WEIRD AND RARE PROBLEM! Audio channels are swapped in games but not in desktop/youtube

[MIETKONG]

Hello ROG forum - i've thought i could share with you my story with a problem that i havent been able to fix through years:

Every installation of Windows i do is swapping stereo channels L/R to R/L ONLY when running 3D applications.

This might be a software issue or hardware incompatibility but still why does it happen across all my platforms?

I've been testing with few different PC's with zero shared components - most of them were ASUS mobos

Once i run 3D app (type of app doesnt matter, happens on every app) OS is instantly swapping audio channels.

Main facts below to prevent non-focused answers:

1. Happens on every type of hardware, different motherboards, different CPU's/GPU's.

2. Happens on every type of headset

3. Happens on ONBOARD audio and PCIe card

4. Happens on every version of drivers for onboard audio/PCIe card

5. Happens on every windows version starting from 7 to 11

Please do not post answers like:

1. run troubleshoot

2. do a sfc scannow or chkdsk

3. reinstall windows

4. install different drivers

5. try different headset

6. try to mess with sound options in control panel - none of this tweaking eg. exclusive mode/windows spatial sound etc. is solving the problem

Done all of these! This happens on every windows install, even fresh one.

My current rig:

Z490-H

10900K

3060RTX

W11 23H2

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @MIETKONG 

May I ask if the mentioned problem occurs only with headsets and not with speakers?
Are you using Bluetooth headsets or another type of connection for the headsets, and have you tried a different connection but had the same issue?

Could you please provide a complete recording of the issue?
This should include normal stereo performance during audio playback, stereo channel swapping when running 3D applications, and verification of the following issues:
- the current BIOS version of the ROG STRIX Z490-H GAMING, cross-tested versions, and manually BIOS setting items
- the driver versions for the current integrated and dedicated sound cards (model numbers)
- current OS and Build versions
- screenshots of all current sound-related settings (e.g., Dolby Audio, ASUS Sonic Studio 3)
- brands and models of the CPU, GPU, RAM (part number and installed slots), and PSU in current build
- brands and models of the headphones and speakers, and the cross-tested ports on board
- listing of 3D application names and versions causing the described issue
- complete model numbers and BIOS versions of all tested motherboards, CPU, GPU brands and models

Thank you.

[MIETKONG]

made a duplicate post by accident

[MIETKONG]

Hey @Jiaszzz_ROG 

As far as I can remember - this was correct on speakers. I don't have the possibility to test this again.

I've tried USB dongles and every single port on my mobos. I didint try bluetooth.

Well this is confusing now cause i've made a recording of gameplay where I was wearing headset normally as i would be without reversed channels - L/R and I heard that sombra firing at 9 second mark in my RIGHT headphone when she is clearly on the left side of the screen. Recording shows it correctly, how is this possible?

https://youtu.be/NVOHHFU3lMQ

Here are the other answers:

1. Bios 2801 - tested every earlier version I could. The only bios settings that are set at the moment are:

- disabled c states

- XMP ON (doesnt matter if RAM is on JEDEC setting, manually OCed or at XMP mode)

- OC 10900k at 49/48 with 1.35 voltage (doesnt matter if  its on stock speeds or OCed)

2.  - currently using  integrated audio with default w11 23h2 drivers ver 10.0.22621.2506

- been testing this on dedicated PCI-E card soundblaster AE-5 with every single driver version imaginable 

3. Current is W11 23h2. Versions tested:

- server 22h2

- every single W10 ver

- W7 ultimate

4. Sounds settings are on total default with generic microsoft drivers. Default quality is 2 channel 32 bit 48000hz (Tried many combinations of quality)

5.  - CPU is 10900k

- GPU is ASUS TUF 3060Ti (also tested on Radeon Nitro+ Radeon 5700XT and Radeon RX 480 Strix)

- tested with many ram kits: 

HyperX Predator, DDR4, 16 GB, 3200MHz, CL16

G.Skill Ripjaws V, DDR4, 16 GB, 3600MHz, CL14

G.Skill Trident Z RGB, DDR4, 32 GB, 4000MHz, CL16

Mushkin Redline ECC Black, DDR4, 32 GB, 3200MHz, CL14

Patriot 32GB (2x16GB) 3200MHz CL16 Viper 4

5.  - razer kraken

- ISK HD9999

- sennheiser 650

- razer blackshark v2

6. EVERY single 3D APP

examples:

Overwatch 2, Battlefield 1, Battlefield 5, W40K: Boltgun, World Of Warcraft, Heroes of the storm, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Witcher 3 and so on...

7. 

CPUS:

i6700k, Ryzen 3600x, 10900k, 11700k,

Mobos:

ASUS H110M-D

MSI Gaming Edge Wifi x570

Asus Z490-H

Asus Apex XII

Dark z590

TUF z590

GPUs

RX480 Strix

Sapphire 5700XT nitro

TUF 3060Ti

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @MIETKONG 

We appreciate the information and video recordings you have provided.
However, based on the video, as you mentioned, it is difficult to identify the channel swapping issue.
We recommend checking if the headset is used according to the manual's instructions, such as head tracking or spatial audio functions, and ensuring the correct wearing direction.
Additionally, check if there are any audio channel settings adjustments within the game.
Given your description that the issue occurs across different hardware and software and various games, we suggest providing a complete video recording of the issue for further identification.
Also, the motherboard model and other hardware specifications you provided seem incomplete.
To avoid misunderstandings or information gaps, we need the correct and complete model numbers for further verification.

Thank you.