ASUS ROG B650e-f gaming wifi | Line in registers same audio as Mic in

[dustylamborghin]

Hello!
I recently got a more advanced audio setup and I thought I could connect separate audio devices to the PC via mic and line in. Mic in has a mic (obviously) while Line in has a couple of different devices connected to it, albeit one at a time.

However, I instantly realized that Line in is also getting the Mic in audio. If I disconnect the mic it stops, obviously... but I don't want these two to mix at all, since it makes zero sense to have two different inputs if one of them is always gonna capture the other one. There must be something I can do to stop this, right?

I am forever grateful for any and all information on this issue.
//dusty

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @dustylamborghin 

Thank you for reaching out to us.
Based on your description, we suggest checking the system’s audio settings and related configurations. 
Please verify that the microphone and audio input sources are set correctly in Windows’ "Sound Settings." It's possible that both sources were accidentally merged, leading to audio mixing. You can check this under the "Recording" tab to ensure the devices are not set to the same source.
Also, check if there are any updates available for your audio drivers, as outdated drivers could be causing the issue with the input signals mixing. Updating the audio drivers or related software may help resolve the problem.
If you are using audio management software like Realtek Audio Manager, make sure to check if it has options to separate and independently handle each input device, as some software may automatically merge them. 

Thank you.

[dustylamborghin]

Hello! Thank you for your response.
The inputs are not merged (which, frankly, I had no idea could be a thing).
I checked under the recording tab, and every input is separate.
I have the latest drivers available from my motherboards driver download page (from September 2024), so I doubt this is the issue.
Upon further testing I realized that if I switch the mic to the front panel's mic in then the mixing stops... that is until I reconnect the line in on the motherboard again, then it picks up the front panel's mic in - and switching back to the motherboard's mic in doesn't change the mixing. However, if I then reconnect the line in again (while the mic is still connected to the motherboard) and then disconnect the mic and move it to the front panel the mixing stops.

However, the problems don't stop there... since I then realized that the front panel mic in only works as long as I don't start any game. Once a game is running the front panel mic picks up an incredible amount of buzzing and humming (which does not go away by activating noise suppression in neither Realtek Audio Control nor Sonic Studio III).

So, I'm still in a bit of a pickle with all of this.

EDIT: Both Realtek Audio Control and Sonic Studio III are showing the inputs as separate, and I cannot find any settings that would somehow merge them.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @dustylamborghin 

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in our response.
Based on the situation you described, we recommend cross-testing with other audio devices or using an external DAC to check if the issue improves.
Additionally, please inspect the connection between the front panel of your chassis and the motherboard, as an overly tight connection can sometimes cause anomalies. If feasible, you may also consider testing with a different chassis.
Along with verifying the drivers, please ensure your current BIOS version is updated to the latest release, 3067 (dated 2024/12/17). We also suggest testing with a clean system drive to isolate potential software conflicts or configuration issues. Alternatively, you can try booting into Safe Mode or "Reset the system and keep your file" to determine if these steps resolve the audio abnormalities.

Thank you.