Front Panel Mic not working with Sound Blaster Z

Tisdan · 19 Jan 2014

Hello everyone,

today I got my new Soundcard, a Soundblaster Zx and I must say that I really love the quality.
However, I have a problem and I don't know how to fix it.

My PC is a custom build. Case is a Bitfenix Ghost, Mainboard Gigabyte 970A-UD3.

I installed the Soundcard in my PC and disabled the onboard sound.
Driver were installed and updated after that. Sound is working.
My case has a connector labeled with "HD-Audio" wich i plugged in into my soundcard.
Sound is working in Headphones but the mic is not listed in my recording devices.

This is a list of stuff that I have done already:
-> Updated Drivers
-> Re-enabled Onboardsound (Disabled it after that)
-> Ordered a new Soundcard, same Problem

So if you are able to help me, please

fireberd · 19 Jan 2014

Exactly what model SoundBlaster Z sound card do you have? Is it the Audigy 2 ZX?

Does it work if you plug the microphone into the rear Mic jack on the sound card?

Tisdan · 19 Jan 2014

Model is Creative Sound Blaster Zx (SB 1500)
Mic in Rear works

fireberd · 19 Jan 2014

Did the mic work with the internal audio? and now does not work with the SoundBlaster? If that is the case, check the front panel connector to verify it is correctly installed on the SoundBlaster.

If it has never worked before, then either the cable or the front panel assembly in the case is suspect.

Tisdan · 19 Jan 2014

Front Panel connector worked before with my Via Onboard card.
Now, with my Soundblaster Z, only the headphone jack works.

I will try to disable my Soundblaster, connect my front panel to my onboard card and see if there's a defect somewhere.

joebots · 19 Jan 2014

I am having the exact same problem with a Sound Blaster Z which I installed yesterday. I know the front mic input jack worked with both my on-board VIA sound, and a Creative Audigy Fx which I had. The front speaker jack works just fine.

Joe

fireberd · 20 Jan 2014

Hmm. Sounds like a problem with the SB Z card, either some internal setup configuration issue or the front panel connector since two have the exact same problem.

Since two are having the same problem, contacting Creative support would be my suggestion.

Tisdan · 20 Jan 2014

Well, I had the Soundblaster Z and now, the Sounblaster Zx. Both had the same Problem.

fireberd · 20 Jan 2014

The front panel mic jack works with the internal motherboard sound and the mic works in the rear panel of the SoundBlaster. That eliminates the case wiring and front panel jack and puts it back to the SoundBlaster, either a driver/setup issue internal to the sound card or how the front panel connector on the SoundBlaster is wired. Either issue, Creative needs to be contacted since two (reported) have the same problem.

NoN · 28 Jan 2014

Hi there,

I've got the Sound Blaster Z (Red leds - SB1500) and i've got my microphone to work both front and rear plugs.

Just one tip maybe...when you plug from back to front panel and versa , Sound Blaster engine doesn't switch the mic automatically. You have to switch it manually from rear mic to front mic in the "crystal voice" panel.

That's how i got it to work.:)

PS: Better disable HD audio panel in bios settings, but seems obvious if you do plug the case HD Audio cable onto the Pci-e card..