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Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Sound card"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (Garrett moved page Audio card to Sound card)
 
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−
Audio card (chip if you have an integrated solution on your motherboard) are the component necessary to play or record sounds on your PC. <br /><br />
+
{{stub}}{{:Category:Sound}}
−
The major producers in this field are [http://www.filehippo.com/it/download_realtek_high_definition_audio/ Realtek], [http://support.asus.com/download ASUSTeK], [http://support.creative.com/Products/product_list.aspx?catID=1&CatName=Sound+Blaster  Creative], [http://www.via.com.tw/en/support/drivers.jsp VIA]. <br />
+
{{ii}} Audio card (chip if having an integrated solution on the motherboard) is the component necessary to play or record sounds on the computer.
−
[http://support.amd.com/en-us/download AMD] and [http://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx Nvidia] are also audio chip producers, since the arrival of HDMI outputs.  
+
{{ii}} The major producers in this field are [https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/category/pc-audio-codecs-high-definition-audio-codecs-software Realtek], [https://www.asus.com/support/ ASUSTeK], [http://www.station-drivers.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=353&func=select&id=121&orderby=1&lang=en Conexant], [https://support.creative.com/Products/Products.aspx?catid=1 Creative], [https://temposemi.com/support/windows-10-driver-support-2/ SigmaTel/IDT/Tempo], [https://www.viatech.com/en/support/drivers/ VIA].
 +
{{ii}} [https://www.amd.com/en/support AMD] and [https://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx Nvidia] are also audio chip producers, since the arrival of HDMI outputs.  
 +
<!-- Mention somewhere how drivers aren't *really* needed, but still it's nice to install them?
 +
https://web.archive.org/web/20140424195211/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/matthew_van_eerde/archive/2009/06/22/bug-jack-detection-on-windows-7-hdaudio-sys-mixed-capture.aspx
 +
https://www.tenforums.com/sound-audio/121801-realtek-audio-console-requires-realtek-hd-uad-driver-33.html#post1917665
 +
And what the hell is UAD?
 +
-->
 +
 
 +
'''Related articles'''
 +
{{mm}} [[Glossary:Sound|Sound]]
 +
{{mm}} [[Glossary:Surround_sound|Surround sound]]
 +
 
 +
==Types of Sound Cards==
 +
There are two types of sound cards that are generally used in Gaming PC builds i.e. Internal Sound Cards and External Sound cards. The first one sits on the motherboard right inside the computer case, while the latter can be connected using a USB interface. There are advantages and disadvantages of sound cards<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.lifewire.com/best-pc-sound-cards-833111|title=The Best PC Sound Cards of 2024|date=2024-05-19}}</ref> (both variants) which completely depend on the gaming requirements.
 +
 
 +
===Internal Sound Cards===
 +
Most preferred among Gamers are the internal sound cards as they are connected directly to the motherboard using PCI/PCIe port. It does not require any extra interface in between. Internal Sound cards come in both 5.1 and 7.1 channel output. As compared to external sound cards, these are less expensive and efficient. Manufacturers like Asus, Creative, etc. are the most popular internal sound card brands.
 +
 
 +
===External Sound Cards===
 +
These sound cards are very simple plug and play devices and installation is very easy, unlike internal sound cards. They use a USB 2.0 interface to be connected to the PC. Both 5.1 and 7.1 channel options are available in external sound cards. The issue with an external sound card is that they have latency associated with them to an extent.
 +
 
 +
==Set up OpenAL==
 +
{{++}} ADI, Creative and nForce are already ready out of the box.
 +
{{ii}} Make sure to be running [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ latest libraries]. Deleting {{file|OpenAL32.dll}} and {{file|wrap_oal.dll}} in games shipping with ancient ones is recommended.
 +
{{ii}} Default Windows output device name must match OAL device one for native implementations to work, [[#DirectSound hardware path|DS3D]] based "Generic Hardware" fallback will be used otherwise (if available)<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118174547/http://www.openal.org/windows_enumeration.html|title=OpenAL - Enumeration with OpenAL on Windows (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>
 +
<!-- In light of having discovered how the OpenAL router enumeration works, there's sorely a need of an universal *universal* note. Case-exact matching is surely ONE way devices are picked (and the topmost one), but before fallbacks kick there is a special treatment for the X-Fi and Audigy strings-->
 +
 
 +
====Asus====
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Enable Game eXtensions|fix=
 +
# Open the Asus control panel.
 +
# Tick '''GX''' mode.
 +
# In games configuration files, force native implementation name as reported by <small>'''ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT'''</small> in [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/625-openal-tools/ EnumerateWin32].
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications.
 +
{{ii}} Recommend installing the latest drivers, found [https://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/ here].
 +
{{--}} Enabling GX mode can cause crashes, looping audio in-game, and BSOD<ref name="test">{{Refurl|url=https://maxedtech.com/xonar-best-audio-settings-guide/|title=Xonar best audio settings guide|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>
 +
}}
 +
<!-- That's probably not the ideal and perfect way to point out, that the system reports you are using "Speakers (ASUS Xonar DX Audio Device)" while the OpenAL driver only reports "ASUS Xonar DX Audio Device". Though -->
 +
 
 +
====Creative (X-Fi Titanium Cards)====
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/bibendovsky/xfitssfix xfitssfix]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Windows 7/8: install driver [https://www.touslesdrivers.com/index.php?v_page=23&v_code=34640&v_langue=en 2.17.0008C] (or 2.18.0015'''A''' for PCI cards)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720035149/http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=726283|title=X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/SoundBlasterOfficial/comments/bsw72w/will_openal_ever_be_fixed_on_the_titanium_cards/|title=Will OpenAL ever be fixed on the Titanium cards? : SoundBlasterOfficial - Reddit|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512132014/http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=697386&page=2&p=533769|title=Solution for UT3 "Hardware OpenAL" issue on Creative X-Fi cards! - Page 2 (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
====Universal====
 +
{{++}} Supports [[Glossary:Surround sound#Binaural sound: HRTF|binaural HRTF]] audio mixing for more accurate 3D sound.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=8371.0|title=SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=OpenAL Soft|ref={{cn|date=2024-05-19}}|fix=
 +
# Download [https://openal-soft.org/index.html OpenAL Soft].
 +
# Unzip the archive and rename the inner ''openal-soft-x.xx.x-bin'' folder as ''OpenAL''.
 +
# Move this OpenAL directory to {{folder|{{p|appdata}}}}.
 +
# Copy {{file|bin\Win32\soft_oal.dll}} to {{folder|{{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\}}. <small>(64 bit users can also copy {{file|bin\Win64\soft_oal.dll}} to {{folder|{{p|windir}}\System32\}})</small>
 +
# Use <tt>alsoft-config.exe</tt> to configure any desired setting (ambisonics, HRTF, channels, buffer properties).
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Certain games may need for {{file|{{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\openal32.dll}} to be replaced with {{file|soft_oal.dll}} to work.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/kcat/openal-soft/issues/574|title=Driver isn't the default with ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT · kcat/openal-soft - GitHub|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Rapture3D====
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Rapture3D|ref={{cn|date=2024-05-19}}|fix=
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Custom quality wrapper for OpenAL games. Among various 3D techniques, provides also its own HRTF tables.
 +
{{ii}} Free [http://www.blueripplesound.com/get-update Game Edition] bundled with Dirt 3 can be used with other games following these [http://blueripplesound.com/compatible-games instructions] or using [https://yadi.sk/d/1DGrbOde-Ana0g extracted libraries] near game exe (enabling OpenAL in game options may be required).
 +
{{ii}} Different sample rates than 44 or 48kHz set in the system give inadequate spatial effects.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==XAudio2 only allows stereo on Dolby Digital Live==
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use the [https://blog.klauspost.com/xaudio2-dolby-digital-live-patcher/ XAudio2 Dolby Digital Live patcher]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603180328/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2675438|title=Surround sound - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>|fix=
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} If it doesn't work, try the older patcher available [https://old.reddit.com/r/witcher/comments/36h29c/surround_sound_51/crevdwh/ here] or [https://web.archive.org/web/20141025114547/http://xboxforums.create.msdn.com/forums/t/22533.aspx#275202 do it manually].
 +
}}
  
 
==Restore legacy audio effects on newer OS==
 
==Restore legacy audio effects on newer OS==
−
===EAX===
+
===DirectSound hardware path===
−
Since the introduction of Windows Vista (and also in Windows 7/8), Microsoft decided to remove DirectSound 3D from the audio abstraction layer.<br />
+
{{ii}} Starting with Windows Vista and its new audio stack, DirectSound applications are rendered entirely in a user-mode software audio session.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208072610/http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=Vista&message.id=1694|title=Audio in Windows Vista - Windows Vista - Creative Labs (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>
−
Thus in order to enjoy the additional effects environmental audio extensions provides, hacks are required.  
+
{{ii}} Most games developed in the preceding decade will experience problems, going from the simple lack of [[Wikipedia:Environmental Audio Extensions|EAX]] effects to the complete demotion to stereophony.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=39823&start=20#p394241|title=Restoring surround sound to Deus Ex and other games - should I get Sound Blaster MB3? • VOGONS|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Asus Xonar cards}}
+
====Universal====
−
{{ii}} Supports all EAX versions, except 3 and 4
+
{{Fixbox|description=DSOAL|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.gamesas.com/restoring-surround-sound-and-eax-t82876.html|title=<nowiki>[RELz] Restoring Surround Sound and EAX</nowiki>|date=2024-02-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Make sure you are running the most updated drivers
+
# Download from [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1363-dsoal/ PCGamingWiki] or [https://github.com/ThreeDeeJay/dsoal/releases/latest GitHub] (latest build).
−
# Open the Asus control panel
+
# Extract {{file|dsound.dll}}, {{file|dsoal-aldrv.dll}}, and {{file|alsoft.ini}} into {{folder|{{p|game}}}} alongside the main game executable.
−
# Tick "GX" mode
+
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}}Your Xonar must be the default playback device
+
{{ii}} Translates DirectSound calls into OpenAL Soft<ref name="dsoal">{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/kcat/dsoal?tab=readme-ov-file#dsoal|title=kcat/dsoal: A DirectSound DLL replacer that enables surround sound, HRTF, and EAX support via OpenAL Soft|date=2024-02-13}}</ref> (better positioning than IndirectSound which doesn't use HRTF and/or EAX<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.indirectsound.com/knownIssues.html|title=indirectsound.com|date=2023-05-31}}</ref>).
 +
{{ii}} Supports versions of EAX up to 4.0.<ref name="dsoal"/>
 +
{{ii}} May require [https://github.com/kcat/dsoal/issues/34#issuecomment-1139239755 additional registry keys] to function correctly with certain games.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/kcat/dsoal/issues/34#issuecomment-1420199964|title=Windows 11 Support · Issue #34 · kcat/dsoal|date=2024-02-03}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} The PCGamingWiki download is prepackaged with HRTF tables. To disable HRTF, change <code>HRTF</code> to <code>False</code> in {{file|alsoft.ini}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=IndirectSound|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=36870|title=indirect sound • VOGONS|date=2023-06-09}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|[http://web.archive.org/web/20130508122842/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx ALchemy] - Creative audio cards|link=false}}
+
# Download [https://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound].
−
{{ii}}Not needed for EAX 5 games
+
# Extract into {{folder|{{p|game}}}} alongside the main game executable.
−
# Make sure you are running the most updated drivers for your Sound Blaster
+
 
−
# If your audio card driver doesn't include ALchemy, download and install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/68-alchemy/ latest version]
+
'''Notes'''
−
# Open the Creative control panel and switch on Game mode
+
{{ii}} Translates DirectSound calls into XAudio2.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.indirectsound.com/|title=IndirectSound - 3D Audio in Older Games|date=2024-02-13}}</ref>
−
# Start the ALchemy app and enable the games you want to play with EAX effects
+
{{ii}} No EAX effect is emulated, yet there is EAX 1/2 support emulation that is useful for some games that don't calculate 3D positional audio unless EAX is supported.
 +
{{ii}} Dedicated [https://www.indirectsound.com/registryIssues.html guide] for dsound.dll injection problems (may apply to DSOAL as well).
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====Asus====
−
{{Fixbox/fix|On Realtek chips}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable Game eXtensions|ref={{cn|date=2024-05-19}}|fix=
−
{{ii}} Supports EAX up to version 2
+
# Open the Asus control panel.
−
# Download [http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Realtek-3D-SoundBack.shtml 3D SoundBack]
+
# Tick '''GX''' mode.
−
# Unpack the archive and force "Windows Vista" compatibility to <code>setup.exe</code>
+
 
−
# Run the installer.
 
−
# Navigate to the installation directory and open <code>3DSoundBack.exe</code> proprieties
 
−
# Go to the compatibility tab and put "Windows Vista" compatibility. Press OK.
 
−
# Open the program and enable the fix for your games
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}}Your Realtek chip must be the default playback device
+
{{ii}} The Xonar must be the default playback device.
 +
{{ii}} Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications.
 +
{{--}} Enabling GX mode can cause crashes, looping audio in-game, and BSOD.<ref name="test"/>
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===A3D===
+
====Creative====
−
{{ii}}A list of Aureal 3-Dimensional enabled games can be found [http://www.quantexzone.com/vortex-of-sound/games-list/141-games-list-all-a3d-games here]
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Creative ALchemy|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508122842/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx|title=Home - ALchemy (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
# Download and install [https://archive.org/download/eax-4-unified-redist-4001/EAX4Unified_Redist_4001.exe Creative EAX 4 Unified Redistributable].
−
{{Fixbox/fix|A3D on Creative soundcard|ref=<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20100510160147/http://www.pro-hl.com/a3d_winxp.shtml A3D for Windows XP - (retrieved)]</ref>}}
+
# Download and install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1881-creative-alchemy/ latest ALchemy 1.45.20].
−
# Download latest [http://www.soundcard-drivers.com/drivers/7/7493.htm a3ddrivers312.exe] drivers ([http://95.31.27.16/Soft/Aureal/a3ddrivers312.exe mirror]) and install it
+
# Open the Creative Control Panel and switch on Game mode (X-Fi model only).
−
# Move <code>a3d..</code> files inside your <code>%windir%\system32</code> to <code>%windir%\system</code>
+
# Start the ALchemy installer and enable it for the interested games. It may be necessary to add a new profile for the specific game.
−
# Run the game with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" compatibility
+
 
−
'''Notes:'''
+
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}} Not all Creative's card will work<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20021004185854/http://www.kia.gametribe.net/main.htm Important Notes on Installing A3D for Soundblaster Cards - Kia Game-Tribe (retrieved)]</ref>. Check the fixbox below for a possible workaround
+
{{++}} Restores EAX completely (all versions) and surround sound.
 +
{{ii}} Could be made into a universal solution, just like IndirectSound or DSOAL, by using [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/28-creative-alchemy-universal/ Creative ALchemy Universal] (obsolete) or [https://archive.org/download/creative-alchemy-all-versions/GenericALchemyDerestrictor-1.0.zip ALchemy Restriction Remover].
 +
{{ii}} Setting Game mode in Creative Control Panel is mandatory for some games, and in order to decrease performance overlay (if exists) and revive EAX 3 and higher.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=495329|title=Games only work if Game Mode is selec - Creative Discussion Forum|date=May 2023}}</ref>{{CN|Creation mode too perhaps? http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/multimedia/creative-x-fi.html}}
 +
{{ii}} For Creative cards which are based on Host OpenAL (HOAL) drivers (all post X-Fi card), renaming {{file|sens_oal.dll}} to {{file|ct_oal.dll}} in {{folder|{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64\}} (64-bits) or {{folder|{{p|windir}}\System32\}} (32-bits) will force alchemy to use the Host OpenAl drivers instead of his internal library, this could give better quality in games. When using this method, to switch back to the internal library, just have <code>DisableNativeAL=true</code> in {{file|dsound.ini}} in the game folder. Although HOAL can be used with Alchemy only on post X-Fi cards, it can be used on these cards in OpenAL games.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2IiNemRjmw|title=(2/3) OpenAL implementation audio quality comparison: X-Fi card - YouTube|date=2024-05-19}}</ref> If sound is broken, get the SB X-Fi Series Support Pack 4.0, just don't install included drivers. Unpack {{file|ha20x22k.sys}} from {{folder|XFTI_PCDRV_LB_2_17_0009.exe\Drivers\wdm\win2k_xp\amd64\}} to {{folder|{{p|windir}}\System32\drivers\}}. The problem may exist on any driver past v2.17.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720035149/http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=726283|title=X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|A2D - An universal wrapper for A3D|ref=<ref>[http://www.ntcompatible.com/A3D_with_Soundblaster_Live_Cards_t5677.html#23924  A3D with Soundblaster Live! Cards - NT Compatible forums]</ref><ref>[http://www.hlccl.com/forums/showthread.php?26687-sb-live-a3d-emulation-winxp&p=360956&viewfull=1#post360956 sb live a3d emulation @ winxp - HLCCL forums]</ref>}}
+
====Realtek====
−
# Download the [http://www.soundcard-drivers.com/drivers/26/26364.htm wrapper driver] and install it
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use 3D SoundBack|ref={{cn|date=2024-05-19}}|fix=
−
# Make sure the included <code>a3dapi.dll</code> is in your <code>%windir%\system</code>
+
# Download [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/75-realtek-3d-soundback/ 3D SoundBack].
−
# Delete any a3d related files from your game installation directory
+
# Open the program and add/enable the fix for selected games.
−
# Launch the game with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" compatibility  
+
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} The Realtek chip must be the default playback device.
 +
{{ii}} Both the installer and the {{file|3DSoundBack.exe}} configurator require ''Windows Vista'' [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] to start.
 +
{{--}} The quality of this method is very buggy with many errors in sound processing.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Bring back your Aureal Vortex card - Windows XP|ref=<ref>[http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85854 REAL A3D in windowsXP - Overclockers Forums]</ref>}}
+
===A3D===
−
{{ii}} ('''''A3D effects''''' drivers ≠ '''''Vortex cards''''' drivers)
+
{{ii}} Lists of Aureal 3-Dimensional enabled games can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20030811185730/http://www.vortexofsound.com/gamelist/gamelist-a3d.htm here] and [http://members.optushome.com.au/kirben/3dsoftware.html here].
−
# Default XP's driver should be fine. Otherwise download the [http://www.soundcard-drivers.com/companies/136.htm drivers] for your audio card ([http://www.nix.ru/drivers_list.html?key=2593 mirror]) <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20031002213035/http://www.vortexofsound.com/drivers/drivers.htm Vortex of Sound - Aureal Vortex focused site (retrieved drivers page)]</ref>
+
{{++}} A3D 1.0 is supported out of the box by C-Media based boards (via Xear3D<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201091955/http://www.cmedia.com.tw/?q=en/news_xear3d_ex|title=C-Media’s Xear3D EX Takes Audio to the next level for Windows Vista | C-Media Electronics (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref>), X-Fi and older<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010208081840/http://alive.singnet.com.sg/features/inside/03-3d-audio.htm|title=Inside the Sound Blaster Live! - ALive! (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mirh}}</ref> Creative based devices and older VIA drivers.
−
# [http://web.archive.org/web/20041011143759/http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/chris.day/download/aureal.htm Download] XP Vortex control panel, accordingly to your card
+
 
−
# Navigate to the folder where you installed the game you are going to play with and make sure there are no a3dapi related files
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use DirectSound3D wrapper|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510160147/http://www.pro-hl.com/a3d_winxp.shtml|title=A3D for Windows XP | Pro-HL.com (retrieved)|date=2024-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170519163910/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3217448&page=2#post35352814|title=Anybody who didn't upgrade his HL since last year? - Steam Users' Forums|date=2024-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117175|title=Sound Fix in DarkEngine games|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146198|title=Bringing Back Aureal3d Audio?|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Start the game with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" compatibility
+
# Install [https://mega.nz/file/HR82QI6J#zys4TWV8bXuMbni0joPEQAQHWwuvFVSA8xD6KFRFlko A3d-creative] (repacking of a3dx5/Creative's official wrapper), [https://www.vogons.org/download/file.php?id=41056 A3D Alchemy] (based on QSound A3D Wrapper combined with [http://indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound]), or [http://www.worknd.ru A3D-Live] (Live also needs the [http://vogonsdrivers.com/getfile.php?fileid=173&menustate=0 A2D driver], other packs already include it).
−
'''Notes:'''
+
# If needed, run the application with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" [[Windows Compatibility Mode#Compatibility mode|compatibility]].
−
{{ii}} You'll need original Windows XP's A3D drivers in order to have this procedure working . If you think this is not your case, replace <code>a3d.dll</code> and <code>a3dapi.dll</code> in your windows folder with those inside <code>%windir%\driver cache\i386\driver.cab</code>
+
 
−
{{--}} VIA and AMD chipsets users with a Vortex card could experience a loss of sound <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20041017135923/http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/chris.day/guides/vortex.htm Aureal Vortex Sound Loss Fix - Quantex Zone (retrieved)]</ref> at -but not only limited to- windows startup. Download the attached [http://prdupl02.ynet.co.il/ForumFiles/882924.zip wpcredit/wpcdset] ([http://mir.cr/16WU3XLQ mirror])([http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/cheryl.day/files/wpcredit.zip mirror2]) and follow [http://web.archive.org/web/20030814034646/http://www.vortexofsound.com/techhelp/th-v2a80.htm these].[http://web.archive.org/web/20030404154747/http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/chris.day/vortexfix01.html instructions] to solve the problem.  
+
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Delete/move/rename any A3D-related file shipped with the game.
 +
{{ii}} From Windows Vista onward [[#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound restoration]] is required (such as Alchemy and others). Unnecessary for ''A3D Alchemy'' since it includes IndirectSound in the form of {{file|A3DSND.DLL}}; can be changed to other DirectSound restorers by replacing the dll with another dsound proxy DLL.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 +
[[Category:Sound]]

Latest revision as of 16:17, 19 May 2024

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.
Sound
Sound
Sound card
Surround sound
Audio card (chip if having an integrated solution on the motherboard) is the component necessary to play or record sounds on the computer.
The major producers in this field are Realtek, ASUSTeK, Conexant, Creative, SigmaTel/IDT/Tempo, VIA.
AMD and Nvidia are also audio chip producers, since the arrival of HDMI outputs.

Related articles

Sound
Surround sound

Types of Sound Cards

There are two types of sound cards that are generally used in Gaming PC builds i.e. Internal Sound Cards and External Sound cards. The first one sits on the motherboard right inside the computer case, while the latter can be connected using a USB interface. There are advantages and disadvantages of sound cards[1] (both variants) which completely depend on the gaming requirements.

Internal Sound Cards

Most preferred among Gamers are the internal sound cards as they are connected directly to the motherboard using PCI/PCIe port. It does not require any extra interface in between. Internal Sound cards come in both 5.1 and 7.1 channel output. As compared to external sound cards, these are less expensive and efficient. Manufacturers like Asus, Creative, etc. are the most popular internal sound card brands.

External Sound Cards

These sound cards are very simple plug and play devices and installation is very easy, unlike internal sound cards. They use a USB 2.0 interface to be connected to the PC. Both 5.1 and 7.1 channel options are available in external sound cards. The issue with an external sound card is that they have latency associated with them to an extent.

Set up OpenAL

ADI, Creative and nForce are already ready out of the box.
Make sure to be running latest libraries. Deleting OpenAL32.dll and wrap_oal.dll in games shipping with ancient ones is recommended.
Default Windows output device name must match OAL device one for native implementations to work, DS3D based "Generic Hardware" fallback will be used otherwise (if available)[2]

Asus

Enable Game eXtensions
  1. Open the Asus control panel.
  2. Tick GX mode.
  3. In games configuration files, force native implementation name as reported by ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT in EnumerateWin32.

Notes

Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications.
Recommend installing the latest drivers, found here.
Enabling GX mode can cause crashes, looping audio in-game, and BSOD[3]

Creative (X-Fi Titanium Cards)

Use xfitssfix
Windows 7/8: install driver 2.17.0008C (or 2.18.0015A for PCI cards)[4][5][6]

Universal

Supports binaural HRTF audio mixing for more accurate 3D sound.[7]
OpenAL Soft[citation needed]
  1. Download OpenAL Soft.
  2. Unzip the archive and rename the inner openal-soft-x.xx.x-bin folder as OpenAL.
  3. Move this OpenAL directory to %APPDATA%.
  4. Copy bin\Win32\soft_oal.dll to %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\. (64 bit users can also copy bin\Win64\soft_oal.dll to %WINDIR%\System32\)
  5. Use alsoft-config.exe to configure any desired setting (ambisonics, HRTF, channels, buffer properties).

Notes

Certain games may need for %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\openal32.dll to be replaced with soft_oal.dll to work.[8]

Rapture3D

Use Rapture3D[citation needed]

Notes

Custom quality wrapper for OpenAL games. Among various 3D techniques, provides also its own HRTF tables.
Free Game Edition bundled with Dirt 3 can be used with other games following these instructions or using extracted libraries near game exe (enabling OpenAL in game options may be required).
Different sample rates than 44 or 48kHz set in the system give inadequate spatial effects.

XAudio2 only allows stereo on Dolby Digital Live

Use the XAudio2 Dolby Digital Live patcher[9]

Notes

If it doesn't work, try the older patcher available here or do it manually.

Restore legacy audio effects on newer OS

DirectSound hardware path

Starting with Windows Vista and its new audio stack, DirectSound applications are rendered entirely in a user-mode software audio session.[10]
Most games developed in the preceding decade will experience problems, going from the simple lack of EAX effects to the complete demotion to stereophony.[11]

Universal

DSOAL[12]
  1. Download from PCGamingWiki or GitHub (latest build).
  2. Extract dsound.dll, dsoal-aldrv.dll, and alsoft.ini into <path-to-game> alongside the main game executable.

Notes

Translates DirectSound calls into OpenAL Soft[13] (better positioning than IndirectSound which doesn't use HRTF and/or EAX[14]).
Supports versions of EAX up to 4.0.[13]
May require additional registry keys to function correctly with certain games.[15]
The PCGamingWiki download is prepackaged with HRTF tables. To disable HRTF, change HRTF to False in alsoft.ini.
IndirectSound[16]
  1. Download IndirectSound.
  2. Extract into <path-to-game> alongside the main game executable.

Notes

Translates DirectSound calls into XAudio2.[17]
No EAX effect is emulated, yet there is EAX 1/2 support emulation that is useful for some games that don't calculate 3D positional audio unless EAX is supported.
Dedicated guide for dsound.dll injection problems (may apply to DSOAL as well).

Asus

Enable Game eXtensions[citation needed]
  1. Open the Asus control panel.
  2. Tick GX mode.

Notes

The Xonar must be the default playback device.
Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications.
Enabling GX mode can cause crashes, looping audio in-game, and BSOD.[3]

Creative

Use Creative ALchemy[18]
  1. Download and install Creative EAX 4 Unified Redistributable.
  2. Download and install latest ALchemy 1.45.20.
  3. Open the Creative Control Panel and switch on Game mode (X-Fi model only).
  4. Start the ALchemy installer and enable it for the interested games. It may be necessary to add a new profile for the specific game.

Notes

Restores EAX completely (all versions) and surround sound.
Could be made into a universal solution, just like IndirectSound or DSOAL, by using Creative ALchemy Universal (obsolete) or ALchemy Restriction Remover.
Setting Game mode in Creative Control Panel is mandatory for some games, and in order to decrease performance overlay (if exists) and revive EAX 3 and higher.[19][citation needed]
For Creative cards which are based on Host OpenAL (HOAL) drivers (all post X-Fi card), renaming sens_oal.dll to ct_oal.dll in %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\ (64-bits) or %WINDIR%\System32\ (32-bits) will force alchemy to use the Host OpenAl drivers instead of his internal library, this could give better quality in games. When using this method, to switch back to the internal library, just have DisableNativeAL=true in dsound.ini in the game folder. Although HOAL can be used with Alchemy only on post X-Fi cards, it can be used on these cards in OpenAL games.[20] If sound is broken, get the SB X-Fi Series Support Pack 4.0, just don't install included drivers. Unpack ha20x22k.sys from XFTI_PCDRV_LB_2_17_0009.exe\Drivers\wdm\win2k_xp\amd64\ to %WINDIR%\System32\drivers\. The problem may exist on any driver past v2.17.[21]

Realtek

Use 3D SoundBack[citation needed]
  1. Download 3D SoundBack.
  2. Open the program and add/enable the fix for selected games.

Notes

The Realtek chip must be the default playback device.
Both the installer and the 3DSoundBack.exe configurator require Windows Vista compatibility mode to start.
The quality of this method is very buggy with many errors in sound processing.

A3D

Lists of Aureal 3-Dimensional enabled games can be found here and here.
A3D 1.0 is supported out of the box by C-Media based boards (via Xear3D[22]), X-Fi and older[23][24] Creative based devices and older VIA drivers.
Use DirectSound3D wrapper[25][26][27][28]
  1. Install A3d-creative (repacking of a3dx5/Creative's official wrapper), A3D Alchemy (based on QSound A3D Wrapper combined with IndirectSound), or A3D-Live (Live also needs the A2D driver, other packs already include it).
  2. If needed, run the application with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" compatibility.

Notes

Delete/move/rename any A3D-related file shipped with the game.
From Windows Vista onward DirectSound restoration is required (such as Alchemy and others). Unnecessary for A3D Alchemy since it includes IndirectSound in the form of A3DSND.DLL; can be changed to other DirectSound restorers by replacing the dll with another dsound proxy DLL.


References

  1. ↑ The Best PC Sound Cards of 2024 - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  2. ↑ OpenAL - Enumeration with OpenAL on Windows (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Xonar best audio settings guide - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  4. ↑ X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  5. ↑ Will OpenAL ever be fixed on the Titanium cards? : SoundBlasterOfficial - Reddit - last accessed on May 2023
  6. ↑ Solution for UT3 "Hardware OpenAL" issue on Creative X-Fi cards! - Page 2 (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  7. ↑ SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade - last accessed on May 2023
  8. ↑ Driver isn't the default with ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT · kcat/openal-soft - GitHub - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  9. ↑ Surround sound - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  10. ↑ Audio in Windows Vista - Windows Vista - Creative Labs (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  11. ↑ Restoring surround sound to Deus Ex and other games - should I get Sound Blaster MB3? • VOGONS - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  12. ↑ [RELz] Restoring Surround Sound and EAX - last accessed on 2024-02-13
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 kcat/dsoal: A DirectSound DLL replacer that enables surround sound, HRTF, and EAX support via OpenAL Soft - last accessed on 2024-02-13
  14. ↑ indirectsound.com - last accessed on 2023-05-31
  15. ↑ Windows 11 Support · Issue #34 · kcat/dsoal - last accessed on 2024-02-03
  16. ↑ indirect sound • VOGONS - last accessed on 2023-06-09
  17. ↑ IndirectSound - 3D Audio in Older Games - last accessed on 2024-02-13
  18. ↑ Home - ALchemy (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  19. ↑ Games only work if Game Mode is selec - Creative Discussion Forum - last accessed on May 2023
  20. ↑ (2/3) OpenAL implementation audio quality comparison: X-Fi card - YouTube - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  21. ↑ X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  22. ↑ C-Media’s Xear3D EX Takes Audio to the next level for Windows Vista - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  23. ↑ Inside the Sound Blaster Live! - ALive! (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  24. ↑ Verified by User:Mirh on {{{date}}}
  25. ↑ A3D for Windows XP - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  26. ↑ Anybody who didn't upgrade his HL since last year? - Steam Users' Forums - last accessed on 2024-05-19
  27. ↑ Sound Fix in DarkEngine games - last accessed on May 2023
  28. ↑ Bringing Back Aureal3d Audio? - last accessed on May 2023