Echo/distorting effect in stereo sound mode.

[emptypitcher]

System:

main board: GA-EP35-DS3P
sound codec: Realtek ALC889a
video card: Radeon 3870
case: antec sonata 2 (has ac97 front audio panel not HD one i think)
speakers: 2.1 set and 2.0 headphones
webcam: logitech 9000pro

Thats all the bits that are relevant i believe.

Software:
Realtek HD Sound Effects Manager R1.99
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 5.10.0.5667
Catalyst 8.6
XP SP3
Logitech Quickcam Software 11.5.0.1169
High Definition Audio Driver Package - KB888111

Should be most of the relevant software.

When playing any stereo audio source in stereo music is largely untouched but vocals are quieter and echo.

Changing any balance option anywhere makes the sound normal though not in stereo. For example winamp balance, the large playback balance control, the wave balance control, front balance control when using headphones. Same thing happens changing an audio source from stereo to mono such as VLC.

All options on the sound effect tab seem to be off. Environment set to none, Karaoke box has no cross, Equalizer all at 0 and eq button not green.

I remember this sort of thing happening before but think it was the environment set to something like sewer. The only environments which sound the same now are ones like room, living room and plain.

Considering removing the logitech quickcam drivers then reinstalling sound drivers as apparently that can cause problems. Will probably just try not loading them to start.

 

[wanderer27]

Welcome to the board!

Almost sounds like you may be set up for 5.1 sound (4 speaker) and have your speakers plugged in the surround speaker jacks.

I think there is a utility installed with the drivers for your sound where you can check speaker connections and sound configuration.

You may want to check these out.

 

[emptypitcher]

Configured as line out on the rear and headphone on the front. Not sure what if any difference there is between headphone and line but doesn't make a difference anyway. The jacks can be set to anything i believe.

Disabled all the logitech drivers which didnt change anything.

Anyway turns out the front audio jack panel is buggy. Plugging in usb devices or bumping the headphone cable makes the effect come and go. Volume also drops off even when set to only left or right which may give an indication whats wrong not that it matters.

Plugging the headphones and the speakers into the back seems to fix it fine so ill just live with that, cords long enough. Could be a semi serious reason to buy a new case.