Maximus Z790 Dark Hero: Low volume from line-out port

[ulvihy]

This problem, that seems to have plagued some other hero boards, is still present (Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, BIOS 1202). Is anyone aware of a solution?

Thanks

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @ulvihy 

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delayed response.
Could you please clarify whether this issue occurred right after the PC was first built or if it began after some time of use and following any recent changes, such as Windows update or component replacement?
May I ask if the low volume issue is happening in specific scenarios, such as during particular games or after waking from sleep mode?
When it occurs, is the audio device connected through the front panel of the chassis or the rear panel of the MB?
Please provide the OS and OS build version, hardware specifications, and detailed context to help us better understand the issue.
Kindly refer to the below FAQs if needed:
Troubleshooting - Why is the microphone volume still low after adjusting
[Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Sound (Speakers/Microphones) problems

Thank you.

[ulvihy]

> Could you please clarify whether this issue occurred right after the PC was first built or if it began after some time of use and following any recent changes, such as Windows update or component replacement?

No recent changes except I re-installed windows and installed the Realtek audio drivers V6.3.9600.2368.

> May I ask if the low volume issue is happening in specific scenarios, such as during particular games or after waking from sleep mode?

No, the issue is present at all times.

> When it occurs, is the audio device connected through the front panel of the chassis or the rear panel of the MB?

The line-out in the rear MB panel is where the issue is. The headphone jack in the front has normal output level.

> Please provide the OS and OS build version, hardware specifications, and detailed context to help us better understand the issue.

OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
System Manufacturer CyberPowerPC
System Type x64-based PC
System SKU CPPC-SYSTEM-US
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-14900KS, 3200 Mhz, 24 Core(s), 32 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. 1202, 4/18/2024
SMBIOS Version 3.5
Embedded Controller Version 255.255
BIOS Mode UEFI
BaseBoard Manufacturer ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
BaseBoard Product ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO
BaseBoard Version Rev 1.xx
Secure Boot State On
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 64.0 GB

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @ulvihy 

Thank you for providing the detailed context.
May I ask if you have tried cross-testing with other audio devices?
For instance, do you notice lower audio levels when speakers and headphones are connected to the rear panel but not when connected to the case ports?

Since the build version you provided seems incomplete, could you please check the Windows 11 release information and confirm if updating to version "22631.3958," released on July 25, 2024, helps improve the audio issue?
Please also consider updating the BIOS to the formal version 1402 for the ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO and clearing CMOS.
Meanwhile, have you attempted to troubleshoot the issue using the methods provided in the previous correspondence or encountered any abnormal results when using the audio troubleshooting tool in the system?

Thank you.

[ulvihy]

Yes headphones connected to the rear panel also have low volume.

I have the latest 2024-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems which is the August 13, 2024—KB5041585 (OS Builds 22621.4037 and 22631.4037) version.

I updated to the latest  ASUS 1503 BIOS (have been waiting for the Intel 0129 microcode update to do the BIOS update). The issue persists.

The system troubleshooter for audio shows nothing found.

By the way, I just noticed that the ASUS downloads site for the mb has a new tool: 

USB Audio FW Update Tool

Version - 2.06 MB 2024/08/14
USB Audio FW Update Tool_PID1A98

When I download this .7z file and attempt to extract with 7zip it asks for a password. What is this tool and what is the password?

Thanks

[achugh]

Hi @ulvihy the LINE OUT on your board (which is the same as mine, see my signature for build details) is supposed to have low volume as it is meant to be connected to an external amplifier. The front panel connector uses the built-in DAC and hence is louder since it is not expected to have your headphone connected to an external amplifier/DAC before connecting to the PC.

For bit more details, see my post https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-motherboards/can-asus-support-fix-realtek-audio-drivers-with-bo... and you can read this long thread with my journey to get a better and improved audio experience on ASUS top of the line board at this time (Z790 Dark Hero).

Lastly, the password for this file is mentioned in https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/intel-700-600-series/z790-dark-hero-usb-audio-fw-update/m-p/1036230 post. You can post your experience with this firmware update in this post.

I hope this helps.

[ulvihy]

Thanks @achugh 

I guess in the absence of quantitative measurements it's hard to decide if the lineout output level is to low or not. I do connect it to an amplifier; but then I have to turn the amplifier volume almost all the way up (with line out level at 100%) to get loud enough sound output. This wasn't the case with my previous ASUS ROG mb.

I can't see that audio firmware update on the ASUS support page anymore. Do you have a link to it?

[achugh]

Hi @ulvihy you need to go to BIOS tab to see this USB Audio Firmware file. Try https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-maximus/rog-maximus-z790-dark-hero/helpdesk_bios/ page or you can use https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1700/ROG_MAXIMUS_Z790_DARK_HERO/USB_Audio_FW_Update_Tool_PI... as the direct link to download this firmware.

Although it seems you have already downloaded this file and when you tried to extract it, it was asking for a password. The password is in the post I mentioned above i.e. https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/intel-700-600-series/z790-dark-hero-usb-audio-fw-update/m-p/1036230 post and you can post your experience before and after the update.

It seems this update has at least helped 1 person using the OPTICAL (or Digital Signal Out via SPDIF) Connector. Maybe it will solve your issue as well. I do not have your setup so I cannot tell if it will for sure help you.

Good luck! Looking forward to your results.

[ulvihy]

@achugh The new firmware made no perceptible difference. Do you know if it fixes anything? No description seems to be available.

[achugh]

Hi @ulvihy , correct, no description is available. It seems to correct the audio level as well as some crackling sound that has been reported if OPTICAL (or Digital Signal Out via SPDIF) Connector is used. It did not make any difference for me as well since I am also using ANALOG connections.