Issue with loudness equalization in Windows 8.1

Jax765

New Member
Messages
14
I'm running a dual boot system, with Windows 7 and 8.1, and output audio through my monitor's speakers via HDMI. With Windows 7, loudness equalization works, I don't have to constantly adjust the volume because something's suddenly too loud. But for some reason, this isn't the case in Windows 8. For instance, when watching a video, in Windows 7 the audio will sound constant throughout. In 8, it will get quiet, then really loud, then quiet again. This is despite having the same Nvidia Audio drivers and same playback settings (with loudness equalization ticked). Does anyone know what might be causing this issue?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
There are other things running (or running in the background) in Win 8/8.1 that you do not have in Win 7. I would more suspect that as a potential cause.

When does this happen? With on-line audio? Playing a Video? Playing audio files on the PC or from a commercial audio CD?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
There are other things running (or running in the background) in Win 8/8.1 that you do not have in Win 7. I would more suspect that as a potential cause.

When does this happen? With on-line audio? Playing a Video? Playing audio files on the PC or from a commercial audio CD?

Games and videos (both online Youtube videos and MP4 videos in VLC player). For instance, with Dragon Age Inquisition, I played it on Windows 7 and never had an issue with audio. Then I installed it on 8.1, because it improves performance quite significantly. It did that, but now it has audio issues where certain sounds are ridiculously loud while others are overly quiet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
I'd have to guess a driver issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Try it without the loudness EQ, or any sound enhancements. I also agree it could be a driver.

Please fill in the "My System Specs", we have no idea what hardware you have other than an NVIDIA video card.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Updated my specs. I'm using an Nvidia card, so I used Geforce Experience to install the drivers, same as Windows 7. So it's using the same HDMI audio drivers as that OS.

And I've tried without any sound enhancements, no change.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
The Intel CPU has built in graphics and HDMI video/audio. Although a hassle as you may have to temporarily remove the NVIDIA card, I would try the Intel HDMI and see if you get the same thing with that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
The Intel CPU has built in graphics and HDMI video/audio. Although a hassle as you may have to temporarily remove the NVIDIA card, I would try the Intel HDMI and see if you get the same thing with that.

How would I do that exactly?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
The Intel CPU has built in graphics and HDMI video/audio. Although a hassle as you may have to temporarily remove the NVIDIA card, I would try the Intel HDMI and see if you get the same thing with that.

How would I do that exactly?

Your motherboard has HDMI ports, use one of them. That should use the Intel GPU HDMI instead of the Nvidia. For testing it may require removing the Nvidia card and also check BIOS settings to see if there is something in graphics to allow switching.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
The Intel CPU has built in graphics and HDMI video/audio. Although a hassle as you may have to temporarily remove the NVIDIA card, I would try the Intel HDMI and see if you get the same thing with that.

How would I do that exactly?

Your motherboard has HDMI ports, use one of them. That should use the Intel GPU HDMI instead of the Nvidia. For testing it may require removing the Nvidia card and also check BIOS settings to see if there is something in graphics to allow switching.

Wouldn't that cause issues because it's not making use of my GPU properly? Besides I'm pretty certain that's not what's causing the problem, considering it works fine in Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
Well, just trying to isolate things. You do whatever you are comfortable with. Switching to Intel graphics should not cause any problems. I looked up your motherboard specs, it supports both integrated and discrete graphics.

We were only trying to see if it works differently with the Intel HD HDMI but again, don't do anything you feel uncomfortable with. You may not isolate what is going on though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
This is only for testing. We are not saying use that permanently.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Ah, ok. Well I just tried it now, and nothing displays when I plug the HDMI cable into the motherboard instead of the GPU.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
Bios may be set to use only the discrete card. When you right click on the desktop does a menu appear that has anything to do with selecting graphics?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Bios may be set to use only the discrete card. When you right click on the desktop does a menu appear that has anything to do with selecting graphics?

No, there's nothing there about graphics cards except for the Nvidia Control Panel.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
Probably a BIOS setting but I don't have your MB and you don't seem to know its capabilities so I'm not comfortable with guiding you any further. Don't want you to change something you don't know how to recover from. Sorry.

Maybe Fireberd has further suggestions.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Most of the modern motherboards automatically default to a separate video card if one is installed. The video card would have to be removed and then the BIOS will revert to the CPU Video.

I realize it works OK on Win 7, but there ARE differences between Win 7 and Win 8/8.1. It may very well not be the video card, and some other program that is also accessing the sound. However, using the Intel video will at least prove one way or another.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Ok how do I switch over to integrated graphics? I enabled the intel graphics from the BIOS, but there's still no output when I plug the HDMI cable into the motherboard.

hvkb.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
The intel driver software doesn't detect any drivers that need installing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7 4770kK 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H
    Memory
    16GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 770 2GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DGX PCI-E 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus MX239
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    PSU
    Corsair Tx V2 650W
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