I got recently the bug , and decided that is was enough.
It was weird, the bug appeared while I was not even playing music, but just opening explorer, and the windows events sounds were disabled through the volume mixer.
So I installed the driver from the Auzentech X-meridian 2G.
I tried the unified xonar driver, too, but I just got too much problem with it, the switcher between headphone & speakers didn't work properly.
After trying different derivers, the unified driver refused to re-install anyway.
Also the unified driver sounded less clean to me, unless it's placebo I don't know.
To install the Auzentech X-meridian 2G driver, I got to modify it first. Here's how I've done it:
1) Search for all the files CMPCIP0.INF
Edit each of them, and do these changes:
Under [C-Media] paste this:
%CMI8788.DeviceDesc%=CMPCI, PCI\VEN_13F6&DEV_8788&SUBSYS_835C1043
Under [C-Media.NTamd64] paste this:
%CMI8788.DeviceDesc%=CMPCIX64, PCI\VEN_13F6&DEV_8788&SUBSYS_835C1043
2) Get the file cmudaxp.ini from the regular xonar stx driver.
Replace all the cmudaxp.ini files from Auzentech X-meridian 2G driver , by the one from the xonar stx.
3) Now off course uninstall the xonar stx driver, before installing the Auzentech X-meridian 2G driver.
4) ensure after install that the "xear 3d" effects are disabled (gray icon, not blue). At least if you want unmodified sound.
According to a certain user vaak, the random bug disappear if you use the auzentech driver, instead of the asus one.
Source:
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?SLanguage=en-us&id=20090222084608127&board_id=21&model=Xonar%20Essence%20STX&page=3&count=78
Now I'm wondering if I shouldn't have bought the Auzentech X-meridian 2G for my second soundcard ( I use two computer) instead of the xonar stx.
According to a review from bit tech, the new card is not only more versatile, but also sound better than the xonar stx (why ???).
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/soundcards/2011/02/26/auzentech-x-meridian-7-1-2g-review/2
Last remark: I liked better the interface on the xonar stx, and with the new interface I cannot plug anymore headphone on the front panel (it works on the back off course).
Regarding the 3 modes for headphone impedance from asus driver , here's the solution by vaak:
Quote:
Open the Oxygen HD Audio Center (blue/cyan Xear 3D icon in taskbar)
On the bottom is where you select headphone/speakers and the Khz selection.
To the right of that, click the speaker icon next to "Output device"
You can amplify from -96 to +12 dB (where +12 dB was the 64-300 ohm one i believe from Asus).
Amplify it until its comfortable.