Windows 7: New Sound Blaster 5.1 VX card crackling and low volume...

Synica · 30 Mar 2011

I've had my new sound card for over a week now, and I've had constant problems with the sound since then. It's better than the complete lack of sound I had before, but now it's starting to get on my nerves.

My SB 5.1 VX card constantly makes crackling noises when in windows and other audio is not playing besides regular windows sounds (folder opening, errors, etc) and even with all volume set to maximum, it's still incredibly quiet all the time.

I use a pair of headphones, although the speakers have the same issue when I use them. Neither speakers nor the headphones have drivers or anything of the sort. They're both plug and play.

Any assistance fixing this problem would be appreciated.

MR PINK · 31 Mar 2011

Upgrade your drivers, which version of windows are you running? I had a similar problem with a Sound Blaster card when I moved from 32 bit to 64bit windows, that turned out to be a driver issue.

Synica · 31 Mar 2011

My version of Windows is linked in my system specs and under my name.

I updated my drivers first. The ones on the site are apparently of an older version than the ones on the CD that came with the card. So drivers isn't the issue.

fireberd · 31 Mar 2011

There are many posts on here about the crackling problems. Look over the posts and see if anything pertains to your installation. Crackling can happen with any sound card or integrated audio chip.

I notice you list Realtek audio. Since you have a separate SoundBlaster sound card, make sure the RealTek is disabled in the BIOS as it potentially can conflict with the SoiundBlaster.

Synica · 31 Mar 2011

Yes, I also disabled my onboard audio chip, both at the BIOS level and also uninstalled any unrelated audio drivers. I've done all the basic things like that, but still no fix in sight.

fireberd · 31 Mar 2011

Doing a search for this sound card shows it's a very inexpensive (and old model) sound card. Although it should work OK, I wouldn't expect much more than "you get what you pay for".

If you are using wi-fi, disable that and see if it makes a difference. Video can cause this problem (try a different version driver). Wireless keyboard/mouse can is another potential area. The shared IRQ that the sound card is on can be an issue, etc.

Synica · 31 Mar 2011

Okay, so $25 for a soundcard isn't much then? Anyway, I don't have any form of wireless capabilities or devices in use or idly sitting around either...

Synica · 02 Apr 2011

Hmmmm, no one? nothing? I'll have to find some way to sort this out myself I suppose...

Windows 7: New Sound Blaster 5.1 VX card crackling and low volume...

New Sound Blaster 5.1 VX card crackling and low volume... problems?