Garbled audio in browser (Realktek)  

I started having this garbled audio problem where a reboot seemed to fix it before, but now I can't seem to fix it. I'm using my PC's 3.5 mm audio jack. If I go into Sound -> Playback and right-click Test I hear the test sound perfectly, but when I use a browser (chrome, edge, firefox) the sound is garbled and very low volume. The sound may work in the morning and eventually change to the garbled sound later the same day. I'm not sure what's changed to cause this behavior.

I have tried installing:
Realtek HD Universal Driver Version 6.0.9102.1 Release Date 2021-02-05
from my motherboard's driver download page (MSI MAG Mortar B550M), but the problem persists.

I have also tried removing the realtek device from device manager and rebooting, which seems to install a non-HD realtek driver, and the problem persists.

I have also tried "Disable all enhancements" in Headphones Properties, as well as disabling "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device".

Windows 10 Pro version 10.0.19042 Build 19042
Windows Update indicates "You're up to date". There is one optional driver update for Wireless Router Module (my PC doesn't have wireless/bluetooth).

Thanks!

Ghot said:

@grusmarco
Do you get the same garbled audio through speakers?

I don't have speakers connected.

Ghot said:

The problem with the test sounds, is that they are very short, and might not show garble that might be "always" present.
You might want to try downloading an audio source, like an .mp4 or .mp3, and seeing if it is garbled as well.

Sometimes 3.5mm jacks (female) can get "sprung" after a while, and distort sounds in various ways.
That's why we need to check with a local audio source, something that doesn't involve the internet.

I found the problem is my PC case front 3.5 mm jack. If I plug in headphones and wiggle it a bit the sound will sometimes be garbled or just fine. Probably too many times inadvertently yanking the cable to the side. I did manage to also get some speakers connected and that works fine.

Maybe the test sound isn't stereo and it's a mono vs stereo connection issue? Because the garble is very noticeable and always present, I would easily notice it just for the short test sound. Oddly, I could never hear Windows trouble shooter beep test - so maybe that was garbled.

I think I'll need to switch to either using the audio line out port on the back of the PC or my monitor's headphone jack. Honestly, I'm kind of tired of these cables and maybe I can make my wired headphones wireless? I've always just worried about having audio/video sync issues.

Ghot said:

Next time... get USB headphones.

Are USB headphones wireless? 🤞

BTW, thanks for the help! I just realized I also need to update my computer info for this forum. I'll do that tomorrow.