Difference between revisions of "Audio Setup"
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
==Windows== | ==Windows== | ||
| − | Start by making sure Windows recognizes your sound card. | + | Start by making sure Windows recognizes your sound card. Always start with this step. If Windows can not use the device, no amount of futzing with Media Center will make things work. |
Play test tones with Control Panel > Sound and ensure that you can hear them. This ensures that your device, speakers, volume, etc. are working. | Play test tones with Control Panel > Sound and ensure that you can hear them. This ensures that your device, speakers, volume, etc. are working. | ||
| − | + | Remember the name of the sound card you are using so that you can select it in Media Center. | |
==Audio Output Mode== | ==Audio Output Mode== | ||
| − | In Media Center, select | + | In Media Center > Options > Audio, select the best audio output mode for your hardware. |
Read more about this here: | Read more about this here: | ||
[[Audio Output Modes]] | [[Audio Output Modes]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Also, in Options > Audio > Output mode settings..., select the name of the device you tested in the first step 'Windows' above. | ||
| Line 40: | Line 42: | ||
'''Subwoofer''' | '''Subwoofer''' | ||
Leave default settings | Leave default settings | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==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 off of a local hard drive. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If this works, move on to more complex playback like Library Server Client, DLNA, Internet radio, etc. | ||
==Room Correction== | ==Room Correction== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once everything is working, you can use Room Correction to improve the sound. | ||
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. | 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, | + | 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 if you do not have a measurement device. | ||
| − | + | 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. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
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Revision as of 13:57, 20 June 2011
Contents
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. Always start with this step. If Windows can not use the device, no amount of futzing with Media Center will make things work.
Play test tones with Control Panel > Sound and ensure that you can hear them. This ensures that your device, speakers, volume, etc. are working.
Remember the name of the sound card you are using so that you can select it in Media Center.
Audio Output Mode
In Media Center > Options > Audio, select the best audio output mode for your hardware.
Read more about this here: Audio Output Modes
Also, in Options > Audio > Output mode settings..., select the name of the device you tested in the first step 'Windows' above.
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
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 off of a local hard drive.
If this works, move on to more complex playback like Library Server Client, DLNA, Internet radio, etc.
Room Correction
Once everything is working, you can use Room Correction to improve the sound.
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, 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 if you do not have a measurement device.
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.
