Audio Setup
Configuring Audio Playback in Media Center
This guide provides a high-level overview of how to best configure audio playback in Media Center. Follow the steps below in the order they are listed.
Windows
Start by making sure Windows recognizes your sound card.
Play test tones with Control Panel > Sound and ensure that you can hear them. This ensures that your device, speakers, volume, etc. are working.
Always start with this step. If Windows can not use the device, no amount of futzing with Media Center will make things work.
Audio Output Mode
In Media Center, select and test the best audio output mode.
Read more about this here: Audio Output Modes
Output Format
Open DSP Studio, and click on Output Format. Make sure it's enabled by placing a check mark in the box next to Output Format.
Then, select these settings:
Sample rate You only need to configure this if you play sample rates that are not supported by your hardware. For now, leave it on no resampling.
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, pick 2 channels. For desk speakers, pick 2 or 4 channels.
Leave mixing set to JRSS v2.0 for the best quality output.
Bitdepth Select the highest bitdepth your hardware supports (usually 24-bit)
Subwoofer Leave default settings
Room Correction
Open DSP Studio, and click on Room Correction. Make sure it's enabled by placing a check mark in the box next to Room Correction.
Then, configure Room Correction in this order:
- Set the speaker distance for all the speakers you use
- Play something that uses all the speakers
- Go through each speaker and check the 'Level' checkbox in Room Correction
- Adjust the volume up or down so that all the speakers have the same level (using a decibel meter, an app on your phone, or just your ears)
- Optionally configure bass redirection so that bass is sent to the subwoofer for certain speakers