Ubuntu-usb dac problem - need help!

[dubai2000]

Hi all,

after having read a lot about Linux I decided to have a go at it on a spare computer to find out if it really sounds better than my regular XP-foobar setup.
Thus I downloaded the latest Ubuntu version and was quite surprised how easy it was installing it parallel to XP. There was even a media player included (Rythmbox) that recognized my Valab USB dac straight away. So far, so good. But of course I was keen on trying other players (Aqualung and Amarok)....and that's where I am stuck. With those players I do not get any output. It seems the dac is not recognized by either. I fiddled with the various output options in Ubuntu, but no sound. So what am I missing? I also don't seem to get any alsa support. When I try using the Valab with alsa I get the following message:

audiotestsrc wave=sine freq= 512
audioconcert! audioresample! gconfaudiosink:
Could not open audiodevice for playback

Now being an absolute newbie to ubuntu I need some hints where to go from here - and please speak really slowly

.

Thx in advance for your help.

 

[insyte]

I have similar problems with usb, couldn't get alsa to output anything.

With the new amarok, you loose the ability to choose a device for it to use and it will not follow the one you choose for your system (ubuntu using gnome by default, while amarok is a KDE program afterall).

I was able to output via ALSA by using a coax digital out from one of my soundcards and connecting that to the stello DA100

USB output to my stello like I said above is limited by using OSS.

 

[LeftyGorilla]

The install is easy, but the tweaking can get a little more involved. Audio still is not out of box ready for everything you might want to do. For some reason, the useful GUI for Pulseaudio is not included in the base install. This device manager is much more useful than the sound configuration options in the default install. I'm not much more advanced in my understanding than you, but I can point you in the direction that sorted my situation out:

Jaunty 9.04 Sound Solutions - Ubuntu Forums

 

[insyte]

Thanks for the link

now using pulse audio.

Would you know how I can make it use my coax out which is device 2,2 ?

tried adding Quote:

load-module module-alsa-sink device=hw:2,2 ## Card 2, Device 2

in /etc/pulse/default.pa but it prevented the pulse server from starting

 

[Roseval]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubai2000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi all, audiotestsrc wave=sine freq= 512 audioconcert! audioresample! gconfaudiosink:

Had the same error in Ubuntu 8.
Couldn't get my USB DAC to work ubtill I de-installed Pulse, then it worked fine.
More details: The Well Tempered Computer
A nice Wiki: diyAudio.com Wiki - projects by fanatics, for fanatics
Some audio commands: The Well Tempered Computer

 

[dubai2000]

@Roseval

great first link!!! Also de-installed Pulse and now I can move on. The sound settings now accept the Dac and ALSA.

 

[Nada]

Im using Ubuntu 8.04 and it has picked up a couple of USB audio devices I have plugged on immediately through Foobar running under WINE.
I found Ubuntu very refreshing after XP. No more crashes, no slowing down with usage and no spyware BUT the software for audio and media I have found wanting. I tired over ten native players and all of them were a hassle in some way - especially getting a descent equaliser. The old Amarok had a descent equaliser but it got dropped in the latest build!
Foobar however runs brilliantly. The only bug I have is to adjust the equaliser I have to enter the drop down menu under File-Properties. In that menu you need to select your USB device as well to get sound out.
I dont know if the latest Foobar is compatible with WINE. Im running Foobar9.5.6 and its stable for me.
To install WINE use the Application - Add/Remove feature. Then configure WINE as XP, Audio - Emulation, emulate drivers, 41,000 16bit.
Let us know what works for you please. Good luck!

 

[DoYouRight]

Pulseaudio is a HUGE PITA and it has caused me hours and HOURS of GRIEF.

 

[dubai2000]

Well, the audio players are giving me trouble. I added amarok 2 and aqualung but couldn't manage to get any output. So far only rhythmbox works. Would using foobar in WINE not degrade the sound in comparison to native Linux players (might be a stupid question but as I am not familiar what happens 'inside' Linux please bear with me). And if there are any hints how I can get sounds out of amarok or aqualung I'd welcome those too.
BTW: now using LinuxMint instead of ubuntu.