Extremely low volume with headphones in Windows 7

[calyco]

Hey guys, I have an Asus M5A99X mobo with Realtek audio (using the front panel headphone jack). Normally I use a pair of AKG K430 headphones (which have an inline volume control I turned to max), the headphones work fine. However every other pair of headphones Ive tried has very low volume. I just purchased a Sennheiser HD439, same thing. I have to turn the volume to max to get normal levels. Foobar is decent volume, its worst with listening to music on youtube with chrome. The only difference I can tell between the headphones are the AKG K4340 is 125dB vs. the Sennheiser HD439 is 112dB.

AKG K430
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/akg-k-430-closed-back-on-ear-headphones

Sennheiser HD439
http://en-us.sennheiser.com/on-ear-headphones-audio-hd-439

FWIW I also have a pair of Klipsch Promedia 2.1 plugged in to the rear output which works perfectly fine, volume wise. What couple be the problem? Any help would be appreciated, TIA

 

[ArisVer]

Check this. Right click on volume icon in taskbar and click "Playback devices". On the window opened right click your headphone set and click "Properties". On the new window adjust the volume on the "Levels" tab and see if there is a difference.

Edit. There might be a program that came with your motherboard to adjust the volume as well.

 

[calyco]

Yep, did all that. Levels are upped to the max, as well as in the Realtek app. Still same low volume. Wondering if this is just an issue with Realtek and if I should just buy a new soundcard.. hate their drivers and hardware.

 

[calyco]

Hmm, I just noticed the grey and green bars on the volume (independent of the volume slider). On foobar, they go up to about 80%, adequate volume. On youtube they only go up to about 30%

 

[code65536]

It could be a bad jack or another form of hardware defect.

 

[jkauff]

You've got an impedance mismatch between the headphone jack output and the headphone inputs. Here's a link to a concise explanation:

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/headphone-impedance-explained.html

 

[calyco]

You've got an impedance mismatch between the headphone jack output and the headphone inputs. Here's a link to a concise explanation:

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/headphone-impedance-explained.html

Thanks for the link man. Read some of it, so I would need something like this to drive the headphones?

http://www.amazon.com/E09K-Output-De...+headphone+amp

Both AKG and Sennheiser are 32 ohms though, why is the AKG so much louder? spl?

 

[code65536]

If the problem is the result of a defect instead of bad design, then a RMA would likely be more prudent.

 

[jkauff]

Thanks for the link man. Read some of it, so I would need something like this to drive the headphones?

http://www.amazon.com/E09K-Output-De...+headphone+amp

Both AKG and Sennheiser are 32 ohms though, why is the AKG so much louder? spl?

The FiiO would work fine. Here's a link to another well-reviewed unit at the same price point (you'd need a 3.5mm to 2 RCA adapter cable, though):

http://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-07-...ds=schiit+modi

 

[ninaholic37]

On foobar, they go up to about 80%, adequate volume. On youtube they only go up to about 30%

If foobar gets 80% volume and youtube only 30% it sounds like a software/OS setting (some have an independent slider for Video that might be hidden).

 

[Ketchup]

I also have noticed that Youtube volume is lower/not adjustable if I don't have Flash installed.

 

[ronbo613]

I use Sennheiser headphones(I don't know the model, they are a couple years old) with Realtek onboard sound and I would agree that the volume is low. All the audio output settings are at maximum.

 

[Cerb]

125 dB/V v. 112dB/V is 13dB.
13dB is around a 4x actual, and a bit over 2x perceived, difference.

So, the Senns should seem to be about 40% as loud at any given volume setting, with the same content being played.

If Foobar is OK, and can be set to uncomfortable volumes, then the major difference is something in software. But, it can be easier to just get an amp, and not worry with it, if you've already tried what some quick Googling would suggest (mainly dig around the mixer and Realtek control panel).

 

[schmuckley]

Install the audio drivers for your motherboard.
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/misc/audio/Realtek_Audio_V6642_PG347_VISTAWIN7.zip

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A99X_EVO/HelpDesk_Download/

 

[TheRyuu]

If Foobar is OK, and can be set to uncomfortable volumes, then the major difference is something in software. But, it can be easier to just get an amp, and not worry with it, if you've already tried what some quick Googling would suggest (mainly dig around the mixer and Realtek control panel).

I have foobar set at about 50% of the volume slider (so it can be set to uncomfortable levels if cranked up) yet there are youtube/netflix/videos that are low despite turning up the windows volume to 100% (I have it on 80% by default).

I think it can depend on mastering of the content as well although I admit this happens few and far between although I wouldn't call it extremely low volume, just not quite loud enough. I have a FiiO E10 DAC and HD558's (the DAC's volume control is set just above 1 (goes from 0 to 10)).

Install the audio drivers for your motherboard.
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/misc/audio/Realtek_Audio_V6642_PG347_VISTAWIN7.zip

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A99X_EVO/HelpDesk_Download/

I doubt the audio drivers would make any difference. If it works without them I'd gladly not install the realtek ones.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I doubt the audio drivers would make any difference. If it works without them I'd gladly not install the realtek ones.

If you have RealTek audio in your mobo, and only have the MS default drivers installed, that can definitely make a difference.