Dual audio output over Optical and analogue in Windows 7? (works in XP)

terrox · 21st July 2012, 2:37 PM

How do I get audio coming out of Optical and Analogue at the same time in Windows 7?

It works inWindows XP.

driver · 21st July 2012, 3:16 PM

I believe the answer is: You don't.

This is due to the redesigned sound drivers in vista & higher. And yes this is mega annoying as I run my HTPC's surround sound via optical and & HDMI audio to an LCD in another room. (with HDMI Splitter for video too)

The best I have been able to come up with is using SoundSwitch - at least it takes the pain out of swapping between speakers then.

HairyMerkin · 21st July 2012, 4:31 PM

Can't you make specific programs use different soundcards at once? Ie. Make VLC use a USB soundcard, while Media Jukebox uses the optical out?

driver · 21st July 2012, 5:30 PM

I think the OP wants to have the sound go to both sound outputs at the same time. You could do that in XP, but not in Vista/7.

terrox · 21st July 2012, 6:26 PM

Yep, I want the sound to be on both with everything. It's just annoying that way so you can just pick up headphones and they're working, or turn on speakers and they're working.

New driver scheme blows, wonder what feature/performance benefits it has over the old scheme.

terrox · 22nd July 2012, 6:31 PM

I nearly thought of a way, but not quite.

If the recording input is set to Optical Out as input source, set to live listening mode, then set Analogue Speakers as the playback device for recording - yay..

Except Vista/7 only allows Mic or Mixed (all), that blows.
And it would tie up your mic if you intend to use VOIP.

Really lame Vista/7 !!!.

terrox · 28th July 2012, 11:55 AM

I found a way to do it with some software. http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.htm

I gave up half way, but there is a simple guide for cloning an audio channel across all outputs using one of the menu options (Repeater KS).

So I'm 99% sure this solves the whole Vista/7 mixed output problem. But the trial version can't solve it due to the nagware noise.

I just wish there was a simpler way to do it, VAC is overqualified for this job and has a lot of complex looking controls.

There is similar software (Virtual Audio Streaming), but I can't find any freeware yet.

Also found this but it looks a bit dodgy - http://stereomixplus.com/

21st July 2012, 2:37 PM	#1
terrox Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 135	Dual audio output over Optical and analogue in Windows 7? (works in XP) How do I get audio coming out of Optical and Analogue at the same time in Windows 7? It works inWindows XP.

21st July 2012, 3:16 PM	#2
driver Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Brisbane - Northside Posts: 3,518	I believe the answer is: You don't. This is due to the redesigned sound drivers in vista & higher. And yes this is mega annoying as I run my HTPC's surround sound via optical and & HDMI audio to an LCD in another room. (with HDMI Splitter for video too) The best I have been able to come up with is using SoundSwitch - at least it takes the pain out of swapping between speakers then. __________________ www.NetBootdisk.com : Universal TCP/IP Network Bootdisk Menu driven, Including 98 network card drivers, CDROM, Mouse, DNS & packet driver support all on a single 1.44MB floppy! v6.5 - 23/MAY/10

21st July 2012, 5:30 PM	#4
driver Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Brisbane - Northside Posts: 3,518	I think the OP wants to have the sound go to both sound outputs at the same time. You could do that in XP, but not in Vista/7. __________________ www.NetBootdisk.com : Universal TCP/IP Network Bootdisk Menu driven, Including 98 network card drivers, CDROM, Mouse, DNS & packet driver support all on a single 1.44MB floppy! v6.5 - 23/MAY/10

28th July 2012, 11:55 AM	#7
terrox Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 135	I found a way to do it with some software. http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.htm I gave up half way, but there is a simple guide for cloning an audio channel across all outputs using one of the menu options (Repeater KS). So I'm 99% sure this solves the whole Vista/7 mixed output problem. But the trial version can't solve it due to the nagware noise. I just wish there was a simpler way to do it, VAC is overqualified for this job and has a lot of complex looking controls. There is similar software (Virtual Audio Streaming), but I can't find any freeware yet. Also found this but it looks a bit dodgy - http://stereomixplus.com/ Last edited by terrox; 28th July 2012 at 12:00 PM.

21st July 2012, 6:26 PM	#5
terrox Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 135	Yep, I want the sound to be on both with everything. It's just annoying that way so you can just pick up headphones and they're working, or turn on speakers and they're working. New driver scheme blows, wonder what feature/performance benefits it has over the old scheme.

22nd July 2012, 6:31 PM	#6
terrox Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 135	I nearly thought of a way, but not quite. If the recording input is set to Optical Out as input source, set to live listening mode, then set Analogue Speakers as the playback device for recording - yay.. Except Vista/7 only allows Mic or Mixed (all), that blows. And it would tie up your mic if you intend to use VOIP. Really lame Vista/7 !!!.