Audio Setup

This guide provides an overview of how to configure audio playback in JRiver Media Center. Please follow the steps below in order.

OS Sound Support

Windows

Begin by verifying that Windows recognizes your sound card. If Windows cannot use the device, Media Center will not work.

In Control Panel > Sound, play test tones to ensure that you can hear them.

Remember the name of the sound device you use so that you can select it in Media Center.

OSX

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Audio Output Mode

In Media Center, select the sound device and Audio Output Mode via Tools > Options > Audio > Audio Device. You'll notice that each sound device you have available on the system may show up more than once. Select the best audio output mode for your hardware. To learn how to choose the proper mode, refer to:

• Audio Output Modes

If you aren't sure what to use, try the Direct Sound version first, and after you get that working well, you can explore other options.

Output Format

Open DSP Studio, and click on Output Format. Make sure it's enabled by checking the box next to Output Format.

Then, select these settings:

Output Encoding

For most users, this should be set to None. If you have an external DAC that will do further processing, you can enable formatting options here for compatibility with your specific device.

Sample rate

You only need to configure this if you play sample rates that are not supported by your hardware. For now, leave it set to defaults.

Channels

Set the Channels selection to the number of outputs you are using from your computer. This is usually the same as the number of speakers you have attached. So for a 5.1 setup, select 5.1. For headphones, select 2 channels. For desk speakers, pick 2 or 4 channels.

Leave mixing set to JRSS v2.0 for the best quality output.

Bitdepth

In older versions of Media Center, you'd set the Bitdepth setting explicitly here. Modern versions of Media Center set this automatically. If you are still using a version of Media Center that provides this option in the DSP Studio, select the same format you used above in the OS setup (which should typically be the highest bitdepth your device supports). Learn more about Audio Bitdepth.

Subwoofer

Leave default settings for now.

Test

At this point, you should be able to play audio with Media Center. Start with simple tests like an MP3, APE, FLAC, or WAV played from a local hard drive.

If this works, move on to more complex playback like Library Server Client, DLNA, Internet radio, etc.

Refining Audio Settings

Once everything is working, you can use the DSP Studio (including Room Correction) to improve the sound.

Open DSP Studio, and click on Room Correction. Make sure it's enabled by checking the box next to Room Correction.

Then, set the speaker distances for all the speakers you use.

Next, play something that uses all the speakers.

While playing, go through each speaker and tick the 'Level' checkbox at the bottom of the Room Correction page. Adjust the volume sliders until the level tones played by all speakers are the same volume. A decibel meter is best for this stage, but there are also apps that can use the microphone in your phone. You can also calibrate by ear and get passable results.

Finally, if you would like low frequencies to be routed to your subwoofer (bass management), configure the bass redirection portion of Room Correction for each speaker.

More

• Audio Troubleshooting Guide
• Audio Output Modes
• DAC Settings
• Audio Bitdepth
• Audiophile Info
• Mixing