P180B, X-Fi Music and front panel audio ports

[Pahonix]

I have been using a USB-based headset/mic for a while now. I recently replaced those with a set of headphones that have standard 3.5mm jacks (Sennheiser PC160s). When I plug them into the front panel on the P180, nothing happens. Plugging them directly into the X-Fi card on the back works just fine. It seems I missed a connection or a setting somewhere to enable those jacks.

From what I can gather, neither the X-Fi card nor the case came with a cable. I assumed that the motherboard (Asus P5W DH) would serve as the 'conduit' for the audio between the front jacks and the audio card.

Am I off base? Anyone know why it doesn't work?

Also, as a side note, I was thinking of getting something like the Plantronics headset speaker switch. Anyone know why this wouldn't be a good idea, like it degrades the signal or something?

 

[TheSpaceman]

I'm guessing that you've connected the audio sockets on your case to the motherboard audio, and not that they're entirely disconnected? If so, I'd reckon that your case jacks are connected to the onboard audio of your P5WDH, but that since you've installed an X-Fi you've disabled the onboard audio in BIOS, hence you get nothing from connecting to the front sockets.

Your motherboard can't serve as a "conduit" to the X-Fi as far as I'm aware. I don't currently have an X-Fi so I don't know whether it's possible to connect it to your case sockets, but I'd suspect not.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Which X-Fi do you have?

I think the XtremeGamer has a standard connection for a case front panel, but the rest of them do not.

There must be some cables connected to the front of the case that are used for the audio connections.

Something easy to do as an alternative would be to get a couple 3.5mm stereo extension cables and run it from the back of the X-Fi to your desk. Just plug them in there.

 

[Gooberlx2]

My Dell 8400 has exactly the connector for the X-Fi's jack. It's the same connector on the original SBLive! 24-bit that came with the computer. I think it's even labeled "dell-in" or something. Maybe there's an adapter?

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/gooberlx/xfi_xtrememusic_1.jpg

 

[Pahonix]

Originally posted by: TheSpaceman
I'm guessing that you've connected the audio sockets on your case to the motherboard audio, and not that they're entirely disconnected? If so, I'd reckon that your case jacks are connected to the onboard audio of your P5WDH, but that since you've installed an X-Fi you've disabled the onboard audio in BIOS, hence you get nothing from connecting to the front sockets.

Your motherboard can't serve as a "conduit" to the X-Fi as far as I'm aware. I don't currently have an X-Fi so I don't know whether it's possible to connect it to your case sockets, but I'd suspect not.

Correct, I'm quite positive that I connected the ports on the front to the motherboard. But in that case, it makes complete sense that it would be disabled if the onboard audio is disabled.

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Which X-Fi do you have?

I think the XtremeGamer has a standard connection for a case front panel, but the rest of them do not.

There must be some cables connected to the front of the case that are used for the audio connections.

Something easy to do as an alternative would be to get a couple 3.5mm stereo extension cables and run it from the back of the X-Fi to your desk. Just plug them in there.

I have the X-Fi Music as noted in the topic. Your alternative is in line with what I was thinking of doing with the Plantronics switcher. The reason behind this is that I want to be able to easily disable the headphones since I use the headset pretty much just for gaming. When I watch tv shows and movies, I'd rather sit back and listen to the surround speakers I have hooked in. However, because I can only plug the headset into the X-Fi itself, I have to unplug the speakers to do so. Hence, why I'd rather just be able to plug them in the front. Or, use the switcher.

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
My Dell 8400 has exactly the connector for the X-Fi's jack. It's the same connector on the original SBLive! 24-bit that came with the computer. I think it's even labeled "dell-in" or something. Maybe there's an adapter?

Interesting observation. I'll have to crack open the case again to see what my options are there.

Thanks all for the responses.

 

[43st]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
My Dell 8400 has exactly the connector for the X-Fi's jack. It's the same connector on the original SBLive! 24-bit that came with the computer. I think it's even labeled "dell-in" or something. Maybe there's an adapter?

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/gooberlx/xfi_xtrememusic_1.jpg

I tried to use those pins on my latest computer build out (Antec Nine Hundred), the front panel pins don't even fit on the X-fi. The Antec sockets are too large for the X-fi pins, they fall out.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: 43st

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
My Dell 8400 has exactly the connector for the X-Fi's jack. It's the same connector on the original SBLive! 24-bit that came with the computer. I think it's even labeled "dell-in" or something. Maybe there's an adapter?

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/gooberlx/xfi_xtrememusic_1.jpg

I tried to use those pins on my latest computer build out (Antec Nine Hundred), the front panel pins don't even fit on the X-fi. The Antec sockets are too large for the X-fi pins, they fall out.

There are some people who have rigged up their own adapters to do it.

Example of what you needed to do for Audigy 2
http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/

 

[idiotekniQues]

check this out

http://www.x-tap.com/

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: idiotekniQues
check this out

http://www.x-tap.com/

Wowzers, I know it's a custom part but that's still expensive.:Q

 

[idiotekniQues]

yup. they are making a killing.

but for people with disposable income, it could come in handy.

i hate that i cant use my front audio connectors as i like to switch headphones for gaming and music listening - i almost bought this thing but instead im just getting the xtreme gamer xfi card for 50 bucks after rebate, only 20 bucks more than this cable lol

but for people that have other x-fi's this could be what they want.