Question Audio plays only with Spatial Sound "Windows Sonic for Headphones" Enabled (Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Asus ROG G733PZ)

[arianara333]

Greetings,

I am "shamelessly" going to copy-paste my issue here in this forum as well, since unfortunately no one answered on my posts on the corresponding subreddits...

Video Included

So I've been battling this audio issue since this morning as I woke up to no audio at all from all sources. Looking at windows update history, yesterday night this installed on itself "Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - Extension - 6.0.9754.1".
Naturally I was certain this would be the issue, so I tried reverting to old drivers, installing uninstalling official drivers from ASUS website etc, to no result. So after hours of searching for a solution, I managed to figure out that audio only happens to play when I select this option "Windows Sonic for Headphones" for my devices, except for my headphones as you can see in the video. I'm still pretty convinced that the issue has to do with Realtek Drivers but can't figure out the possible solution.
I also tried everything while booted in Safe Mode in order to rule out all third party app interference.
I'm happy to hear for your feedback.
PS: Sorry for the video recorded on my phone, but I assumed that OBS capturing wouldn't capture the issue properly due to changing audio sources and options.

I also already contacted ASUS' tech support and, of course, they suggested that I update the Realtek drivers with the ones on their support page. They didn't even bother reading my message which says that I already did so.

I am on Windows 11 Pro OS build 26100.3194, the Realtek Driver installed is 6.0.9549.1, ASUS' laptops apparently also need the "Cirrus Logic Awesome Speaker Amps" driver (version 15.57.9.291) (?), and, lastly, installed is the Realtek Audio Console App version 1.48.311.0.

Each time I try reinstalling said drivers, I tick this box:

while keeping every internet adapter disabled so windows update doesn't automatically install anything on it's own after restarting.
I've also tried rolling back to older Realtek drivers up to no change whatsoever.

Also worth noting that I have unticked "audio enhancements" and "Exclusive Mode" in sound settings for each device.

I am open to hear all your suggestions.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Ralston18]

Check the audio settings for the default output device selection.

Open Device Manager.

Ensure that "Show hidden devices" is checked under the View tab.

Then select Audio inputs and outputs. Expand the window so all can be seen.

Take a screenshot and post the screenshot here via imgur (www.imgur.com).

Do the same for:

Bluetooth

Sound, video and game controllers.

 

[arianara333]

https://imgur.com/a/zh6jFIg

View: https://imgur.com/a/zh6jFIg


Forgot to mention that I use "Alternative A2DP Drivers" for my Bluetooth devices (as seen in the last screenshot), but it does not seem to affect the situation at all, whether I use Windows Standard Drivers or the A2DP drivers for my bluetooth connected JBL Charge 4 speaker.

EDIT: but either way, same issue also on laptop speakers (listed as "Speakers" in the device manager, so it can't be the A2DP drivers.

 

[arianara333]

SOLVED: out of the blue, windows this morning greeted me with some "Optional Updates" available, as seen on the attached image. Issue seems to be solved as of now.

https://imgur.com/a/7uJ8ctM

View: https://imgur.com/a/7uJ8ctM