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#31
I do not use Realtek as I have a discrete audio card, a Creative SoundBlaster Audigy. So I haven't experienced your problems. The utility I suggested monitors sound levels and doesn't leave it go higher than a preset level, so in theory it should cancel spikes automatically. Try that, you don't have anything to lose.
As for the Realtek HD Audio Manager, I noticed the Asus logo at bottom left, so it might be specific to my Asus P8H61 motherboard, and not a common feature in all Realtek cards. You might have something similar though, open Control Panel and look carefully for anything related to Realtek. Click the search icon on the taskbar and type Control to see the link for the Control Panel. Then click View as Large Icons to see individual control rather than groups.