CMedia AC97 - Very quiet.

Kiel2 · 06-27-2006, 12:54 AM

Hello.

Recently upgraded my entire system, including obviously my motherboard.

The onboard sound, as I've read in google, is one of the best available. CMedia AC97. However on my computer it's extremely quiet.

My old motherboard was a dinosaur with some cruddy onboard sound, and it's still about 4x louder than this.

I've got the latest drivers and everything. And I even tried the Realtek AC97's, but to not avail.

Any info' you need I'm willing to give. Basically it's raining here right now and I have the volume maxed yet can barely hear my music.

Yours,
Kiel

**kodi** · 06-27-2006, 01:50 AM

Did you change your speakers when you updated, if so can you try your old ones and see if they are better.

Kiel2 · 06-27-2006, 03:11 AM

Nah mate I didn't change my speakers.

Sorry for not mentioning that and wasting your time.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 03:15 AM

Bump. Sorry, really desperate =(

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 06:19 AM

Have you checked all the volume sliders, even the hidden ones?

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 06:34 AM

Yeah mate. Everything is maxed.

Hidden as in Properties -> Advanced, right?

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 06:45 AM

Yeah, I was thinking maybe you had the master volume on full, but the wav or cd volumes too low. It could also be the media player volume settings (but I'm sure you've already checked that

)

Look in Control Panel > Sounds to see if it's using the correct playback device, and click the Advanced button to check the speaker setup.

What motherboard is it? You may need to install something like the VIA 4-in-1 drivers as well as the AC97.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 07:14 AM

Yep, all is in order.

And the speaker's are fine, as I have a spare USB sound card (without mic, which is why I'm using the onboard) that I use to test the speakers.

The motherboard is ASRock P4VM800.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 07:20 AM

Just noticed this.

The volume doesn't seem to be all the way up. <click>

No matter how I click, what button I push it doesn't seem to go up. No idea if this has anything to do with it.

Edit: Instead of posting the pic' and causing unwanted window resizing, just placed a URL.

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 07:40 AM

I'm not familiar with the C-Media Control Panel so I can't give specific advice about it, but when I've had volume problems with SoundBlaster cards, the first thing I check is the Output Device (or Output Type for C-Media). Try changing it from digital to analog.

Have you tried these drivers?
http://www.cmedia.com.tw/?q=zh-hant/driver
http://www.asrock.com/support/downlo...?Model=P4VM800

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 07:44 AM

Yip, got them drivers from the asrock site, however the cmedia link is broken?

I'll try to figure out how to change it to Analog.

Got the cmedia link working...and I have no idea what my sound card is. Just says CMedia AC'97.

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 07:54 AM

Sorry, the C-Media link was working a few minutes ago. I tried it just now and got a server error. Their site must be down at the moment. If you try it later it has drivers for Onboard Audio (CMI9880, 9761, 9739, 9738). Not sure if they're relevant to your motherboard though.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 07:55 AM

'Kay got the link working. Sure enough I found out mine's a 9761, trying to download but the server's down again.

I just had an absurd thought...this couldn't possibly be the loudest this onboard can go...could it?

Edit: Really helpful link.

http://www.asrockamerica.com/Products/P4VM800.htm

Installing the Cmedia.com drivers. Back in a sec'. Back. The Cmedia.com drivers do absolutely nothing when the Setup.exe is double clicked. It seems though that all the files are included, is there anywhere I should copy them to?

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiel2

this couldn't possibly be the loudest this onboard can go...could it?

That's why I thought of changing to analog. It can give a clearer sound, depending on the type of speakers. Do you have any controls on your speakers or are you going through an external amp?

Have you got any effects enabled in the Effects tab? Sometimes there are settings like Cathedral or Tunnel that can affect the volume level.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 08:09 AM

Yep, Analog is set. No difference.

And nah, no effects are in place.

Could you suggest a really good for it's price sound card?

Something really crisp and clear, and can go as loud as my speakers can.

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 08:22 AM

Depends how much you want to spend and what you need it for. There are some very expensive ones that probably have more inputs/outputs and features than you need. Pertty much any cheap PCI card from a reputable maker like Creative should be an improvement on AC97. Another advantage of using a card instead of onboard is that it takes some of the strain off the CPU.

The SoundBlaster Live or Audigy for about $25US are good general purpose cards.
Features: EAX 3.0, Plug and Play, DirectSound 3D 7.1 speaker support, 24-bit ADVANCED HD sound quality.
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital
Line In: Yes
Line Out: Front/Rear/Center/Subwoofer/Rear Center
MIC In: Yes
MIDI/Joystick: No
Other Ports: Digital I/O Aux Audio in

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 08:44 AM

Yeah, I just want something that's going to play my music loud, and clear.

I don't play games loud, so it doesn't even have to perform spectacularly.

Tell me what you think of the Creative Sound Blaster 5.1, when you get a chance. I'll be online 15 more minutes, then it's beddy byes for me.

**koala** · 06-28-2006, 08:56 AM

Good card for the money.

Sorry we couldn't solve the low volume problem, but if you hang on for some more replies before buying the new card you might get help from someone more familiar with C-Media.

Kiel2 · 06-28-2006, 08:59 AM

Nah, C-Media have done their dooby, whatever that means.

Better off buying one anyhow. I got some spare cash, I'd just blow it on clothes anyway ;)

I'll let you know how it goes.

bcrogers · 07-30-2006, 02:12 AM

Sorry to ressurect a thread, but I have this same problem.

I have the same motherboard (ASRock P4VM800), and a Creative Live! 24bit. I've had this setup for a while, ever since my old mobo died, and these parts were put in by someone at a shop.

The volume is always quiet. I usually workaround it by listening on my headphones, and those usually with everything maxed out. I don't know why it's doing this, but it happens with multiple speakers I've tried (that were laying around), and headphones, as well as with both Linux and Windows. I have the drivers that came with the hardware installed. If anyone knows a fix, it'd be GREATLY appreciated.

Also, for the record, I didn't report the problem because of how slow the guy was...it was stupid, but it was quite a while ago.

06-27-2006, 12:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	CMedia AC97 - Very quiet. Hello. Recently upgraded my entire system, including obviously my motherboard. The onboard sound, as I've read in google, is one of the best available. CMedia AC97. However on my computer it's extremely quiet. My old motherboard was a dinosaur with some cruddy onboard sound, and it's still about 4x louder than this. I've got the latest drivers and everything. And I even tried the Realtek AC97's, but to not avail. Any info' you need I'm willing to give. Basically it's raining here right now and I have the volume maxed yet can barely hear my music. Yours, Kiel

06-27-2006, 01:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
kodi Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 7,397 OS: Windows 7-Ultimate 64 Bit My System	Did you change your speakers when you updated, if so can you try your old ones and see if they are better. __________________ Brian

06-28-2006, 06:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Have you checked all the volume sliders, even the hidden ones? __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 06:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Yeah, I was thinking maybe you had the master volume on full, but the wav or cd volumes too low. It could also be the media player volume settings (but I'm sure you've already checked that ) Look in Control Panel > Sounds to see if it's using the correct playback device, and click the Advanced button to check the speaker setup. What motherboard is it? You may need to install something like the VIA 4-in-1 drivers as well as the AC97. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 07:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Just noticed this. The volume doesn't seem to be all the way up. <click> No matter how I click, what button I push it doesn't seem to go up. No idea if this has anything to do with it. Edit: Instead of posting the pic' and causing unwanted window resizing, just placed a URL. Last edited by Kiel2; 06-28-2006 at 07:22 AM.

06-27-2006, 03:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Nah mate I didn't change my speakers. Sorry for not mentioning that and wasting your time.

06-28-2006, 03:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Bump. Sorry, really desperate =(

06-28-2006, 06:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Yeah mate. Everything is maxed. Hidden as in Properties -> Advanced, right?

06-28-2006, 07:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Yep, all is in order. And the speaker's are fine, as I have a spare USB sound card (without mic, which is why I'm using the onboard) that I use to test the speakers. The motherboard is ASRock P4VM800.

06-28-2006, 07:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	I'm not familiar with the C-Media Control Panel so I can't give specific advice about it, but when I've had volume problems with SoundBlaster cards, the first thing I check is the Output Device (or Output Type for C-Media). Try changing it from digital to analog. Have you tried these drivers? http://www.cmedia.com.tw/?q=zh-hant/driver http://www.asrock.com/support/downlo...?Model=P4VM800 __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 07:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Yip, got them drivers from the asrock site, however the cmedia link is broken? I'll try to figure out how to change it to Analog. Got the cmedia link working...and I have no idea what my sound card is. Just says CMedia AC'97. Last edited by Kiel2; 06-28-2006 at 07:46 AM.

06-28-2006, 07:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Sorry, the C-Media link was working a few minutes ago. I tried it just now and got a server error. Their site must be down at the moment. If you try it later it has drivers for Onboard Audio (CMI9880, 9761, 9739, 9738). Not sure if they're relevant to your motherboard though. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 07:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	'Kay got the link working. Sure enough I found out mine's a 9761, trying to download but the server's down again. I just had an absurd thought...this couldn't possibly be the loudest this onboard can go...could it? Edit: Really helpful link. http://www.asrockamerica.com/Products/P4VM800.htm Installing the Cmedia.com drivers. Back in a sec'. Back. The Cmedia.com drivers do absolutely nothing when the Setup.exe is double clicked. It seems though that all the files are included, is there anywhere I should copy them to? Last edited by Kiel2; 06-28-2006 at 08:08 AM.

06-28-2006, 08:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Yep, Analog is set. No difference. And nah, no effects are in place. Could you suggest a really good for it's price sound card? Something really crisp and clear, and can go as loud as my speakers can.

06-28-2006, 08:22 AM	#16 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Depends how much you want to spend and what you need it for. There are some very expensive ones that probably have more inputs/outputs and features than you need. Pertty much any cheap PCI card from a reputable maker like Creative should be an improvement on AC97. Another advantage of using a card instead of onboard is that it takes some of the strain off the CPU. The SoundBlaster Live or Audigy for about $25US are good general purpose cards. Features: EAX 3.0, Plug and Play, DirectSound 3D 7.1 speaker support, 24-bit ADVANCED HD sound quality. Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital Line In: Yes Line Out: Front/Rear/Center/Subwoofer/Rear Center MIC In: Yes MIDI/Joystick: No Other Ports: Digital I/O Aux Audio in __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 08:44 AM	#17 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Yeah, I just want something that's going to play my music loud, and clear. I don't play games loud, so it doesn't even have to perform spectacularly. Tell me what you think of the Creative Sound Blaster 5.1, when you get a chance. I'll be online 15 more minutes, then it's beddy byes for me.

06-28-2006, 08:56 AM	#18 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,336 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Good card for the money. Sorry we couldn't solve the low volume problem, but if you hang on for some more replies before buying the new card you might get help from someone more familiar with C-Media. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-28-2006, 08:59 AM	#19 (permalink)
Kiel2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mandurah, Western Australia Posts: 25 OS: Windows XP Prof'	Nah, C-Media have done their dooby, whatever that means. Better off buying one anyhow. I got some spare cash, I'd just blow it on clothes anyway ;) I'll let you know how it goes.

07-30-2006, 02:12 AM	#20 (permalink)
bcrogers Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2	Sorry to ressurect a thread, but I have this same problem. I have the same motherboard (ASRock P4VM800), and a Creative Live! 24bit. I've had this setup for a while, ever since my old mobo died, and these parts were put in by someone at a shop. The volume is always quiet. I usually workaround it by listening on my headphones, and those usually with everything maxed out. I don't know why it's doing this, but it happens with multiple speakers I've tried (that were laying around), and headphones, as well as with both Linux and Windows. I have the drivers that came with the hardware installed. If anyone knows a fix, it'd be GREATLY appreciated. Also, for the record, I didn't report the problem because of how slow the guy was...it was stupid, but it was quite a while ago.