dolby Virtual Speaker’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio........... 25

Figure 2.5-7 Dolby Headphone in Dolby Master Studio ................................................. 26

Figure 2.5-8 Dolby Headphone’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio................. 27

Figure 2.5-9 Dolby Pro Logic IIx in Dolby Master Studio ................................................ 28

Figure 2.5-10 Dolby Pro Logic IIx’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio ............. 30

Figure 2.5-11 Dolby Digital Live in Dolby Master Studio................................................. 31

Figure 2.6-1 Default Format............................................................................................ 32

Figure 4.1-1 Default Device Indication............................................................................ 35

Figure 4.1-2 Highlighted Jacks Indicate The Device Is Plugged .................................... 35

Figure 4.3-1 Warning Message When Changing Speaker Mode or Device Default Format

Under Music Mode ................................................................................................. 37

Figure 4.4-1 Systems With HDMI Tab ............................................................................ 38

Figure 4.4-2 Systems W/O HDMI tab, But A Digital Output............................................ 39

Figure 4.6-1 Show Disconnected Devices...................................................................... 41

Figure 4.6-2 Stereo Mix................................................................................................... 41

Figure 4.7-1 5.1 Speaker Placement In CE Environments ............................................. 43

Figure 4.7-2 5.1 Speaker Placement In PC Environments ............................................. 43

Figure 4.7-3 7.1 Speaker Setup...................................................................................... 44

Figure 4.8-1 Set Default Device...................................................................................... 45

Figure 4.9-1 Configure Rear Three Jacks As Multiple Channel ..................................... 47


Getting Started

Getting Started After Vista OS is initiated and Realtek HD Audio Driver is correctly installed, the “Realtek HD

Audio Manager” icon will appear at the notification area (lower right of the screen). You may

double click the icon and the GUI will pop up accordingly.

Double click to enable

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Copy Rights of Realtek Semiconductor 2008

0. Introduction

Introduction

As Vista OS brought users a newer interface, Realtek’s new Vista GUI provides users a more

convenient access for audio appreciation. This page will show you a quick glance with brief

note of major features and applications comprised by a sense of area allocation of the GUI.

I. Jack and Device: This area depicts all render and capture devices currently

connected w/ your PC; the “check” sign (in orange) indicates the devices as default

input/output setting. Additionally, more applications would be found at the option of

“Device Advanced Settings”.

II. Application Enhancement: The array of options will provide you a complete

guidance of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

III. Information: Showing hardware, software information, and language setting.

II

I

I

III


1. Jack and Device

1. Jack and Device

All audio functions start with a correct device connection and Realtek HD Audio Manager

facilitates users with a series of friendly interface to ensure the device is connected. You may

figure out more tips with a demonstrated example below:

Example: How to Successfully Connect a Microphone

Step I: When you plug into the microphone at the pink jack of front panel, a dialogue window

will pop up asking you which device is current connected. As you know, each jack corresponds

to its default setting, and the pink jack represents “Mic In”.


1. Jack and Device

Step II: When you confirm it’s OK, a new device will be included in the Device area (upper of

the screen), which you could compare the previous figure and the one below.

Step III: Once the process is completed, you may click the pink jack of the front panel, the

Microphone page will pop up afterwards. Showing the connectivity is successfully

implemented.


1. Jack and Device

Jack and Device

1.1. Advanced Setting Connector Setting

When you click the icon, namely, the yellow flag on the upper right of the screen, it will pop up

a dialogue window asking users their preference when system detects a device is plugged in.

Set Default Device

When more than 2 playback device plugged in, e.g. Digital output and Speaker, users need to

choose one and set it as default device. Same situation applies to the recording device.

Regarding how to set default device, please refer to P45 “What Is Default Device”.

Figure 1.1-1 Set Default Device


1. Jack and Device

Device Advanced Settings

The advanced setting provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio streams.

Assuming that 2 devices already plugged in, say, a set of stereo speakers and headphone,

and you are about to use the speaker for a movie while using the headphone for the latest hit.

Select “ Make front and rear output devices playback 2 different audio streams” after you click

the device advanced settings with a pop up window.

Choose speaker and set it as default device.

Initiate any application program, e.g. media player, to playback the content.

Figure 1.1-2 Device Advanced Settings


1. Jack and Device

Choose the headphone and set it as default device, it will appear as HD Audio 2nd output.

After that, initiate an application program and playback the content.


2. Application Enhancement


2.1. Speaker Configuration

Realtek Audio facilitates users to best enjoy the listening appreciation with your available

equipments. We provide speaker settings spanning from 7.1channel, 5.1channel,

Quadraphonic (4 channel), stereo (2 channel). The following are two common scenarios.

Example I : 7.1ch. Speaker Set for Home Theater

Figure 2.1-1 7.1 Speaker Setup

Assuming you are building your home theater system with 7.1ch speaker set. Once you have

bought the speaker set with Realtek audio codec inside, you may follow the procedures to

correctly enable the speaker configuration.

Step I: Plug in the device in any available jack. Preferably at the default setting; e.g. the

default setting of the front speaker is the green jack of the rear panel.

Step II: A Dialogue Window of “The current connected device” will pop up for your selection.

You may click OK once you confirm it is an appropriate setting.

Step III: A useful check out icon (with circle above) is designed to help you hear and verify



the sound exactly from the designated speakers.

Additional Applications

Speaker Fill

Definition: Speaker Fill creates a virtual environment for playback of stereo audio sources

on surround speaker systems

Example: When you playback a MP3, and you will hear sound appear from every

speaker of a 7.1ch set once you enable the speaker fill

Swap center/subwoofer speakers

Definition: It is an option to make low frequency sound playback from subwoofer. Users

do not need to check this item if low frequency sound is from subwoofer already.

Bass Management

Definition: Bass Management enhances or redirects frequencies below crossover point

to reduce loss or distortion of bass signals. It will facilitate users to obtain the best bass

enjoyment.

Full Range Speaker

Definition: This is a reminder for users to confirm the speaker system is full or small

range, for small range speakers can’t output full frequency audio streams.

Optional Speakers

Definition: The default setting is to assume users equip with subwoofer with their 7.1ch

speaker set, that’s why you could see with a check sign. However, if users don’t have

subwoofer, we need to blank the option and suggested to enable bass management to

make sure low frequency audio streams will be playback.



Example II: Stereo Speaker Set Figure 2.1-2 Stereo Speaker Setup

Assuming that a set of front speakers with your Desktop at the study room is what you have.

You may follow the procedure to correctly enable the speaker configuration.

Step I: Plug in the device in any available jack. Preferably at the default setting; e.g. the

default setting of the front speaker is the green jack of the rear panel.

Step II: A Dialogue Window of “The current connected device” will pop up for your selection.

You may click OK once you confirm it is an appropriate setting.

Step III: A useful check out icon (highlight in yellow) is allocated at the bottom of the screen.

When you click it, you should be able to hear the sound exactly from the speakers.

Additional Application

Headphone Virtualization

Definition: Headphone Virtualization uses advanced processing to create the illusion of a

home theater while using stereo headphone.

Example: When you use a normal headphone to listen MP3, this option will provide a

surround quality music.

Virtual Surround

Definition: Virtual Surround encodes surround audio for transfer as stereo output to

receivers with a Matrix decoder.

Example: It will be beneficial for users to enjoy a surround sound with only stereo

speakers




2.2. Sound Effects

Once you click the “Sound Effect” tab, 3 clusters: “Environment”, “Equalizer” and “Karaoke”

are available for selection.

Figure 2.2-1 Sound Effects

Environment 1. Realtek Audio provides total 23 different kinds of sound effects.

2. Five popular settings: “Stone Room”, “Bathroom”, “Sewer pipe”, “Arena” and “Auditorium”

for quick enjoyment.

3. This function is popular with gaming aimed to enhance the sound effect for more livingly.

Equalizer

1. Equalizer frees users from the default settings of the playback contents.



2. Realtek Audio provides you optimized settings with four frequently utilized buttons: “Pop”

“Live” “Club” & “Rock” for quick enjoyment.

3. This function is mostly utilized when you playback music and try to create some changes

on your own.

Karaoke Figure 2.2-2 karaoke mode

1. Karaoke mode brings Karaoke fun back home.

2. Realtek Audio could assist you to eliminate the vocal of the song and adjust the key to

accommodate your range of voice.

3. Advanced settings:

Vocal Cancellation: When you click the “mouth” part of the model singer at the GUI,

the vocal of the song would be eliminated, while the background music is still in place.

You can be that singer!

Key Adjustment: By pulling “ + ” and “ － ” to find out suitable key fitting your range of

voice.




2.3. Microphone Effects

With the growing demand of recording quality when using VoIP, Realtek is providing you a

complete set of functions to best benefit user’s communication experience.

Figure 2.3-1 Microphone Effects

How to start? Once you plug into the microphone and set it as default device, it will appear a “check” on the

device area in the upper of the screen. Single click the “microphone” icon and the microphone

effect page will pop up.

Volume Control



A. Recording Volume

You are freely to move the bar up and down for suitable volume. It ranges from 0 to 100, while

bigger numbers indicates larger boost.

B. Playback Volume

When you enable this function where the default setting is mute; you are able to hear your

sound from the speaker while it’s recorded through microphone. Most commonly seen when

you are singing Karaoke.

Noise Suppression(NS)



1. Uncomfortable with the background noise when you are SKYPE out? e.g. the unwanted

sound generated from the fan inside PC.

2. When you enable noise suppression, the static and fixed frequency will be suppressed

and the microphone quality will be upgraded. Acoustic Echo Cancellation(AEC)

1. It prevents playback sound from being recorded by microphone together with your sound.

2. When “VOIP” with your friends, his/her voice will come from speakers (playback). However,

their voice might also be recorded into your microphone then return to your friend through

Internet. In that case, your friend will hear his/her own voice again.

3. With AEC enabled, your friend can enjoy the benefit with eliminated feedback echo.




2.4. Room Correction

Your speaker placement cannot be optimal because of room space limitation? “Room

Correction” is designed to solve this issue in a software way. You can adjust volume of every

single speaker as well as adjust distance to reach better speaker balance.

Figure 2.4-1 Room Correction

Volume

1. Each speaker volume could be adjusted individually to accommodate room placement and

audio source.

2. Realtek Audio provides volume range from -10 dB to 10 dB.

Distance

1. The sound-field could be adjusted individually by altering the distance between each

speaker and yourself.

2. The adjustment range varies from 0.5 M to 10 M (0 Ft to 30 Ft.).




2.5. DOLBY

DOLBY HOME THEATER & DOLBY MASTER STUDIO1mean to bring you a new class of

entertainment experience, by using home PCs.

DOLBY HOME THEATER contains 4 elements

1. DOLBY HEADPHONE

2. DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

3. DOLBY PRO LOGIC II

4. DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE

DOLBY MASTER STUDIO contains 4 elements

1. DOLBY HEADPHONE

2. DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

3. DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx

4. DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE

DOLBY HOME THEATER DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

This delivers a realistic 5-channel surround sound experience from just two speakers.

With following conditions, when DOLBY HOME THEATER is being enabled, it is DOLBY

VIRTUAL SPEAKER that is presented to users.

1. There is no headphone plugged in the system

2. Speaker configuration is at stereo mode

Note: To truly deliver 5.channel surround sound, please make sure the audio source that you

are about to play is recorded in 5 / 5.1 format.

Figure 2.5-1 Dolby Virtual Speaker in Dolby Home Theater

1 Check on your system guide to learn which Dolby logo program your system complies with



DOLBY HEADPHONE

DOLBY HEADPHONE delivers realistic 5 channel listening experience over any pair of

headphones

With following conditions, when DOLBY HOME THEATER is being enabled, it is DOLBY

HEADPHONE that is presented to users.

1. A headphone is plugged in the system


Note: To truly deliver 5-channel surround sound, please make sure the audio source that you

are about to play is recorded in 5 / 5.1 format.

Figure 2.5-2 Dolby Headphone in Dolby Home Theater



DOLBY PRO LOGIC II

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II transforms stereo programs into a natural, realistic, and spacious 5 &

7.1 channel listening experience.

With following conditions, when DOLBY HOME THEATER is being enabled, it is DOLBY PRO

LOGIC II that is presented to users.

1. A headphone is NOT plugged in the system

2. Speaker configuration is at multi-channel (4/5.1/7.1) mode

Figure 2.5-3 Dolby Pro Logic II in Dolby Home Theater



DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE

DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE makes a seamless connection between your PCs and Home Theater

devices. DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE helps transform PC’s audio data into Dolby Digital format and

moreover output it to the port S/PDIF out. This makes it possible to output your home PC data

to your Home Theater devices via S/PDIF

Upon the tab “device format” under the “Digital Output”, to enable Dolby Digital Live, please

single click the button “Dolby Digital Live” or drag the drop-down menu and choose the format

“Dolby Digital Live (5.1 Surround)”

Figure 2.5-4 Dolby Digital Live in Dolby Home Theater



DOLBY MASTER STUDIO

DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

This delivers a realistic 5-channel surround sound experience from just two speakers.

With following conditions, when DOLBY MASTER STUDIO is being enabled, it is DOLBY

VIRTUAL SPEAKER that is presented to users.

1. There is no headphone plugged in the system


Note: To truly deliver 5.channel surround sound, please make sure the audio source that you are about to play is recorded in 5 / 5.1 format. Figure 2.5-5 Dolby Virtual Speaker in Dolby Master Studio



DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER offers two virtualization modes that differ in surround effect and

apparent speaker localization. Each mode may be used with any type of program content.

Reference mode: This creates convincingly realistic five-speaker surround sound from two

speakers, with the apparent width of the surround across the front image defined by the

distance between two speakers.

Wide mode: This provides a wider, more spacious front image when the two speakers are

close together, with the same convincingly realistic five-speaker surround sound as the

reference mode.

Figure 2.5-6 Dolby Virtual Speaker’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio



DOLBY HEADPHONE

DOLBY HEADPHONE delivers realistic 5 channel listening experience over any pair of

headphones

With following conditions, when DOLBY MASTER SUTDIO is being enabled, it is DOLBY

HEADPHONE that is presented to users.

1. A headphone is plugged in the system


Note: To truly deliver 5-channel surround sound, please make sure the audio source that you are about to play is recorded in 5 / 5.1 format. Figure 2.5-7 Dolby Headphone in Dolby Master Studio



DOLBY HEADPHONE

Studio: Small, acoustically damped room

Cinema: Slightly wetter or more reverberant room than Studio

Hall: Larger room than Studio; more distant and diffuse effect

Figure 2.5-8 Dolby Headphone’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio



DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx

DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx transforms stereo programs into a natural, realistic, and spacious 5 &

7.1 channel listening experience.

With following conditions, when Dolby Master Studio is being enabled, it is DOLBY PRO

LOGIC IIx that is presented to users.

1. A headphone is NOT plugged in the system

2. Speaker configuration is at multi-channel (4/5.1/7.1) mode

Figure 2.5-9 Dolby Pro Logic IIx in Dolby Master Studio



Movie mode

The movie mode is for use with stereo television shows and all programs encoded in Dolby

Surround. The result is enhanced soundfield directionality that approaches the quality of

discrete 5.1-channel sound

Music mode

The music mode is for use with any stereo music recordings, and provides a wide and deep

sound space. The Music mode includes controls that allow the sound to be tailored to

individual listening tastes.

Panorama control

This extends the front stereo image to include the surround speakers for an exciting

“wraparound” effect with side-wall imaging. It is particularly effective for recordings which

have left- or right- channel elements in the mix, as these are detected and accentuated

by the Panorama process.

Dimension control

This allows the user to gradually adjust the soundfield either towards the front or the rear.

This can be useful to help achieve the desired balance from all the speakers with certain

recordings that may contain either too much or too little special effect. Step “0” is the

recommended setting, which has no effect on the sound. Step 1, 2 and 3 gradually move



sound forward, and steps –1, –2, and –3 move the sound toward the surround.

Center Width control

This allows center-channel sound to be positioned between center speaker and left/right

speakers over a range of eight steps. Step “3” uses a combination of all three front

speakers to give the best vocal imaging and most seamless soundstage presentation,

and is recommended for most recordings. Step “0” places all center sound in the center

speaker. Step “7” places all center sound equally in the left/right speakers, just as in

conventional stereo.

All three of the above controls may be used alone or in any combination. It is recommended

that you try them on a few programs. After try, it is easier to find the settings that are

preferable.

Figure 2.5-10 Dolby Pro Logic IIx’s advanced settings in Dolby Master Studio

DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE

DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE makes a seamless connection between your PCs and Home Theater

devices. DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE helps transform PC’s audio data into Dolby Digital format and

moreover output it to the port S/PDIF out. This makes it possible to output your home PC data

to your Home Theater devices via S/PDIF



Upon the tab “device format” under the “Digital Output”, to enable Dolby Digital Live, please

single click the button “Dolby Digital Live” or drag the drop-down menu and choose the format

“Dolby Digital Live (5.1 Surround)”

Figure 2.5-11 Dolby Digital Live in Dolby Master Studio




2.6. Default Format Default Format provides an advanced application settings which most benefit users with the

adequate and comfortable listening enjoyment.

Figure 2.6-1 Default Format

Restore Default

Here are some commonly seen user’s scenarios for this application.

1. CD Format: When you are loading CD for playback/recording, single click “CD Format”, it

will switch the setting to “ 24Bits, 44100Hz”. It will facilitate users with the best quality if you

are using CD on the device.

2. DVD format: When you are loading DVD for playback/recording, single click” DVD format”,

it will switch the setting to “ 24Bits, 48000Hz”. It will facilitate users with the best quality if

you are using DVD on the device.

3. The different “Bits” and “Sampling Rate” combinations are also available for users options.



S/PDIF-In to S/PDIF-Out pass through:

The data from S/PDIF-In can be real-time played from S/PDIF-Out.


3. Information

3. Information

Hardware / Software information

of your audio system

Display icon in notification area

Language setting

“Auto” indicates the language setting

is the same as your OS language


4. FAQ

4. FAQ

4.1. No Sound Output 1. Check default device

Upon each speaker device, the “ v” indicates the device is the default playback device. For

instance, Figure 4.1-1 indicates it is Speaker/Microphone the default playback/recording

device. In this case, the sound output should go from analog out. If you connect the system to

an AV receiver via S/PDIF; to get sound output, please make sure the default device is

changed to “Digital Output”. For how to set the default device, please refer to P45 “What Is

Default Device”

Figure 4.1-1 Default Device Indication

2. Check if the speaker is well connected In the case that speaker is well connected, you should be able to find the correspondent jack is

highlighted upon Realtek GUI.

Figure 4.1-2 Highlighted Jacks Indicate The Device Is Plugged


4. FAQ


4. FAQ

4.2. No Sound When Resuming From S3/S4 When the system goes into hibernation/sleep, certain playback applications, such as Windows

Media Player, PowerDVD or WinDVD would stop playback. To resume the sound, please click

“Play” button.

Please note, the sound will re-start from the very beginning point, not where you stopped last

time.

4.3. Sound Output Suddenly Stops Two event may cause sound output suddenly stops

Changing speaker mode (for how to change speaker mode, please refer to section 2.1

Speaker Configuration)

Changing default format (for how to change default format, please refer to section 2.6

Default Format)

Music Mode

When listening to music, if users change speaker mode or device default format in the middle

of playback, users would experience the music suddenly stops and be popped a dialogue as

Figure 4.3-1. To resume the music, please turn off the playback application, then turn it on

again.

Figure 4.3-1 Warning Message When Changing Speaker Mode or Device Default Format Under Music Mode

DVD Mode

When watching DVD, if users change speaker mode or device default format in the middle of

playback, playback applications would stop audio output temporarily (however video playback

is still rolling). After several seconds, once after playback applications successfully re-create

the audio device, the audio would be resumed and match with video.


4. FAQ

4.4. HDMI You may find your systems as below.

1. With HDMI tab

Set HDMI as the default device

Connect a system with a HDMI display via HDMI connector

The sound will be out from HDMI display

In the case no sound output when watching DVD, please check if your HDMI display is

capable of decoding AC3. If not, you could have sound output from following three ways.

1. Select PCM stream from the settings of software DVD decoder, i.e. WMP, WinDVD or

PowerDVD.

2. To enjoy AC3 stream, you could have sound outputted from S/PDIF-out; while video is

still through HDMI.

3. Connect the system to a HDMI AC3 decoder

Figure 4.4-1 Systems With HDMI Tab

2. Without HDMI tab, but a Digital Out

Set “Digital Output” as the default device


4. FAQ

Connect a system with a HDMI display via HDMI connector

The sound will be out from HDMI display

In the case no sound output when watching DVD, please check if your HDMI display is

capable of decoding AC3. If not, you could have sound output from following two ways.

1. Select PCM stream from the settings of software DVD decoder, i.e. WMP, WinDVD or

PowerDVD.

2. To enjoy AC3 stream, you could have sound outputted from S/PDIF-out; while video is

still through HDMI. 3. Connect the system to a HDMI AC3 decoder Figure 4.4-2 Systems W/O HDMI tab, But A Digital Output


4. FAQ

4.5. How to Perform Multistreaming Multistreaming Playback

1. Select “ Make front and rear output devices playback 2 different audio streams” after you

click the “Device Advanced Settings” with a pop up window.

2. Click “OK” to confirm the setting.

3. Choose speaker and set it as default device.

4. Initiate any application program, e.g. SW DVD player, to playback DVD content.

5. Choose the headphone and set it as default device, it will appear as HD Audio 2nd output.

After that, initiate an application program, e.g Media Player, and playback MP3 content.


4. FAQ

4.6. How to Use Stereo Mix Recording 1. Right click upon Vista Sound GUI to initiate a pop dialogue (as Figure 4.6-1)

2. Make “Show Disconnected Devices” checked Figure 4.6-1 Show Disconnected Devices

3. Upon Recording tab, a new device named “Stereo Mix” appears, as Figure 4.6-2

Figure 4.6-2 Stereo Mix


4. FAQ

4. Initiate a playback application, e.g. Windows Media Player, and playback the audio steam

to speaker or headphone.

5. Select “Stereo Mix” and set it as the default recording device

6. Initiate a recording application, e.g. Sound Recorder, to record the playback stream.


4. FAQ

4.7. Set Up Home Theater Environments 1. 5.1 Speaker placement

Consumer Electronics Setup

Front Left / Right

Center / Subwoofer (LFE)

Surround Left / Right As Figure 4.7-1 indicates

Figure 4.7-1 5.1 Speaker Placement In CE Environments

PC Speaker Setup

Front Left / Right


Rear Left / Right Figure 4.7-2 5.1 Speaker Placement In PC Environments

Comparison between CE & PC 5.1

CE PC

CH 1/2 Front L/R Front L/R

CH 3/4 Cen/LFE Cen/LFE

CH 5/6 Surround L/R Rear L/R


4. FAQ

2. 7.1 Speaker placement

Consumer Electronics Setup

Front Left / Right


Surround Left / Right

Surround Back Left / Right

PC Speaker Setup

Front Left / Right


Rear Left / Right

Side Left / Right Figure 4.7-3 7.1 Speaker Setup

CE PC

CH 1/2 Front L/R Front L/R

CH 3/4 Cen/LFE Cen/LFE

CH 5/6 Surround L/R Rear L/R

CH '7/8

Surround Back

L/R Side L/R


4. FAQ

4.8. What Is Default Device To set default device is to determine from where sound should be outputted /inputted.

Two ways to set default device

I. Mouse over to device tab area (as Figure 4.8-1, part I), right click the mouse to

set the device to be the default device

II. Single click the button “Set Default Device”

Once the device has been set as the default device, you should be able to find a tick sign upon

the device tab.

Figure 4.8-1 Set Default Device

I. II.


4. FAQ

4.9. Configure Rear Three Jacks As Multiple Channel Your system has three jacks, i.e. blue, green and pink jacks, on the rear panel. These three

jacks each serve as Line In, Front Speaker and Microphone by default. With the help of

“Retasking”2, these three jacks can be free from its default function. Instead, you could configure rear three jacks as below combinations.

Jack 2 channel 4 channel 6 channel

Rear Blue Line In Surround Speaker Surround Speaker

Rear Green Front Speaker Front Speaker Front Speaker

Rear Pink Microphone Microphone Center/Subwoofer

Taking 5.1 channel as an example.

Step I: Open the drop down menu and choose 5.1 Speaker

Step II: Plug in 5.1 channel speaker in rear three jacks based on the above table.

Step III: A useful check out icon (with circle above) is designed to help you hear and verify

the sound exactly from the designated speakers.

You could hear 5.1 channel sound from your 5.1 speakers.

To go back to 2 channel mode, choose 2ch from the drop down menu.

2 Not every system supports retasking feature. If you can not find 4/5.1 channel options from the drop down menu, it indicates your system does not support retasking.


4. FAQ

Figure 4.9-1 Configure Rear Three Jacks As Multiple Channel


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