Z790 Dark Hero Audio Issues (Back Panel Line Out)

[AtlJimK]

1102 BIOS, Latest Realtek Driver 6.3..9600.2398, W11, Edifier M4 monitor speakers. The audio from the back panel drops randomly to very low levels and then will return to full randomly. No sound quality issues though. Impedance Sensing is very high, over 1000ohms. When the speakers are connected to the front panel they work with no drops, however the impedance sensing is still over 1000ohms.

[AtlJimK]

Any ideas?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @AtlJimK 

Could you kindly specify if this problem happened immediately after completing the PC build or after any software or hardware changes, such as updating the Realtek driver or BIOS?
According to the official website for the ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO, the latest version of the Realtek Audio Driver is V6.3.9600.2368.
We suggest trying to remove the current driver and reinstalling the version provided on the website, followed by a reboot, before reconfirming the audio issue.

Regarding the speakers, are you currently using the Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers? 
Is the power cord plugged directly into the socket or using an extension cord?
Regarding the occasional decrease and subsequent restoration of volume on the rear panel, does this only occur when speakers are connected? 
If you cross-test with other audio devices, such as headphones, does the same issue occur?

Thank you.

[AtlJimK]

Drivers are all current via armory crate. Issue started day 1 of the build. Speakers are powered and plugged into the wall. I am running with the amplifier off, power off. Just line out from the mobo. I tried and older non-powered speakers and it has the same issue.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @AntZ 

Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delayed response.
Could you please confirm if the volume reduction issue occurs only when using 5.1 audio output?
Have you adjusted the impedance or advanced audio sensing through Armoury Crate or any other software?
Have you tried restoring the system to see if the issue improves or is resolved?
Please refer to the outline "Reset the PC and keep your file" in [Windows 11/10] How to reset the PC if needed.
If not, would you be able to provide a comprehensive video recording of the issue for us to better understand the situation you described?

Thank you.

[dennys2009]

Bad minus wire contact. Maybe in the motherboard connector, maybe in the cable. Try bending the cable with your fingers from Jack and beyond, move the JACK a little in the board connector.

[AtlJimK]

I tend to agree that it is a connection. The back line was working again until yesterday when it went back to intermittent failures. Front panel works everytime.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @AtlJimK 

May I ask if you confirmed impedance sensing through Armoury Crate or any other software?
We suggest removing the drivers and trying to install the version provided on the official website before rechecking.
Also, could you please try cross-testing other audio cables to rule out cable issues?

Thank you.

[AntZ]

Hello,

unfortunately I have the same and very annoying problem right now.

Audio output through the line-out connector is only 25 % or less compared to other audio output connectors, like rear or center. It suddenly happened. There was no software update or any other change in configuration. It is very annoying, when you try to use 5.1 audio output or just want do listen stereo music... In my case, audio volume dropped but never restores, so it is still on low level.

I have the Z790 Formula, with the same (current) bios version (11.02). Realtek audio drivers, as every other driver, is up to date.

According to my test results, it must be somehow the Line-Out connector. Front-Speakers work fine. I have full volume when I connect them to the rear-connector. What I've checked so far:

- re-install old audio drivers, current drivers

- check balance settings

- deactivate any other audio tools that could influence the audio output

- using windows audio settings and realtek's audio console

- unplug, re-plug audio and power cable

- deactivate and re-activate audio device in the bios