Syntrillium Backup Forums :: View topic

neonlog · Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 9:42 am

Hi: I was wondering if anyone could clarify the output process from a soundblaster PCI128 soundcard for me, as I'm getting distorted sound out my computer speakers when I play mp3s on an mp3 player (musicmatch jukebox). This is the only thing I've played yet so no process of elimination applies, I think its the card output to the speakers thats the problem. I've tried adjusting the output with the windows mixer. It does adjust the volume but the distortion is there whether the sound's loud or soft. I should note that its the type of setup where the soundcard outputs to a subwoofer (which appears to have only volume and bass treble controls on it) which then outputs to two small speakers. As far as I know there is no adjustment on the musicmatch jukebox for volume or anything. This is a type of distortion that sound like what you get when the preamp floods and things like that, but in this situation where's the preamp, in the card? I've gone to the card's settings in device manager and couldn't find any general area for adjustment of output level or gain or anything. Seems like I'm overlooking something. Any and all replies appreciated.
Thanks,
Will

Jim Smitherman · Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 10:43 am

If it's like other creative cards, it should have it's own mixer (though usually the windows mixer will control it just as well, with some caveats). but, no, you won't find any controls in device manager (except mabye turning of Dos Sb emulation, spatial enhancment, or something like that).

I've had the kind of speaker setup you mention, and it works surprisingly well.

As for your distortion, I don't know. Assuming all the right connections, and assuming the correct driver installation, and assuming the cards just not defective, then, well. I don't know. The sb16 pci has two output connections, one is for powered speakers the other for nonpowered speakers. I would think te pci128 would be similar. try the one you aren't using now Smile

.

Jim

neonlog · Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 11:38 am

Thanks for response Jim: I just tried other outputs: nothing. The only one with sound has the distortion. Do you know how I would access the soundblaster's mixer?
Will

Jim Smitherman · Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 12:10 pm

Do you have any headphones you could try in the outputs? That would rule out a problem with your speaker setup.

The creative software usually makes itself well known . . I'm surprised it doesn't boot up with a task bar, and a systray icon, and all kinds of stuff you really don't want to run all the time. But then, I don't know that specific card you have.

If you installed everything from the cd that came with the card, it should all be available in your program groups, on the start menu. What os are you using, BTW? Have you checked the creative site for a driver update?

There is a lot of peer support on the creative web site (a lot of peer griping too, but some very helpful people live there as well. occasionally a creative tech will chime in). You can set it up in your newsreader as

news.creativelabs.com

Jim

neonlog · Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 5:09 pm

Thanks to Jim for idea of trying headphones: I just did that and it is the speakers, sound is fine through headphones. This isn't my sytem, I'm just helping someone else, so the speakers may be just bad or blown out. Now its just my other question that I'm occupied with: why won't the cd play (see my other topic).
Thanks again,
Will

neonlog · Posted - Wed Jan 02, 2002 9:07 am

disregard last sentence there, problem solved.