Blaring audio on USB

[NC1111]

I have an audio issue. The volume is much to loud. I am using a USB DAC and have XP set to USB Audio CODEC. Even with the XP volume control as low as possible I can barely move the Real Player volume from 0 without getting blaring audio.

 

[NC1111]

Still hoping someone with software knowledge can help. Thanks.

 

[HFat]

So you don't have a volume knob?

Please try this: set all your software volume controls to maximum volume except for foobar's and play some music. Then report back on the volume adjustment required for you to listen at a comfortable level (for example -30.00 dB).
Also, do tell if your DAC and your drivers support 24 bit (or more).

Depending on your answers, I would recommend another DAC, a headamp, or a good analog volume control rather than software tweaks.

 

[pedxing]

Just curious - what's your audio set up? What is your USB DAC, headphone, and if any, the amp?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Edit: Err, nevermind.

 

[Gaara]

If you are using software that bypass kmixer then the standard volume control on the computer shouldn't work, so adjusting it won't change anything.

I assume you are hooking your DAC directly to your swans. Your swans have a low input sensitiivty so they will get loud relatively quickly, especially with the higher output of your micro dac.

As was said before you need some sort of attenuation. I would recommend a dac with volume control built in, or in line attenuators like Rothwell, EVS, or Endler. Going with a DAC with a lower output would help but not as much as the former two alternatives.

 

[NC1111]

I am listening to streaming audio with the WMP or Real Player and even though I use the USB, the XP speaker control works for the volume. I knew that the HR Micro had a strong output. Strange though, this just started yesterday after I had an XP crash.

 

[NC1111]

BTW, where can I get relatively inexpensive line attenuators.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC1111 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am listening to streaming audio with the WMP or Real Player and even though I use the USB, the XP speaker control works for the volume. I knew that the HR Micro had a strong output. Strange though, this just started yesterday after I had an XP crash.

It sounds like a problem with something in Windows, since the DAC's maximum output is fixed at a level similar to other components (~2.0 Vrms). The Windows volume controls will still work when you use any program that uses the DirectSound driver. Try using Foobar2000 with the Kernel Streaming component to bypass the volume controls.

 

[NC1111]

Things seem normal listening to a CD with Foobar, using the XP volume control. Can someone explain how to configure Foobar with the kernel streaming component? Send a PM if you like.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC1111 Can someone explain how to configure Foobar with the kernel streaming component?

It's an easy process:

1. Download and install Foobar2000.
2. Download the Kernel streaming support component, unzip it, and put foo_out_ks.dll into your C:\Program Files\foobar2000\components directory (or wherever you installed the program).
3. Open up Foobar and go to File, Preferences.
4. Click the + next to Playback and click Output.
5. Select the Output Device as KS: USB audio device (or whatever is listed as a possible KS device).

 

[Gaara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC1111 /img/forum/go_quote.gif BTW, where can I get relatively inexpensive line attenuators.

Rothwell sells 10db ones for around $60/pr. Endler Audio sells variable ones for around $80/pr.