New USB Desktop Speakers. Can't Properly Control Volume.

beegeepee

New Member
Messages
8
I recently purchased the Polk Hampden Speakers. For some reason, the manual volume control built into the speakers themselves doesn't affect the volume level. The only way I can adjust the volume is by using my computers volume control software (the little white speaker in the bottom left of Windows 7/8). I am fairly certain the hardware volume control isn't broken, because when I first plugged them in ( a week or 2 ago) they worked fine. It wasn't until I disconnected/reconnected everything from my computer when I installed a new desk that this problem started.


However, even the software volume control isn't working properly either. In particular, when I go into the mixer to see the volume levels for each application, if I adjust the main "Device - speaker volume" it won't alter the specific applications volumes accordingly. Like, I can reduce the main - device speaker volume all the way to zero (not muted) and the applications will still have the same volume level as they did before I adjusted it.


Finally, even my keyboard bindings to the volume control are whacky. I can still adjust the "main - device speaker" volume with the keyboard, however since this "main - device speaker" volume no longer influences the individual application speaker volume level it is pointless to do so.


I have tried disabling all other sound drivers/sound hardware, but it doesn't help.


I have tried uninstalling/re-installing the USB drivers for the Hampdens which didn't help.


I have tried restarting the Microsoft Services responsible for audio output recognition which didn't help.


I have tried downloading the audio drivers specific for my motherboard, but that didn't help.


Additionally, applications sometimes don't recognize the speakers. If I start the application before turning on the speakers the application won't recognize the speakers unless I cycle through the speaker output modes (the little button under the volume knob) and get back to USB mode. Otherwise, I have to completely restart the application. This issue isn't as big of a problem as the manual volume control not affecting the volume output of the speakers.


Does anyone have any possible fix suggestions?


I have tried uninstalling all my audio devices/drivers, but this doesn't seem to help. They just instantly re-install it appears.

Thanks,

BeeGeePee
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
Please fill in the "My System Specs". It helps us to try and help you. Without it we are shooting in the dark.

The Polk Hamden speakers are Bluetooth connected speakers. Thus Bluetooth connectivity is one issue.
 

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.
Please fill in the "My System Specs". It helps us to try and help you. Without it we are shooting in the dark.

The Polk Hamden speakers are Bluetooth connected speakers. Thus Bluetooth connectivity is one issue.

I have updated my specs. Thanks!

Also, Hampdens CAN be bluetooth. They also have USB connection.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
Generally with a USB connected audio device, e.g. headset or speakers, the digital to analog conversion (and amplification) is done internally in the device. The PC's sound card isn't really used.

However, with the other system problems, I would first try to get that working properly. If you have no other speakers, you can use a headset for audio while troubleshooting. You can connect the headset to either the front panel headset connection or the GREEN speaker jack on the rear of the motherboard.

One other thought, if you are using an HDMI connection, such as a monitor that connects via HDMI (or have an HDMI cable plugged in) Windows automatically switches the sound to the HDMI (sets the HDMI as the default audio playback device) and if you want regular PC sound you have to manually change the default audio playback device to the "Speakers" (PC sound).
 

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.
Generally with a USB connected audio device, e.g. headset or speakers, the digital to analog conversion (and amplification) is done internally in the device. The PC's sound card isn't really used.

However, with the other system problems, I would first try to get that working properly. If you have no other speakers, you can use a headset for audio while troubleshooting. You can connect the headset to either the front panel headset connection or the GREEN speaker jack on the rear of the motherboard.

One other thought, if you are using an HDMI connection, such as a monitor that connects via HDMI (or have an HDMI cable plugged in) Windows automatically switches the sound to the HDMI (sets the HDMI as the default audio playback device) and if you want regular PC sound you have to manually change the default audio playback device to the "Speakers" (PC sound).

Yes, I know these speakers do have an internal DAC, however shouldn't I still be able to control the volume levels?

Also, I do not have any HDMI connections. Both of my monitors are using a DVI connection. I am able to use a pair of headphones, but they too have unusual volume control currently.

Very frustrating. I appreciate the help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
That motherboard (and its similar to my AS Rock Z77 Professinal Fatal1ty) uses RealTek for the audio.

I would download RealTek drivers directly from RealTek as they have drivers that are for 8.1 (some 8.0 drivers have problems). When you install the RealTek drivers, the first thing it will do is uninstall any existing driver then have you restart the PC before installation (and restart after the install is complete).

Download the High Definition Audio Codecs from RealTek. Realtek
 

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.
That motherboard (and its similar to my AS Rock Z77 Professinal Fatal1ty) uses RealTek for the audio.

I would download RealTek drivers directly from RealTek as they have drivers that are for 8.1 (some 8.0 drivers have problems). When you install the RealTek drivers, the first thing it will do is uninstall any existing driver then have you restart the PC before installation (and restart after the install is complete).

Download the High Definition Audio Codecs from RealTek. Realtek

I believe I did try this, however I will do this again to make sure when I get home. It seems like when I uninstall my audio drivers they automatically come back though (even if I have no audio devices plugged into the computer). Is there any free software available to make sure ALL audio drivers have been removed?

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
You can get a trial version of Revo Uninstaller Plus. I have the paid version and what I use to uninstall programs. Revo Uninstaller creates a restore point, runs the program's uninstall routine, then scans the registry and program files for any left over components and gives you the option to delete these.

Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs easily, Forced Uninstall, Leftovers Uninstaller, Portable Uninstaller

When you run the RealTek Installer and it uninstalls the installed RealTek drivers and then has you restart the PC, when Windows starts, Windows will detect and install the generic, basic function, High Definition Audio Device. However, when the RealTek install continues it will install the correct RealTek driver and delete the High Definition Audio Device.
 

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.
You can get a trial version of Revo Uninstaller Plus. I have the paid version and what I use to uninstall programs. Revo Uninstaller creates a restore point, runs the program's uninstall routine, then scans the registry and program files for any left over components and gives you the option to delete these.

Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs easily, Forced Uninstall, Leftovers Uninstaller, Portable Uninstaller

When you run the RealTek Installer and it uninstalls the installed RealTek drivers and then has you restart the PC, when Windows starts, Windows will detect and install the generic, basic function, High Definition Audio Device. However, when the RealTek install continues it will install the correct RealTek driver and delete the High Definition Audio Device.

I actually have Revo Uninstaller. However, doesn't it just remove applications? I have never used it to remove devices/drivers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
Some drivers show up in my Revo Uninstaller Pro. RealTek happens to be one that does show up. See my screenshot.

Capture.JPG
 

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.
Awesome, I will check when I get home and report back! ty
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
Well I did everything you said. When I restarted my computer after installing the new drivers the manual volume knob still wasn't working.

So, I went to check to make sure the manual volume knob on the speakers was in fact working in bluetooth mode. It was. I switched back to USB mode and now the manual Volume Knob is working. I am not sure what fixed it, but the volume is working as expected now.

Thanks again for theh elp.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB LIGHTNING
    Monitor(s) Displays
    QNIX Perfect Pixel QX2710 Matte 27.0" and Asus VS247H-P 23.6"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
    PSU
    Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
    Case
    Corsair 600T White Graphite ATX Mid Tower
    Keyboard
    CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Blue Switches
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical
At least its working. Not sure what all is happening on your PC.
 

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.
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