Solved Sound Card replacment for on board audio

[scr]

I just purchased a New Windows 7 HP Envy computer (#2 in "My System Specs") with on board "Beats" audio.

This may work well for some but most of my music is from the 40's through the 70's and Beats audio does a terrible job. The volume constantly changes and the audio will shift from left right and back. I am not an audiophile but to be quite honest it sounds horrible. It may sound great with today's music but I'm old. I've attempted to do adjustments but nothing seems to be able to get rid of the compression or the effects. Looking online I have come to the conclusion that there just isn't a fix for the issues. HP was no help.

The only solution I can think of is to purchase a sound card and disable the on board audio. I've read that some sound cards do not work well with Windows 7 Pro and some do. I don't need the greatest but a software graphic EQ like Realtek has is essential.

If anyone knows how to make the "Beats" listenable I'll give it a try. Otherwise, any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[MistUnleashed]

Hi scr,

Please can you go to Control Panel\Hardware and Sound and open the Beats Audio Interface - Please screenshot the interface and upload it to this thread.

I can sympathise with you, the Beats Audio driver is terrible!

MistUnleashed

 

[scr]

Hi scr,

Please can you go to Control Panel\Hardware and Sound and open the Beats Audio Interface - Please screenshot the interface and upload it to this thread.

I can sympathise with you, the Beats Audio driver is terrible!

MistUnleashed

Thanks for the reply here's the screenshots

It's big and ugly

 

[MistUnleashed]

Hi scr,

Please can you go to Control Panel\Hardware and Sound and open the Beats Audio Interface - Please screenshot the interface and upload it to this thread.

I can sympathise with you, the Beats Audio driver is terrible!

MistUnleashed

Thanks for the reply here's the screenshots

Try these steps, they helped a friend of mine with exactly the same issue. A Warning though, this unlocks the full capability of your Audio Chip so DON'T have the system volume higher than 50% or you may damage your ears!

Removing Beats Compression:

1. Go To: Device Manager
2. Go To: Sound, video and game controllers
3. Click on IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
4. Double-Click and Update Driver
5. Select 'Browse my computer for driver software'
6. Select 'Let me pick from a list'
7. Select High Definition Audio Device
8. Read the warning and click Yes if you understand the risk
9. Restart computer

After Your Computer Restarts:

1. Go To: Start > Type: 'Sound' - open Windows Sound
2. Click on your High Definition Audio Driver
3. Click on the 'Enhancements' tab
4. Go through the list and click on 'Loudness Equalization' and click 'Settings', then move the slider to 3/5 or 4/5 towards Long, then click on 'OK/Apply'.

Let me know if this works for you.


MistUnleashed

 

[scr]

Thanks but I do not have a "IDT High Definition Audio CODEC" showing in Sound, Video and Game controllers.

 

[MistUnleashed]

Thanks but I do not have a "IDT High Definition Audio CODEC" showing in Sound, Video and Game controllers.

Change the Realtek Driver as per my previous instructions.

Let me know what happens.

 

[scr]

Thanks but I do not have a "IDT High Definition Audio CODEC" showing in Sound, Video and Game controllers.

Change the Realtek Driver as per my previous instructions.

Let me know what happens.

Sorry for the delay in responding, life gets in the way of fun way to often...

WOW! What a difference....


Only problem is my face is starting to hurt from the ear to ear grin,,,,,

After I removed all the HP crapware off I was so happy to get this computer. Then I played a tune or two. My joy went right down the tubes. You have restored my enjoyment of my new system... I had given up on finding any way to get this to work.

I can't thank you enough.

One question is there any type of EQ associated with this set up? If not it's really not a big deal as I use WinAmp and it has a EQ. I can probably figure out a way to run my XM receiver through it.

Again, my most sincere thanks for taking of your time to help me.

 

[MistUnleashed]

Sorry for the delay in responding, life gets in the way of fun way to often...

WOW! What a difference....


Only problem is my face is starting to hurt from the ear to ear grin,,,,,

After I removed all the HP crapware off I was so happy to get this computer. Then I played a tune or two. My joy went right down the tubes. You have restored my enjoyment of my new system... I had given up on finding any way to get this to work.

I can't thank you enough.

One question is there any type of EQ associated with this set up? If not it's really not a big deal as I use WinAmp and it has a EQ. I can probably figure out a way to run my XM receiver through it.

Again, my most sincere thanks for taking of your time to help me.

No problem! That's what we're all here for! - Plus I couldn't let someone listen to music using a sub-par quality sound driver like Beats Audio - Its just a gimmick and a selling point for HP!

Yes there is an EQ - But only really for the bass, but it does affect the treble (if that helps) :

1. Go To: Start > Type: 'Sound' - open Windows Sound
2. Click on your High Definition Audio Driver
3. Click on the 'Enhancements' tab
4. Go through the list and click on 'Bass Boost' and click 'Settings'
5. To keep your vocals clear, boost by no more than 15dB at around 50Hz for a clean and tight bass note or 'boom'
6. For 'More Bass/Enhanced Bass' boost to 75Hz-100Hz (Depends on your user preference)
7. Then click on 'OK/Apply'.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes!

 

[GokAy]

Hey Mist, I have two questions:

- You installed the generic Windows audio drivers, yes? Would it not be better if Realtek drivers were installed?
- Would it be possible to disable with just unchecking "Beats Audio" in the 2nd screenshot?

Thanks!

 

[GokAy]

Is the Realtek driver from manufacturer the one that has Beats built-in? How about drivers from Realtek website or WHQL from Windows Update Catalog (see sticky thread)?
The second answer is cut in half, missing the 2 things you mention

 

[MistUnleashed]

Hey Mist, I have two questions:

- You installed the generic Windows audio drivers, yes? Would it not be better if Realtek drivers were installed?
- Would it be possible to disable with just unchecking "Beats Audio" in the 2nd screenshot?

Thanks!

Hi GoAky,

1. You can't install the Realtek Drivers as they come packaged with the Beats Audio Application, hence by installing the generic driver you are eliminating Beats Audio from controlling the audio.
2. You can disable by unchecking the box but this does 2 things:

• Doesn't disable it - Beats Audio messes with sound settings as they don't want people to disable their software driver.
• Cuts all the Bass Down & Increases the Treble to make it seem like your computer sounds worse without having Beats Audio Enabled

Its a very cruel trick that they play, unfortunately the only way to fix it is to install generic drivers - this forces Beats Audio to disable completely and not start messing with the sound settings.

EDIT: Installing any type of Realtek driver will result in the Beats Audio being able to connect to the sound-card and manipulate its' output.


Hope this helps, let me know if you need any more help.


Thanks,


MistUnleashed

 

[scr]

Sorry for the delay in responding, life gets in the way of fun way to often...

WOW! What a difference....


Only problem is my face is starting to hurt from the ear to ear grin,,,,,

After I removed all the HP crapware off I was so happy to get this computer. Then I played a tune or two. My joy went right down the tubes. You have restored my enjoyment of my new system... I had given up on finding any way to get this to work.

I can't thank you enough.

One question is there any type of EQ associated with this set up? If not it's really not a big deal as I use WinAmp and it has a EQ. I can probably figure out a way to run my XM receiver through it.

Again, my most sincere thanks for taking of your time to help me.

No problem! That's what we're all here for! - Plus I couldn't let someone listen to music using a sub-par quality sound driver like Beats Audio - Its just a gimmick and a selling point for HP!

Yes there is an EQ - But only really for the bass, but it does affect the treble (if that helps) :

1. Go To: Start > Type: 'Sound' - open Windows Sound
2. Click on your High Definition Audio Driver
3. Click on the 'Enhancements' tab
4. Go through the list and click on 'Bass Boost' and click 'Settings'
5. To keep your vocals clear, boost by no more than 15dB at around 50Hz for a clean and tight bass note or 'boom'
6. For 'More Bass/Enhanced Bass' boost to 75Hz-100Hz (Depends on your user preference)
7. Then click on 'OK/Apply'.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes!

This is exactly what I was looking for. I played around with this and found that 6db on 75 Hz is the sound I want. Perfect... As long as the Eagles sound good I'm happy.

One thing.. don't try to adjust the enhancements with a player running, at least Winamp.. it reports an error about a buffer and freezes the system.

You have to wonder what HP was thinking. The Internet and the HP forums are full of complaints, with no resolution, about the terrible sound from "Beats."

From what I can gather it turned out not to be a very good selling point for HP as they and Beats have gone their separate ways. It is no longer installed on new HP systems. However, HP is not offering any resolution to those who have it already.

Mist thanks for you help in beating "Beats"... I'll mark this thread solved

@GoKAy, thanks for your input I appreciate all the help and ideas I can get.

 

[GokAy]

I was merely curious don't think I contributed to the solution, good job Mist!