Rear audio jack not working


  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
       #1

    Rear audio jack not working


    I've tested different driver versions but it just doesn't work. It used to work sometime ago but not anymore.

    Update: it works with a different headphone but they have the exact same jack, and the one that doesnt work in the rear jack works in the front jack perfectly

    - - - Updated - - -

    On the sound control panel it says not plugged it
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,585
    Win 11
       #2

    Check the sound settings. Should be like mine (below) except if you have something other than Realtek then substitute that for Realtek.

    Rear audio jack not working-sound.png
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    fireberd said:
    Check the sound settings. Should be like mine (below) except if you have something other than Realtek then substitute that for Realtek.

    Rear audio jack not working-sound.png
    the settings are right
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
       #4

    mysticBTW said:
    I've tested different driver versions but it just doesn't work. It used to work sometime ago but not anymore.
    Update: it works with a different headphone but they have the exact same jack, and the one that doesnt work in the rear jack works in the front jack perfectly
    - - - Updated - - -

    On the sound control panel it says not plugged it


    Hi mysticBTW.

    Do both sets of headphones function correctly when plugged into the front audio jack?

    Could you post a closeup pic of both of the headphone plugs, side by each and identifying which one doesn't work when plugged into the rear audio jack?
    Last edited by W10 Tweaker; 16 Mar 2021 at 07:13.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    W10 Tweaker said:
    Hi mysticBTW.

    Do both sets of headphones function correctly when plugged into the front input jack?

    Could you post a closeup pic of both of the headphone plugs, side by each and identifying which one doesn't work when plugged into the rear input jack?
    One works, the other one doesn't but both work in the front panel jack. The only difference between them that the one that doesn't work is gold plated.

    Also both are TRRS
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
       #6

    mysticBTW said:
    One works, the other one doesn't but both work in the front panel jack. The only difference between them that the one that doesn't work is gold plated.

    Also both are TRRS


    So, we're talking about the standard 3.5mm stereo (4 conductor) plugs, right?

    I'd definitely be suspicious of anything 'gold plated' in this day and age.

    Also, all jacks are not the same in how they make contact with the plug surface. Some may not make contact as well due the the size of the contact area (tab inside jack) or the amount of force holding the contacts against the plug.

    Could you carefully inspect the non-functional headphone plug (preferably with a magnifying glass, unless your closeup vision is better than mine) to see that there's no discolorations or imperfections on any of the surfaces?

    Then using a pencil eraser, preferably an old pink type eraser, carefully clean all the surface areas as best you can then wipe with a clean & dry paper towel or lint-free cloth. Please make special effort to not torque the wire feeding into the plug.

    I've had successes with this process on several occasions.





    UPDATE***

    Just thinking about this again, are these 3 (TRS) or 4 (TRRS) conductor?

    TRRS plugs are usually used strictly for headphones that include a mic and as far as I know, most rear audio output jacks are only TRS or 3 conductor. This might help explain the difference in performance characteristics.

    Sometimes a minute change in the position of the plug will allow the audio to work even when the plug & jack are not matched. TRRS plug to TRS jack might work sometimes and not others.

    Could you identify the audio card and demonstrate that is specifies using the TRRS (4 conductor) plug?

    I haven't used a desktop PC in a few years and just don't recall the 3.5mm jack being a TRRS type. My last desktop is ancient and likely predates TRRS 3.5mm plugs/jacks.
    Last edited by W10 Tweaker; 16 Mar 2021 at 07:16.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    W10 Tweaker said:
    So, we're talking about the standard 3.5mm stereo (4 conductor) plugs, right?

    I'd definitely be suspicious of anything 'gold plated' in this day and age.

    Also, all jacks are not the same in how they make contact with the plug surface. Some may not make contact as well due the the size of the contact area (tab inside jack) or the amount of force holding the contacts against the plug.

    Could you carefully inspect the non-functional headphone plug (preferably with a magnifying glass, unless your closeup vision is better than mine) to see that there's no discolorations or imperfects on any of the surfaces?

    Then using a pencil eraser, preferably an old pink type eraser, carefully clean all the surface areas as best you can then wipe with a clean & dry paper towel or lint-free cloth. Please make special effort to not torque the wire feeding into the plug.

    I've had successes with this process on several occasions.
    I'll try that.

    And yeah, it's probably not real gold but I don't know if it makes a difference
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
       #8

    mysticBTW said:
    I'll try that.

    And yeah, it's probably not real gold but I don't know if it makes a difference

    I just wanted to make certain you read the additional info I added to my previous post. ^^^^^


    In theory, a gold coating on the contact surfaces would reduce oxidation.

    In reality, it's almost a waste on an audio plug because the practice of removing/installing will reduce oxidation buildup and also, if both the plug & jack aren't gold coated, it likely won't make any significant difference.

    It's mostly a marketing gimmick unless you're a hardcore audiophile purest.

    I'd be interested in seeing fireberds opinion.
    Last edited by W10 Tweaker; 15 Mar 2021 at 13:38.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,585
    Win 11
       #9

    W10 Tweaker said:
    I just wanted to make certain you read the additional info I added to my previous post. ^^^^^


    In theory, a gold coating on the contact surfaces would reduce oxidation.

    In reality, it's almost a waste on an audio plug because the practice of removing/installing will reduce oxidation buildup and also, if both the plug & jack aren't gold coated, it likely won't make any significant difference.

    It's mostly a marketing gimmick unless you're a hardcore audiophile purest.

    I'd be interested in seeing fireberds opinion.
    I agree and what I tell people. Gold is a gimmick or marketing ploy for most. It adds nothing to connectors that are plugged in then unplugged. Both the Jack and Plug gold plated "Might" help prevent oxidation/flakey connections on "permanent" connections but even that isn't needed for PC speaker connections for most people.
      My Computers


 

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