Can ASUS Support Fix Realtek Audio Drivers with Bongiovi Support?

[achugh]

Dear Support,

CURRENT STATUS WITH ALL ISSUES IS IN

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/can-asus-support-fix-realtek-audio-drivers-with-bo...

I am owner of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO motherboard. I have the latest v6.3.9600.2368 drivers installed. I have been having the following issues with this driver:

1. If I do not install Armoury Crate or if I uninstall Bongiovi Drivers after installing Armoury Crate due to issue (see below about the Bongiovi issues) then I am left with a broken driver. This is because "ExtRtXUsb_Asus_BJ_RTK.inf" driver file included in this version of the package has the RENDER APO FX for %PKEY_CompositeFX_StreamEffectClsid% set to Bongiovi APO ONLY.
   1. I am referring to line no. 63 in this file. It should have both the Realtek and Bongiovi SFX. Currently it only has Bongiovi SFX.
   2. Basically we need to change "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_CompositeFX_StreamEffectClsid%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%MB_RENDER_SFX_APO%" TO "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_CompositeFX_StreamEffectClsid%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%MB_RENDER_SFX_APO%,REALTEK_SFX_CLSID"
   3. This is because this is a composite key and can hold multiple value so making it similar to line no. 65 gives us the customers the option to use the installed APOs in the order listed on line no. 63
      
      
2. Does the Realtek Drivers do not support other Windows Modes like MEDIA, MOVIE, COMMUNICATION, SPEECH and NOTIFICATION?
   1. If they do support them, why are they not mentioned in the RENDER configuration for %PKEY_SFX_ProcessingModes_Supported_For_Streaming% or line no. 66 so that Windows can apply different EQ settings for each of the audio modes.
      
      
   2. I noticed that even Bongiovi drivers are not adding this support but some of your older motherboards with DTS APOs supported these modes properly and I would like to see them on my premium motherboard. Before buying the board I did not realize these audio limitations.
      
      
3. The driver is not specifying the configuration for OFFLOAD Mode Support as well. Can the following lines get added to the RENDER configuration? With high quality ES9218 and ALC4082 I am hoping the processing can be offloaded to hardware for better results.
   1. "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_CompositeFX_Offload_StreamEffectClsid%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%REALTEK_OSFX_CLSID%" where REALTEK_OSFX_CLSID needs to be defined and supported.
   2. "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_CompositeFX_Offload_ModeEffectClsid%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%REALTEK_OMFX_CLSID%" where REALTEK_OMFX_CLSID needs to be defined and supported.
   3. "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_SFX_Offload_ProcessingModes_Supported_For_Streaming%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%AUDIO_SIGNALPROCESSINGMODE_DEFAULT%"
   4. "HKR,InterfaceSetting\SysCustomizedFx\FX\0,%PKEY_MFX_Offload_ProcessingModes_Supported_For_Streaming%,%REG_MULTI_SZ%,%AUDIO_SIGNALPROCESSINGMODE_DEFAULT%,%AUDIO_SIGNALPROCESSINGMODE_MEDIA%,%AUDIO_SIGNALPROCESSINGMODE_MOVIE%,%AUDIO_SIGNALPROCESSINGMODE_NOTIFICATION%"
      
      
4. I am using Front Panel connector to connect my Headset (SONY MDR-XB950), it is not the one in DTS Sound Unbound app as the ones in it are MDR-XB950N1 or MDR-XB950B1 and I don't have those variant versions, but it is close enough.
   1. The microphone volume from the HD Audio Combo Front Panel (My case is ASUS ProArt PA602) is extremely low.
   2. I also get loud pops whenever the microphone is enabled. See https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/re-rog-maximus-z790-dark-hero-low-microphone-volum... with pictures of these loud pops in the capture.
   3. I have even enabled the max 30db Mic Boost and even that is not helping.
   4. I had installed the Two-Way Noise Cancelling but has uninstalled it as can be seen in this thread and I am still not able to figure out where the volume of my microphone is getting lost.
   5. This headset is reported with low impedance. The value is shown between 22 and 60 Ohms and the headset is rated at 32 Ohms; from my recollection. This means that it is an efficient headset which requires less current to work at its peak and optimum quality and I am having worst issues with it.
   6. Can someone on your team look into what is causing the volume to be dropped? Gaming is not possible as no one can hear me and that is a big disappointment with this premium gaming board.
      
      
5. I am also noticing that if I change my headphone output format from 48Khz 24Bits to anything else, I lose about 50% of the volume.
   1. I believe the Volume Curves for other formats are not defined and Windows defaults to some volume curve that does not match the hardware which then affects the perceived volume loss of 50% or more.
   2. I believe these volume curves are defined in RtDUsbAD_asus.inf file.
   3. Maybe things are not working because in this version the "Realtek Universal Audio Service" even though is set to Start Automatically does not start upon reboot due to service defining having quotes. See RealtekService.inf file at line no 61. This issue I see is fixed in the v6.3.9600.2379 that is release for some other motherboard but not yet for my motherboard.
   4. Maybe, having this service running will fix my issue with volume drop if any other format is selected.
      
      
6. Similarly, for Microphone Format, if I chose anything other than 48KHz 24 Bits all I get is either static noise or no sound from the microphone.
   1. I see values up to 192KHz at 24 Bits but I cannot use any of the higher quality values.
   2. Can this issue be fixed? Maybe it is also related to the previous issue of service not running and will get fixed when you release updated versions for my motherboard as well.
      
      
7. The officially published driver on the ASUS Support downloads has couple of mistakes or issues.
   1. In the UWP folder, the INSTALL.BAT file has a mistake where it installs the DTS app and the immediately tries to uninstall it.
   2. Basically line no. 8 needs to be moved to line no. 18 and the another line to wait for 12 seconds need to be added so the installation of the DTS app completes in the background and the process is not killed. After this fix, the file looks like below
      
      

      @Echo Install Realtek Audio Driver Please Wait ...
      @Echo on
      @Echo dism online install DTS Sound Unbound appx files

      %~d0
      cd %~dp0

      REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" /f /v "ExecutionPolicy" /d "RemoteSigned" /t REG_SZ

      powershell -executionpolicy bypass -File .\remove_and_install_DTSSUWP.ps1

      REG DELETE "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" /v "ExecutionPolicy" /f

      
      @Ping 127.0.0.1 -n 12 -w 1000 > nul

      dism.exe /online /Add-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackagePath:"77ebcb3cc75d4261bade64b63bb84bf9.appxbundle" /LicensePath:"77ebcb3cc75d4261bade64b63bb84bf9_License1.xml" /DependencyPackagePath:"Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.2_2.2.29512.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx" /DependencyPackagePath:"Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.2_2.2.28604.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx" /DependencyPackagePath:"Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx"

      @Ping 127.0.0.1 -n 12 -w 1000 > nul

      cd ..
      @Echo Done

      exit /b
      
      

   3. Next under UWP\CONFIG\PIN\run folder the AsusSetup.exe file is missing. This file can be copied from any folder as there are multiple copies of this file.
      1. Because of this missing file "Realtek Audio Console" is not getting pinned to the START menu.
      2. This missing file is needed because the INSTALL.BAT file in UWP\CONFIG\PIN folder is trying call AsusSetup.exe in Silent mode and that file is missing from the RUN folder.
      3. Hopefully, this easy fix can be included when you release the v6.3.9600.2379 for my motherboard.

BONGIOVI DRIVER ISSUES

I am sure by now you would have seen numerous people complaining about loud pops with these APOs which is why I have tried to uninstall them. They are not easy to uninstall also.

1. Can the installation and uninstallation of them be supported with a windows installer or something in Armoury Crate to make this task easier as a short-term workaround?
2. Also, can the Motherboard SDK be split so that it does not install this driver automatically and you make it a customer choice?
3. With my limited knowledge, I believe all APOs work on the concept of buffering the audio data and I don't think Bongiovi Drivers are any different. I suspect these loud pops for BOTH Rendering and Capture are happening because these drivers DO NOT clear or ZERO out the buffer and there is a buffer overflow or dirty buffer that gets flushed when the audio starts and these APOs get triggered by Windows Audio Chain. Since these buffers have junk data that gets flushed, that's what comes across as this pop when either the speaker or the microphone is turned on for audio streaming or capture via the software. I believe create a buffer with 0x00 (ZEROS) at the beginning of the stream (Render or Capture) should solve the pop issues. This way the buffer does not have any junk or dirty data when it gets flushed.

-Amit

Tagging #ROG, #Motherboard, #Z790, #Z790 Dark Hero

[achugh]

@Warryor3D Have you seen my messages in https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/re-logitech-z906-encoded-sound-using-z790-dark-her... post where you provided details about your issue?

Did you get a chance to try my suggestions and were they helpful? I recommend you start a new post with your issue to get proper attention in case you are still experiencing issues.

[achugh]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG , regarding the low microphone level, is it possible that the Z790 BIOS is putting the device by default into LINE IN state where the ESS9018 DAC which is supposed to amplify the analog microphone signal is actually attenuating the signal because it thinks it is of LINE IN level? This is the only thing that comes to my mind which is why even the default windows USB 2.0 Audio drivers are not working at all.

While looking for help on the Microsoft Community boards, I also have people recommending that the initial pops could be due to MUTEING circuits not being engaged properly. See https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/674744/realtek-usb-audio-2-0?page=1&orderby=newe... where the following comment was made by a community member.

I'd check the Device Manager to see what's going on with your microphone concerning the Power Data/Current Power State. It's probably a Driver issue in my opinion and perhaps ASUS could escalate the issue by getting an updated driver for you. The "Generic Windows" Driver for these USB 2.0 Audio sound devices is designed by Thesycon. This driver doesn't normally support advanced features of the audio devices may have... Like amplifying a low signal/volume on your Microphone input and/or using a Muting circuit to prevent popping when the input is inserted.

Other than that... a new driver might help with your issue.

---

I hope the ASUS and REALTEK development team can work together to find the root cause of LOW Microphone Volume and the initial loud pop which could be triggering the audio clamping and clipping protections resulting in low volume. At this time, I am leaning towards an update ASUS BIOS and an updated Realtek driver to fully fix this issue on ASUS's most premium board in the market.

I hope to hear an update soon from the ASUS development team.

-Amit

[achugh]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG , I reached out to Realtek Technical support directly for my Microphone Issue and here's the official response their technical team has sent to me via email. Can your development team confirm if ASUS is working on approving the Microphone POPING issue fix from Realtek? I would love to test any BETA version you have to confirm if the fix provided by Realtek works or not, if this type of help is needed.

Sir,

We’re trying to fix the recording pop noise issue, the solution has been provided to ASUS and wait for their verification result.

As to microphone recording low volume issue, it’s determined by ASUS’s audio requirement and we can’t give it more volume gain without ASUS’s permission.

---

[Warryor3D]

Well, all these problems are Asus's, how are they going to sell a product without having compatible software, now we all have to pay for ASUS' mistakes and while consumers wait eternally for a solution. For this reason they blocked the ARMORY CRATE post, they could no longer bear the daily problems of all those who use its components. a reason to be disappointed in the brand, they only want to sell products without having a good functioning through the software they provide.

[achugh]

I am not here to bash anyone. My goal is to find a solution and help each other out. Being part of the software development community myself, I understand how complex software development has become and how difficult it is to meet the vast demands of various combinations that exist in the world. So, my point of view is different because I live through this pain daily and have a different point of view.

I hope ASUS development team continues to work with all of us and help us out. In the mean time, we as a community can try to help each other out to find workarounds.

-Amit

[achugh]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG , as a continuation of my post https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/can-asus-support-fix-realtek-audio-drivers-with-bo... I noticed that when I use the REAR SPEAKER OUT (GREEN Connector on the Rear IO shield), the volume level of this output is significantly less than the FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE output. 

Setting the output volume of 100 (FULL VOLUME) for REAR SPEAKER OUT using Performance as the AMPLIFY Level is the same as the volume of 20 from the FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE.

Setting the output volume of 100 (FULL VOLUME) for REAR SPEAKER OUT using Extreme as the AMPLIFY Level is the same as the volume of 25 from the FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE.

So, it appears that the FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE output is properly using the ESS9018 DAC to boost the headphone out volume. This volume level is what I am used to from out laptops and desktop on my Sony MDR-XB950. Or in other words, the REAR SPEAKER OUT volume is relatively LOW and that's another issue specially in a TWO Channel Stereo  Output that I am using to test.

Another difference I noticed is that when I used the REAR SPEAKER OUT, the maximum format I can use is 192K at 24 Bit where as when I use the FRONT PANEL HEADPHONE OUT I can enable 32 bit versions as well as go all the way to 384K sampling rates. This makes me think that the REAR Connectors are not using the ESS9018 premium DAC. Here again, I am under the impression that for Stereo Output the ESS9018 DAC was supposed to be providing output to the REAR GREEN Connector but it does not seems that is working properly.

FYI, I did all the tests using the default Realtek Speaker Test Clip included in the Realtek Audio Control application just to make it easier for us to communicate and reproduce the issue. Or this is the same audio test clip your development team played and recorded. Also to note, my REAR SPEAKER OUT is going into the same headphone as the front panel. This is NOT the same as your development setup where your team may be sending this output to some external powered speakers and for those speakers this output volume be loud enough because there another amplification happening inside your speakers. I am NOT doing this external amplification and hence can confirm that the output volumes are very different which is NOT what I was expecting.

Lastly, I connected by Apple AirPod Max via Bluetooth and this bypassed all of the Realtek Audio components. The Microsoft reported this device as a HEADSET (not HEADPHONE like it is reported by Realtek when I use the FRONT PANEL Connector Plus Microphone). In this case, my HEADSET recorded the sound with NO initial POP sound. Also, my HEADSET based microphone sound level was so much better although Windows defaulted the Microphone input to 16-Bit Mono Channel at a very low bit rate but it all worked. I DID LOOSE the first few syllables every time I tried to record audio. This maybe happening due to the POWER STATES or MUTEING Circuits not working with default Microsoft universal drivers properly.

Based on everything I have been able to debug so far, I believe a BIOS update is needed so that BIOS can give proper BINARY strings to Microsoft USB Audio Drivers to work in the basic PnP state so that the Microphone Volume is not LOW and there is NO POPING when the Front Panel connector is used or the Rear MIC IN is used. In both these case, Microsoft drivers are detecting the device as Microphone. Once, the Microphone Device metadata is corrected then we need to work on the Realtek Drivers to correct some of these APO issues in order to manipulate the sound so as to support EQ, 3D Virtual Surround, Spatial Sound etc.

-Amit

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @achugh 

Regarding issues 4 and 5, after testing, we were unable to replicate your problem:
problem_4
problem_5
For software, our consultation suggests that changes to the driver scripts or .exe file (if any) or the installation and removal process might have resulted in incomplete installations.
For hardware, your connected devices include the SONY MDR-XB950 and the SONY ECM-TS120 Electret Condenser Microphone, as well as a headset and microphone through a KINGTOP Headset Splitter.
However, our consultation confirmed that the front panel audio header of the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is designed to connect to the microphone and audio output jacks of the case.
Thus, connecting this header to an HD Audio Combo connector might cause compatibility issues.

Therefore, to address issues 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, we recommend cross-testing the microphone and audio output with the case's connectors (instead of the HD Audio Combo connector) and using a new system drive or restoring the system before reinstalling the drivers from the official website.
Regarding issues 2 and 3, we appreciate your feedback and detailed information, which will be considered in our future evaluations.

Thank you.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @Warryor3D 

Could you please specify the model of your motherboard and whether you have encountered any audio issues?
If possible, provide more detailed hardware specifications and context to help us better understand your problem.

Thank you.

[Warryor3D]

Hi, I am currently using Z790 Dark Hero, I made a post [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/re-logitech-z906-encoded-sound-using-z790-dark-her... - p/1019631] and additionally I uploaded several problems in the ARMORY CRATE post [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/armoury-crate/armoury-crate-v5-8-9-0-aura -creator- v3-8-6-report-here-if-any/m-p/1021265#M12395] where the issues are handled (fill out the online Google form).
Now the Posts are blocked, they are saturated with problems, this is what I mean because ASUS is a brand that has a great reputation in components, since the components do not have OPTIMAL SOFTWARE for everyone, this disappoints the FANS of the brand. For example, I tried to avoid these problems by selecting ASUS as my preferred brand and having some durability and reliability where I know nothing will cause problems. Now the most impressive thing is the sound, since the RGB that are disabled are somewhat medium-high and the other thing is the sources that the xpert fan has that are disabled every time the PC restarts, they are mid-range. but having this every day becomes stressful. I say that because they are TOP OF THE RANGE products they should have priority in everything and long before being launched if or if they should update DRIVER on the current date and not have a driver two years older than the component. Well, I appreciate you taking a little of your time and letting the customer opinions on the FORUM reach everyone at ASUS and further support their software.

[achugh]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG , I want to thank your team to continue working with me. Here's my input back to them.

NOTE: My response is too big for this form to take it so it is split into 3 messages here.

Regarding Problem # 4.1 (Microphone Volume being LOW) - In your recording (PROBLEM 4) I see that the volume is very low. This can be seen in the waveform of the recording while it is being recorded as well as towards the end when the tester shows all the recordings quickly (see my screenshots of a proper volume using Apple AirPod Max; in 3rd message due to splitting; below in this response comparing Realtek Microphone Waveform). Every single waveform is almost 1% volume level in your PROBLEM 4 recording. I am seeing this exact same behavior and this is the problem I am also reporting. Now that your team has recreated this problem, what is the fix for it from your development team? Even @Silent_Scone in https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/re-rog-maximus-z790-dark-hero-low-microphone-volum... thread is able to confirm that he is also observing the microphone volume being very low.

Regarding Problem # 4.2 (Loud Pops at the start of the recording) - I noticed that your tester kept on changing the settings in Realtek Audio Console. Can your team try the following steps please and create another recording?

NOTE: Changing settings resets things and you get 1 proper recording without a pop so please don't do that. Follow steps below.

1. Open Windows Power Plan and show which power plan is used.
   1. I am using the Windows default BALANCED (RECOMMENDED) power plan.
   2. The only setting I changed in this power plan is under SLEEP I changed HIBERNATE AFTER to 10 minutes.
   3. I also have Windows FAST START and HIBERNATE enabled.
      
      
2. Now SHUTDOWN the PC (not restart).
3. Wait for 1 minute to let the audio capacitors drain.
4. Press the POWER ON button on the motherboard to start up the PC. This will perform a clean COLD start.
5. Next open Windows SERVICE control Panel.
6. Make sure REALTEK AUDIO UNIVERSAL SERVICE is RUNNING. In PROBLEM 5 SETUP recording your team is running this service which is NOT the default case (see below my details about PROBLEM 5 in the 2nd message due to split)
   1. I have already proven that in the default state this service is not running due to a TYPO in the driver INF file which has been fixed in later versions of Realtek Driver. 
   2. Running this service already fixes few things which I would like to avoid while ASUS development team focuses on real problems.
   3. So, if this service is not running, click on PLAY / START to put this service into RUNNING state.
   4. Please show that this service is running.
      
      
7. Next open Realtek Audio Control app.
8. Show the version information of Realtek Audio Control using the bottom left INFORMATION menu as is done in PROBLEM 4 recording at time marker 00:00:10
9. Next ALSO show the DEVICE ADVANCED SETTINGS from the bottom left menu to show what is connected. In this message later (3rd message due to split) as well as in my messages here in previous posts under this thread I have shown this screenshot.
   1. Based on the left hand side menu showing SPEAKERS under PLAYBACK DEVICES I am inferring that the rear connectors were being used for this test (I do not have any issue with your team using rear connectors as the problem is with Microphone DEVICE which shows up the same whether REAR MIC input is used or the front panel MIC input is used). Even though device names are visible, it will be good to see this information as I have shown in my previous posts here which connector is being used.
      
      
10. Next click on MICROPHONE under RECORDING DEVICES as is done at time marker 00:00:12.
11. Now click on the RESET button next to the DEFAULT FORMAT and THEN set it to 48000Hz 24Bits. In the recording this is set to 192000Hz 16Bits at time marker 00:00:12.
    1. Before we get into premium recording levels, the basic microphone for video conferencing and games should be working which is best set to 48000Hz 24Bits for a good quality sound.
       
       
12. Next click on SPEAKERS under PLAYBACK DEVICES as is done at time marker 00:00:13.
13. Now click on the RESET button next to the DEFAULT FORMAT and THEN set it to 48000Hz 24Bits to match the same format as the recording format.
14. Now CLOSE Realtek Audio Control.
    1. This is because typically when anyone is using their PC, we are not running Realtek Audio Control app in the background.
    2. Also, I noticed that Realtek Audio Control app requests EXCLUSIVE control of the devices and we do not want Realtek Audio Control app interfering in our testing. 
       
       
15. Now open SOUND RECORDER as is done at time marker 00:00:17 of the PROBLEM 4 recording file.
16. Now click on DOT DOT DOT (the ellipse) under the window close button X to open the POPUP menu.
17. From this popup menu, click on SETTINGS to get into the Sound Recorder settings.
18. Expand RECORDING FORMAT and set it to WAV (Lossless)
19. Next click on AUDIO QUALITY and choose BEST (highest quality, larger file size).
20. Now click on the BACK ARROW in the TOP LEFT of the window next to the TITLE NAME "Sound Recorder" to get back to the Sound Recorder application.
21. CLICK the RECORD button to start the recording.
    1. YOU MUST SPEAK SOMETHING like TEST, TEST, TEST or HELLO TESTING etc. so that you fill the audio buffer to be sent for recording.
       
       
22. Now STOP the recording say after 5-7 seconds of your team speaking anything.
    1. I expect this first recording to be GOOD with no loud pop at the beginning.
       
       
23. At this time, wait for 1-2 seconds.
24. Now CLICK on RECORD button again.
    1. At this time, the recording would start with a LOUD POP as I have shown here.
    2. From this point forward (Without making any changes in Realtek Audio Control or via the Windows Sound Settings), every time RECORD button is pressed a LOUD POP will get recorded.
    3. The reason your testers did not see the pop was because the team kept on constantly changing settings or things in REALTEK AUDIO CONTROL. Since Realtek Audio Control App takes full exclusive control of the audio devices, every change kept on triggering the internal RESET which gives you 1 clean record.

I look forward to hearing back from your team with this additional information on this problem 4.1 and 4.2