Low vocals, high background effects

[Arkitech]

What's the fix for this? I'm thinking it might be software related, but I don't know for sure. I checked the audio levels on my receiver and it looks ok. Any other suggestions on what I can look into?

 

[sdifox]

did you calibrate the spl levels of each channel?

 

[Arkitech]

did you calibrate the spl levels of each channel?

I'm fairly positive it's not the receiver. I think it's software related, I just can't figure out which options to tweak.

 

[Claudius-07]

If you installed a codec pack etc, you can edit the FFDSHOW Audio Decoder Configuration settings. Go down to the mixer area. You can increase individual levels for your various speakers. That could help.

 

[sdifox]

I'm fairly positive it's not the receiver. I think it's software related, I just can't figure out which options to tweak.

so, you are saying you have calibrated all the output level and distance of all the channels and the dialogue still seems low?

 

[Matt1970]

My old projection TV would do that with surround sound enabled probably since I didn't have any rear speakers hooked up.

 

[blackangst1]

Is this a 5.1 setup via HTPC?

 

[CubanlB]

Sounds to me like somewhere in the line you are losing the center channel info. Do you have the same problem with 2ch sources?

 

[Arkitech]

I'm currently using just 2 speakers (too lazy to hookup the other speakers). I'm using FFDShow filters and it's set to stereo (2 channel).

 

[sdifox]

do you have a digital out from computer to receiver?

I have a feeling you have actually disabled the other channels as opposed to down-mixing to two channels. So you are just hearing what is supposed to come from left and right and missing all the sound from centre.

 

[CubanlB]

do you have a digital out from computer to receiver?

I have a feeling you have actually disabled the other channels as opposed to down-mixing to two channels. So you are just hearing what is supposed to come from left and right and missing all the sound from centre.

Yup, that sounds about right.

If you are going digital out just send 5.1 (or whatever) and let your receiver down mix it to stereo.

Or better yet, connect your other speakers!