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Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Sound card"

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{{stub}}
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{{stub}}{{:Category:Sound}}
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{{ii}} Audio card (chip if you have an integrated solution on your motherboard) is the component necessary to play or record sounds on your PC.
 +
{{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?
 +
-->
  
Audio card (chip if you have an integrated solution on your motherboard) is the component necessary to play or record sounds on your PC. <br /><br />
+
'''Related articles'''
The major producers in this field are [http://218.210.127.131/downloads/ Realtek], [http://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], [http://support.creative.com/Products/product_list.aspx?catID=1&CatName=Sound+Blaster Creative], [https://temposemi.com/applications/windows-10-driver-support-2/ SigmaTel/IDT/Tempo], [http://www.via.com.tw/en/support/drivers.jsp VIA]. <br />
+
{{mm}} [[Glossary:Sound|Sound]]
[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.  
+
{{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 your pc case while the latter can be connected using a USB interface. There are advantages and disadvantages of sound cards<ref>[https://www.glinkster.com/best-sound-card-2018/ Internal & External Sound Cards for Gaming] ''Glinkster''</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==
 
==Set up OpenAL==
 
{{++}} ADI, Creative and nForce are already ready out of the box
 
{{++}} 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 ''<tt>OpenAL32.dll</tt>'' and ''<tt>wrap_oal.dll</tt>'' in games shipping with ancient ones is recommended.  
+
{{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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070118174547/http://www.openal.org/windows_enumeration.html Enumeration with OpenAL on Windows - OpenAL] (retrieved)</ref>
 
{{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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070118174547/http://www.openal.org/windows_enumeration.html Enumeration with OpenAL on Windows - OpenAL] (retrieved)</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====
 
====Asus====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable Game eXtensions|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Enable Game eXtensions}}
 
 
# Open the Asus control panel
 
# Open the Asus control panel
 
# Tick "GX" mode
 
# Tick "GX" mode
Line 17: Line 34:
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications
 
{{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">[http://maxedtech.com/xonar-best-audio-settings-guide/ Xonar best audio settings guide]</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 -->
 
<!-- 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 -->
====Realtek====
+
 
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====Creative (X-Fi Titanium Cards)====
{{Fixbox/fix|Set up native device}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/bibendovsky/xfitssfix xfitssfix]}}
# Install [[#Realtek_2|3D SoundBack]]
+
{{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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170720035149/http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=726283 X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found | Creative Discussion Forum] (retrieved)</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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120512132014/http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=697386&page=2&p=533769 Solution for UT3 "Hardware OpenAL" issue on Creative X-Fi cards! | Creative Discussion Forum] (retrieved)</ref>}}
# Navigate to the installation folder and copy <code>rtk_oal.dll</code> in <code>{{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\</code>
+
 
 +
====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|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 {{p|appdata}}.
 +
# Copy <code>bin\Win32\soft_oal.dll</code> to {{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\ <small>(64 bit users can also copy <code>bin\Win64\soft_oal.dll</code> to {{p|windir}}\System32\)</small>
 +
# Use <tt>alsoft-config.exe</tt> to configure any desired setting (ambisonics, HRTF, channels, buffer properties)
 +
{{ii}} Certain games may need to replace <code>{{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\openal32.dll</code> with <code>soft_oal.dll</code> to work.<ref>[https://github.com/kcat/openal-soft/issues/574 Driver isn't the default with ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT · kcat/openal-soft - GitHub]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
====Universal====
+
 
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====Rapture3D====
{{Fixbox/fix|OpenAL Soft}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Rapture3D|fix=
# Download [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/7-openal-soft/ OpenAL Soft]
+
Custom quality wrapper for OpenAL games. Among various 3D techniques, provides also its own HRTF tables.
# Copy <code>\bin\Win32\soft_oal.dll</code> in {{p|windir}}\{{p|SysWOW64}}\ <small>(optionally in 64 bit OS copy <code>\Win64\soft_oal.dll</code> in {{p|windir}}\System32\)</small>
+
{{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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170603180328/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2675438 Surround sound - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix=
 +
{{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].
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===DirectSound hardware path===
 
===DirectSound hardware path===
 
{{ii}} Starting with Windows Vista and its new audio stack, DirectSound applications are rendered entirely in a user-mode software audio session<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070208072610/http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=Vista&message.id=1694 Audio in Windows Vista - Creative Labs Discussion Forums] (retrieved)</ref>
 
{{ii}} Starting with Windows Vista and its new audio stack, DirectSound applications are rendered entirely in a user-mode software audio session<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070208072610/http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=Vista&message.id=1694 Audio in Windows Vista - Creative Labs Discussion Forums] (retrieved)</ref>
{{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>[http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=39823&start=20#p394241 Restoring surround sound to Deus Ex and other games - should I get Sound Blaster MB3? • VOGONS]</ref>
+
{{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|IndirectSound|ref=<ref>[http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=36870#p322859 indirect sound • VOGONS]</ref>}}
+
====Universal====
# Download [http://indirectsound.com IndirectSound].
+
{{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=
# Extract into {{p|game}} alongside the main game executable.
+
# Download from [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1363-dsoal/ PCGamingWiki] or [https://github.com/ThreeDeeJay/dsoal/releases/latest GitHub] (latest build).
 +
# Extract {{File|dsound.dll}}, {{File|dsoal-aldrv.dll}}, and {{File|alsoft.ini}} into {{Folder|{{p|game}}}} alongside the main game executable.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{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|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=
 +
# Download [https://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound].
 +
# Extract into {{Folder|{{p|game}}}} alongside the main game executable.
 +
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} EAX support is emulated for compatibility reasons, pretending that EAX is supported, but no actual effect is played
+
{{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>
 +
{{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).
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
====Asus====
 
====Asus====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable Game eXtensions|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Enable Game eXtensions}}
 
 
# Open the Asus control panel
 
# Open the Asus control panel
 
# Tick "GX" mode
 
# Tick "GX" mode
Line 51: Line 100:
 
{{ii}} Your Xonar must be the default playback device
 
{{ii}} Your Xonar must be the default playback device
 
{{ii}} Turning off GX mode after playing games is advised to avoid glitches in other applications
 
{{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">[http://maxedtech.com/xonar-best-audio-settings-guide/ Xonar best audio settings guide]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
====Creative====
 
====Creative====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Creative ALchemy|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130508122842/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx ALchemy - Creative Labs: Connect] (retrieved)</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use ALchemy|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130508122842/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx ALchemy - Creative Labs: Connect] (retrieved)</ref>}}
+
# Download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1881-creative-alchemy/ latest ALchemy 1.45.20]
# Download [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/68-alchemy/ latest ALchemy] version
+
# Open the Creative Control Panel and switch on Game mode (X-Fi model only)
# Open the Creative control panel and switch on Game mode
+
# Start the ALchemy installer and enable it for the interested games. It may be necessary to add a new profile for the specific game.
# Start the ALchemy installer and enable it for the interested games
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} Setting Game mode is mandatory<ref>[http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=495329 Games only work if Game Mode is selec - Creative Discussion Forum]</ref>{{CN|Creation mode too perhaps? http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/multimedia/creative-x-fi.html}}
+
{{++}} Restores EAX completely (all versions) and surround sound.
{{ii}} Could be made into a universal solution, alongside IndirectSound, by using [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/28-creative-alchemy-universal/ Creative ALchemy Universal] (obsolete) or [http://forums.thedarkmod.com/topic/18249-tutorial-how-to-setup-eax-for-tdm-on-any-soundcard/ ALchemy Restriction Remover].
+
{{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://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/68-creative-alchemy/?do=findComment&comment=1174 ALchemy Restriction Remover].
{{++}} Also restores EAX completely.
+
{{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 card which are based on Host OpenAL (HOAL) drivers (all post X-Fi card), renaming the '''sens_oal.dll''' to '''ct_oal.dll''' in '''c:\windows\syswow64''' (windows 64 bits) or '''c:\windows\system32''' (on windows 32 bits) will force alchemy to use the Host OpenAl drivers instead of his internal library, this could give you better quality in games. When using this method, to switch back to the internal library, just have ''DisableNativeAL=true'' in the dsound.ini of your game folder. Although HOAL can be used with Alchemy only on post X-Fi card, it can be used on these cards in OpenAL games.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2IiNemRjmw</ref> 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 C:\Windows\System32\drivers. The problem may exist on any driver past v2.17.<ref>http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=726283</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
====Realtek====
 
====Realtek====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use 3D SoundBack|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use 3D SoundBack}}
 
 
# Download [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/75-realtek-3d-soundback/ 3D SoundBack]
 
# Download [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/75-realtek-3d-soundback/ 3D SoundBack]
 
# Open the program and add/enable the fix for selected games.
 
# Open the program and add/enable the fix for selected games.
Line 72: Line 122:
 
{{ii}} Your Realtek chip must be the default playback device.
 
{{ii}} Your Realtek chip must be the default playback device.
 
{{ii}} Both the installer and the <code>3DSoundBack.exe</code> configurator require ''Windows Vista'' [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] to start
 
{{ii}} Both the installer and the <code>3DSoundBack.exe</code> configurator require ''Windows Vista'' [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] to start
{{ii}} The end-quality of this method is very buggy with many errors in sound processing
+
{{--}} The end-quality of this method is very buggy with many errors in sound processing
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 78: Line 128:
 
{{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].
 
{{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].
 
{{++}} A3D 1.0 is supported out of the box by C-Media based boards (via Xear3D<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090201091955/http://www.cmedia.com.tw/?q=en/news_xear3d_ex C-Media’s Xear3D EX Takes Audio to the next level for Windows Vista | C-Media Electronics] (retrieved)</ref>), X-Fi and older<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010208081840/http://alive.singnet.com.sg/features/inside/03-3d-audio.htm Inside the Sound Blaster Live! - ALive!] (retrieved) and verified by [[User:Mirh|Mirh]]</ref> Creative based devices and older VIA drivers.
 
{{++}} A3D 1.0 is supported out of the box by C-Media based boards (via Xear3D<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090201091955/http://www.cmedia.com.tw/?q=en/news_xear3d_ex C-Media’s Xear3D EX Takes Audio to the next level for Windows Vista | C-Media Electronics] (retrieved)</ref>), X-Fi and older<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010208081840/http://alive.singnet.com.sg/features/inside/03-3d-audio.htm Inside the Sound Blaster Live! - ALive!] (retrieved) and verified by [[User:Mirh|Mirh]]</ref> Creative based devices and older VIA drivers.
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use DirectSound3D wrapper|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100510160147/http://www.pro-hl.com/a3d_winxp.shtml A3D for Windows XP | Pro-HL.com] (retrieved)</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170519163910/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3217448&page=2#post35352814 Anybody who didn't upgrade his HL since last year? - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</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=
{{Fixbox/fix|Use DirectSound3D wrapper|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100510160147/http://www.pro-hl.com/a3d_winxp.shtml A3D for Windows XP | Pro-HL.com] (retrieved)</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170519163910/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3217448&page=2#post35352814 Anybody who didn't upgrade his HL since last year? - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref><ref>[http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117175 Sound Fix in DarkEngine games]</ref><ref>[http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146198 Bringing Back Aureal3d Audio?]</ref>}}
+
# 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).
# Download latest [http://members.optushome.com.au/kirben/a2ddrivers312.exe A2D driver] and install it
 
# Download [http://www.topdll.com/download/A3D.dll?q=e78050fd0a64325693c573d0aa84a3ba a3dx5.dll] (Creative's official wrapper) or [http://originaldll.com/file/a3d.dll/23289.html QSound A3D] in {{code|{{p|windir}}\system\}}, or use [http://www.worknd.ru A3D-Live]
 
 
# if need Run the application with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" [[Windows Compatibility Mode#Compatibility mode|compatibility]]
 
# if need Run the application with "Windows 98 / Windows Me" [[Windows Compatibility Mode#Compatibility mode|compatibility]]
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Delete/move/rename any a3d related file shipped with the game
 
{{ii}} Delete/move/rename any a3d related file shipped with the game
{{ii}} From Windows Vista onward of course [[#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound restoration]] is required. Asus' Game Extensions have A3D 1.0 support builtin, thus this is unnecessary with Asus cards<ref>https://www.asus.com/us/Sound-Cards/Xonar_DG/specifications/</ref>.
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{{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 A3DSND.DLL; can be changed to other DirectSound restorers by replacing the dll with another dsound proxy dll.
 
}}
 
}}
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{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
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[[Category:Sound]]

Latest revision as of 18:24, 15 February 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 you have an integrated solution on your motherboard) is the component necessary to play or record sounds on your PC.
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 your pc 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
  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)
Certain games may need to replace %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\openal32.dll with soft_oal.dll to work.[8]

Rapture3D

Use Rapture3D

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]
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
  1. Open the Asus control panel
  2. Tick "GX" mode

Notes

Your 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 latest ALchemy 1.45.20
  2. Open the Creative Control Panel and switch on Game mode (X-Fi model only)
  3. 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 card which are based on Host OpenAL (HOAL) drivers (all post X-Fi card), renaming the sens_oal.dll to ct_oal.dll in c:\windows\syswow64 (windows 64 bits) or c:\windows\system32 (on windows 32 bits) will force alchemy to use the Host OpenAl drivers instead of his internal library, this could give you better quality in games. When using this method, to switch back to the internal library, just have DisableNativeAL=true in the dsound.ini of your game folder. Although HOAL can be used with Alchemy only on post X-Fi card, 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 C:\Windows\System32\drivers. The problem may exist on any driver past v2.17.[21]

Realtek

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

Notes

Your Realtek chip must be the default playback device.
Both the installer and the 3DSoundBack.exe configurator require Windows Vista compatibility mode to start
The end-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] Creative based devices and older VIA drivers.
Use DirectSound3D wrapper[24][25][26][27]
  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 need 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. Internal & External Sound Cards for Gaming Glinkster
  2. Enumeration with OpenAL on Windows - OpenAL (retrieved)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Xonar best audio settings guide
  4. X-Fi Titanium: OpenAL cuts outs on games with newer drivers (2.40+) - Problem might have been found | Creative Discussion Forum (retrieved)
  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! | Creative Discussion Forum (retrieved)
  7. SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade - last accessed on May 2023
  8. Driver isn't the default with ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT · kcat/openal-soft - GitHub
  9. Surround sound - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  10. Audio in Windows Vista - Creative Labs Discussion Forums (retrieved)
  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. ALchemy - Creative Labs: Connect (retrieved)
  19. Games only work if Game Mode is selec - Creative Discussion Forum - last accessed on May 2023
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2IiNemRjmw
  21. http://forums.creative.com/showthread.php?t=726283
  22. C-Media’s Xear3D EX Takes Audio to the next level for Windows Vista | C-Media Electronics (retrieved)
  23. Inside the Sound Blaster Live! - ALive! (retrieved) and verified by Mirh
  24. A3D for Windows XP | Pro-HL.com (retrieved)
  25. Anybody who didn't upgrade his HL since last year? - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  26. Sound Fix in DarkEngine games - last accessed on May 2023
  27. Bringing Back Aureal3d Audio? - last accessed on May 2023