Maximus VI Formula sound issues

[DirectHit]

When I got my new PC, I formatted the SSD and did a full install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit. I installed all of the software/drivers from the ASUS DVD supplied with the motherboard and video card.

I have then applied all of the available Microsoft Windows updates.

When Playing BF3, I noticed that when the round ended, the sound would cut out on the scoreboard screen for about 10 seconds. I was connected to a Teamspeak server, and the other users could hear me, I just couldnt hear them or the game music.

I reinstalled the audio driver using the files from the ASUS website, just in case the files were newer than those on the DVD. No change in the disconnected sound.

I read that the NVIDIA Experience streaming application can cause issues, so I stopped and disabled the service. No change in the disconnected sound.

I was watching a video online about the earthquakes in NZ, and the issue occurred during the video. I then reset the BIOS to defaults, just incase it was a setting I had changed. No change in the disconnected sound.

I am able to easily replicate my issues just by playing BF3, and when the round ends, waiting for the sound issue to occur on the BF3 scoreboard screen.

While I was in the middle of a game, I received an error from Windows; "Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation has stopped working". A reboot was required to make the sound work again. At this point, I installed the NVIDIA latest BETA driver (fresh install and removal of old version before installing the new one), as I wanted to rule out the video card causing the issue. I also disabled the NVIDIA sound devices in Device Manager. No change.

Becuase of the Windows error, which also had an event in the event log;
Faulting application name: AUDIODG.EXE, version: 6.1.7600.16385, time stamp: 0x4a5bced5.
Faulting module name: RTKSMlfx.dll, version: 6.2.9200.20550, time stamp: 0x51a73f09
Exception code: 0xc0000005
Faulting application path: C:\Windows\system32\AUDIODG.EXE
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\system32\RTKSMlfx.dll
Report Id: 372d5483-0712-11e3-af23-240a643918d9

I then proceeded to run a "sfc /scannow" as suggested in a Microsoft KB article. This returned no errors or corrupt files.

While playing BF3, the sound issue occurred in the middle of a game.

If an ASUS tech/engineer happens to see this, I have a case that you can update with my details: WTM20130816181244997. I really hope this issue can be fixed with software/firmware/bios update rather than a motherboard replacement. It's like having a car accident; I have insurance, but I just dont want to have to go without my car while it gets fixed.

Let me know if you need anymore details.

Cheers
Patrick

[I_HateEwoks]

I think I'm starting to get these issues. I did a new build but because of school I haven't really had time to game. But when I play youtube videos and open new tabs or switch between tabs in Chrome my sound will cut out or I get a buzzing sound. It'll fix itself if I unplug my headset or speakers and plug them back in, but to only have them do it again when I go out of the window Youtube is in.

[WarpedMonkey]

1. Customer Environment
Hardware environment:
- M/B: Maximus VI Formula
- CPU: i7 4770k
- VGA：GTX 780 Direct CUII
- DRAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory
- HDD: Crucial M4 256GB (FW 070H) // Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM X 2
- PSU: SeaSonic X Series 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V
- Audio: Onboard audio
- LAN: Onboard LAN

Software and BIOS environment:
- BIOS Version: 0804
- BIOS Setting: XMP Profile 1
- VGA driver Version: 326.80
- VGA BIOS version: 80.10.37.00.12
- Audio driver Version: 6.0.1.6966
- Audio card F/W:
- Chipset driver Version: 9.4.0.1017
- O.S: Windows 8 pro
- Previous audio card model: none
- Previous audio card driver version: none
- GPU overclocking: GPU clock +150 // mem clock +500
- CPU overclocking: none

Audio settings:
- OS audio settings (sample rates/output): 24bits 48000
- Output device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way): Sennheiser PC363D // Directly in mobo IO
- Input device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way): Sennheiser PC363D // Directly in mobo IO
- Content used:

Game related settings:
- Game title: Battlefield 3
- Single or multiple players: multi
- In-game audio setting: Headphone
- Other Apps opened: none
- Games related kicked out of server? (Yes/No): no
- OS crashed and can only reboot to restart? (Yes/No): no
- Location/name of gamer server: everywhere
- Number of online users when error: 1-64
- Ping number: 20-100
- What is the gamer manager Error message: nothing

2. Problem Description
- Number of occurrence: always
- Frequency of occurrence: at the end of game
- Problem description: No sound at all and/or huge hissing sound.

[Raja]

To all of you submitting bug reports in this thread, please keep the format as warped monkey above. Posts from Rediablo are how NOT to do it as the lack of spacing makes the post nigh on impossible to read.

[RemDiablo]

Raja@ASUS wrote:
To all of you submitting bug reports in this thread, please keep the format as warped monkey above. Posts from Rediablo are how NOT to do it as the lack of spacing makes the post nigh on impossible to read.

Sorry about that .This time is better.
1. Customer EnvironmentHardware environment:- M/B: Maximus VI Formula
- CPU: i7 4770K
- VGA：2 x EVGA 780's
- DRAM: corsair Vegeance Pro 32 GB 2133
- HDD: osz Agility3 240 GB
- PSU: Corsair 1200
- Audionboard Audio Supreme FX
- LAN: Intel nic
Software and BIOS environment:
- BIOS Version: 0814
- BIOS Setting: stock
- VGA driver Version: 320.49
- VGA BIOS version: 80.10.37.00.80(P2083-0020)
- Audio driver Version: 6.0.1.6971
- Audio card F/W: on board audio
- Chipset driver Version:V9.4.0.1017
- O.S: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
- Previous audio card model: none
- Previous audio card driver version: none
- GPU overclocking: no
- CPU overclocking: no
Audio settings:
- OS audio settings (sample rates/output): 24 Bits,48000HZ(studio Quality)
- Output device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way):Tritton Pro + for PC 5.1
- Input device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way): none
- Content used: gaming, browsing,music editing and lissening Game related settings:
- Game title: Battlefield 3
- Single or multiple players:Multiplayer
- In-game audio setting: headphones
- Other Apps opened: browser
- Games related kicked out of server? (Yes/No): no
- OS crashed and can only reboot to restart? (Yes/No): no
- Location/name of gamer server: all
- Number of online users when error: all the time
- Ping number: doesn't matter
- What is the gamer manager Error message: none
2. Problem Description
- Number of occurrence: all the time
- Frequency of occurrence:all the time
- Problem description:Hi Guys ,I have some issue too. I have some strange Buzz noise while I'm browsing internet,and gaming BF 3( in game even worse).
The buzz noise stays on, even if I mute the sound on my headset (Tritton Pro + for PC 5.1 ) with closed browser and games, everything nice and smooth

[I_HateEwoks]

Hardware environment:
- M/B: Maximus VI Formula
- CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
- VGA: EVGA GTX 680 Classified 2-way SLI
- DRAM: G. Skill 16GB (2x8GB) 2400 MHz F3-2400C10D-16GTX
- SSD: Samsung 830 Series 512GB SSD / 2 300GB WD Velociraptors in RAID 0
- PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G2 1000 Watt
- Audio: Onboard, using Optical out going to my FiiO E17 mixamp
- LAN: Onboard

Software and BIOS environment:
- BIOS Version: 0804
- BIOS Setting: XMP Profile 1
- VGA driver Version: 326.80
- VGA BIOS version: 80.04.47.00.82
- Audio driver Version: 6.0.1.6971
- Audio card F/W:
- Chipset driver Version: 9.4.0.1017
- O.S: Windows 7 x64 Enterprise
- Previous audio card model: none
- Previous audio card driver version: none
- GPU overclocking: none
- CPU overclocking: none

Audio settings:
- OS audio settings (sample rates/output): 24 Bits/192000 Hz
- Output device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way): Beyerdynamic MMx300 connected into a Fiio E17 mixamp which connectes to the mobo using an Optical connection
- Input device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way): Beyerdynamic MMX 300 directly into mobo
- Content used:

Game related settings: Does not happen in games
- Game title:
- Single or multiple players:
- In-game audio setting:
- Other Apps opened:
- Games related kicked out of server? (Yes/No):
- OS crashed and can only reboot to restart? (Yes/No):
- Location/name of gamer server:
- Number of online users when error:
- Ping number:
- What is the gamer manager Error message:

2. Problem Description
- Number of occurrence: always
- Frequency of occurrence: when I change tabs in Chrome or minimize it or open up any program
- Problem description: When I am in Chrome listening to Youtube or just surfing the web and I switch tabs, minimize it or open another program sometimes my sound will cut out or I will get a buzzing noise. I will have to unplug my headset for a few second and plug it back in.

[Raja]

Much better, thank you.

[KenSis]

I have tested two different MVIF (Maximus VI Formula) boards and they both have the same audio issue. The first mainboard I got had a problem with sound disappearing at the end of the round in Battlefield 3. After trying the two different sound drivers and with no improvement, I returned it to the store and got a replacement. The second board I got did not have any sound issues with either of the drivers running on BIOS 0714. However, I then had a problem with my webcam (Logitech C920). It would not work properly and was not recognized by the Logitech software. I then updated the BIOS to 0804 and got my camera working properly but then the sound issue returned. I tried both ASUS drivers (V6.0.1.6971 and V6.0.1.6965) and none of them worked properly. I then switched back to the BIOS version 0714 with no improvement, the sound issue was still there, and my webcam did not work. This is becoming a bit of a mystery to me.

At the current state, I am using the newest BIOS version 0804, and I am also using the Microsoft drives instead of the ASUS ones. It more or less fixes the problem, however the sound quality is not the best and I get a “bip bip” sound at the end of the Battlefield 3 round instead of no noise.

1. Customer Environment
Hardware environment:
- M/B: Maximus VI Formula
- CPU: I7 4670K
- VGA：ASUS GTX 770 OC
- DRAM: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16 GB ddr3 1600
- SSD: Samsung EVO 250
- PSU: Corsair HX750
- Audio: Onboard
- LAN: Onboard

Software and BIOS environment:
- BIOS Version: 0804/0714
- BIOS Setting: Auto
- VGA driver Version: 320.49
- VGA BIOS version:
- Audio driver Version: 6.0.1.6971
- Audio card F/W:
- Chipset driver Version: 9.4.0.1017
- O.S: Win 8 Pro
- Previous audio card model: none
- Previous audio card driver version: 6.0.1.6965
- GPU overclocking: no
- CPU overclocking: no

Audio settings:
- OS audio settings (sample rates/output):
- Output device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way):
- Input device connected (Include brand/model name/connection way):
- Content used:

Game related settings:
- Game title: Battlefield 3
- Single or multiple players:multiplayer
- In-game audio setting: HIFI Sound/Headphones
- Other Apps opened: none
- Games related kicked out of server? (Yes/No): NO
- OS crashed and can only reboot to restart? (Yes/No):
NO
- Location/name of gamer server: every server
- Number of online users when error: 1 to 64 (allways)
- Ping number: 3 or 200
- What is the gamer manager Error message:NONE
2. Problem Description
- Number of occurrence: allways
- Frequency of occurrence:allways
- Problem description: When the round ends and the scoreboard appears no sound for 5 seconds

[DirectHit]

I was supplied this temporary solution by my ASUS contact: "Please go into audio configuration, under playback devices, go into Enhancements, and tick "Disable All Sound Effects", then the problem should not come up. Realtek is in the process of preparing the driver updates to fix this issue now."

I suspect a new driver will be available soon.

[DirectHit]

Also, does anyone know what BIOS 0804 does. All it says on the website is that it improves stability. Has anyone applied and tested their sound issue with BIOS 0804?

[I_HateEwoks]

DirectHit wrote:
Also, does anyone know what BIOS 0804 does. All it says on the website is that it improves stability. Has anyone applied and tested their sound issue with BIOS 0804?

Yes, BIOS 0804 did not fix this, I never had this issue with the BIOS before the new update. Perhaps something funky was going on with the drivers/BIOS? I just hope a new driver is released soon!