5.1 option missing from SPDIF output

McManny · 04 Jan 2020

This one has had me stumped for a week now.

For years now I have had perfect 5.1 sound with no issues, SPDIF from EVGA z97 Classified (on board Sound Blaster 3Di) to my amp.

This week something has changed and now it will only give me 2 channels. Have run a few tests with 5.1 testing videos and when it comes to L/R surrounded it will come through the front speakers and no sub either.

Advanced options in sound settings will not give me the 5.1 or DTS ect options.

Things I have tried:
Uninstall drivers then reinstall.
Upping the audio quality.
Tried installing creative surrounded doesn't recognise any audio device.
Tried installing Realtek driver's nothing happened.
Tried installing the cracked version same again nothing.
Tried the optical passthrough from my TV again nothing.

In supported formats I can test the DTS and Dolby Digital and it works great but it wont work any other time.

Can't use the HDMI through the amp as it only supports 30fps 4K so before anyone suggests that it's been tried.

Nearly at the reinstall windows phase.

WTF is causing this?

Specs:
EVGA z97 Classified
Intel i7 4790K
2x Galax 1080ti sli
Samsung SSD running windows 10 Pro version 1909
32gigs of ram
Amp:
Yamaha RX-V375

sygnus21 · 05 Jan 2020

You may need to review your soundcard but I don't think 5.1 is supported via SPDIF.

I would suggest you check the speaker system itself. BTW I wasn't aware you could get 5.1 from the SPDIF out line? Though I'm no longer using the board my Gigabyte Z170 Gaming GT board has pretty much the same soundcard as you and it doesn't list 5 channel for the SPDIF digital out line.

Anyway if you say you were getting 5.1, who am I to argue. Anyway check your speaker system. You might also check the sound settings under Control Panel > Sound > Playback tab. Right click the SPDIF device and hit properties. Click the Advanced tab, and under Default format dropdown box check that 5.1 is selected (if supported). Again, I didn't think 5.1 was supported via the SPDIF out on PC soundcards, but....

Let us know.

McManny · 05 Jan 2020

Thanks Sygnus, no I always had the 5.1 option through DD obviously compressed format to the amp. It's just missing now from the advanced tab.

So a little update ATM I have been messing with it all day. The rear two speakers are outputting sound when I load a game EG Skyrim SE and I can hear the music. Nearly got distracted because I love that song.

Just downloading a few Dolby test videos and it appears to work just trying to find the right one to test movement ATM.

Just double checking the spec's on my mobo. I know she's an old girl now but she still pulls her weight. Yep just double checked it supports 6 channel (5.1).

I'll keep you posted.

sygnus21 · 05 Jan 2020

McManny said:

Yep just double checked it supports 6 channel (5.1).

Where'd you find (see) that info at cause looking at your owner's manual for that board left a lot to be desired as far as setup and info goes. Is this coming from the Sound settings? Post?

McManny · 05 Jan 2020

EVGA - AU - Support - Product Manuals

From the manual.

Z97 Classified
Part 1
Page 6

Audio output I'll cut and paste:

Onboard Audio:
Creative Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor (CA0132)
Supports 6-channel (5.1) audio
Supports Optical Output

sygnus21 · 05 Jan 2020

Yeah, I seen that... do note that's for analog, and points to the analog jacks. It says nothing about the SPDIF output. Same as the owners manual for my Gigabyte GA-Z170X Gaming GT board on page 112 (pdf file).

McManny · 05 Jan 2020

Well either way it appears to be working again for some reason.

Would you suggest a audio card perhaps a USB one?

sygnus21 · 05 Jan 2020

I haven't bought a dedicated audio card since getting my USB Teac DAC back in 2016...

5.1 option missing from SPDIF output-_adm4882.jpg

It can use either USB or SPDIF input, though I mostly use USB. It also runs my powered speakers and sub. However, it doesn't support multi-channel but I don't need it since the system is mainly for music.

With that, I'm probably the wrong person to ask since the last time I bought a dedicated soundcard was back in 2013 when I bought Creative's ZxR card and daughter board. And I only dealt with Creative cards.

McManny · 05 Jan 2020

Copy that. I'm running mine as a home theatre/gaming rig. I guess I can look at a new amp that supports 60fps HDMI input/output.

But would be dropping a few hunge on something that I really don't need.

Thanks for the advice. Might wait till my next build which isn't too far away and go all in.

sygnus21 · 05 Jan 2020

McManny said:

Copy that. I'm running mine as a home theatre/gaming rig. I guess I can look at a new amp that supports 60fps HDMI input/output.

But would be dropping a few hunge on something that I really don't need.

Thanks for the advice. Might wait till my next build which isn't too far away and go all in.

No matter the build, just be aware the SPDIF output may not support 5.1 channel. And if you do get a dedicated card with an SPDIF out make sure you look at the spec carefully to see if it by itself will support multi-channel. If fact you might look at some soundcard forums like this one over at overclock.net - Sound Cards and Computer Audio.

I'm quite sure they can answer your questions and give you pointers. And for the record, I can't say I'm 100 percent sure about the SPDIF, I'm just going by the verbiage of what's written so ask those guys. And I've posted in that forum a few times. no drama there

Peace:)