Back Panel audio jack broken, any way to use mobos soundcard with different audio jack?

[AkhilM]

Hi, Recently, my back audio headphone jack broke, and my front panel one never sounded good. Currently, I'm using the vive as an external USB soundcard but would like to use my motherboards. Is there any peripheral I can use to route my motherboard audio to a different jack?
Motherboard: MSI z97 gaming 5
Case: NZXT Phantom 240
Thanks in advance,
Akhil

 

[photonboy]

not that I'm aware of, and if you bought a peripheral it would still be the same signal that went to the FRONT though if you have a SHORT cable it may help minimize some distortion (front wire acts like an antennae and can distort the signal)

You can buy a sound card though. Example:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/Tz2kcf/creative-labs-sound-card-70sb157000000

 

[AkhilM]

not that I'm aware of, and if you bought a peripheral it would still be the same signal that went to the FRONT though if you have a SHORT cable it may help minimize some distortion (front wire acts like an antennae and can distort the signal)

You can buy a sound card though. Example:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/Tz2kcf/creative-labs-sound-card-70sb157000000

I wasn't to clear on the reason my front audio jack sounds bad, sorry. It just is inconsistent as the jack itself is loose. Could I route the same cable the front panel uses to the back?

 

[Chicano]

Depends on the available audio jacks on the motherboard... your motherboard has 7.1 channel audio so you can probably use the jack intended for rear speakers. you may also have to enable 5.1 or 7.1 audio in the Control Panel > Audio > Speaker properties.

 

[AkhilM]

Depends on the available audio jacks on the motherboard... your motherboard has 7.1 channel audio so you can probably use the jack intended for rear speakers. you may also have to enable 5.1 or 7.1 audio in the Control Panel > Audio > Speaker properties.

My rear audio jack for speakers is broken. Do any of the others work to the same effect?

 

[Chicano]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

 

[AkhilM]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

I thought this was working, and it does play a sound in the audio settings test, but everything that outputs stereo sound or games don't work, such as in Overwatch, I'm only getting music.

 

[photonboy]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

How does that help?
If he sets it to STEREO it comes out the broken jack. If he sets to surround then part comes out the broken, and the other speakers out the other jacks.

He can't get a usable output if that connector is broken.

1) You can replace the front connector with a mount. Here's one with USB (3.5" and 5.25")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QSTTUO?psc=1
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBFXMXG?psc=1

You'd then have to run the cable back to the speakers so not ideal.

2) THIS thing you might rig something up, maybe run it towards the rear and mount it with twist ties or something (don't interfere with fans or short anything)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Jacks-Earphone-Front-Bracket/dp/B00H8TGLEU/ref=pd_day0_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JT078KP8MH68J2XEG3R

I don't know of anything better, but it's a bit messy.

3) SOUND CARD (internal or external):
It's probably the best solution.

4) external DAC (takes the DIGITAL source and converts to Analog without adding computer electrical noise)

5) monitor auto-passthru?

Some monitors can take the HDMI or DP audio in and send to monitor speakers or have an output meant for headphones that you can run to stereo speakers.

In that case you'd select HDMI as the source so it's not using your Realtek chip rather your GPU.

 

[AkhilM]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

How does that help?
If he sets it to STEREO it comes out the broken jack. If he sets to surround then part comes out the broken, and the other speakers out the other jacks.

He can't get a usable output if that connector is broken.

1) You can replace the front connector with a mount. Here's one with USB (3.5" and 5.25")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QSTTUO?psc=1
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBFXMXG?psc=1

You'd then have to run the cable back to the speakers so not ideal.

2) THIS thing you might rig something up, maybe run it towards the rear and mount it with twist ties or something (don't interfere with fans or short anything)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Jacks-Earphone-Front-Bracket/dp/B00H8TGLEU/ref=pd_day0_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JT078KP8MH68J2XEG3R

I don't know of anything better, but it's a bit messy.

3) SOUND CARD (internal or external):
It's probably the best solution.

4) external DAC (takes the DIGITAL source and converts to Analog without adding computer electrical noise)

5) monitor auto-passthru?

Some monitors can take the HDMI or DP audio in and send to monitor speakers or have an output meant for headphones that you can run to stereo speakers.

In that case you'd select HDMI as the source so it's not using your Realtek chip rather your GPU.

Thanks for all the help, I'll probably be using one of the brackets since I can't afford a decent soundcard right now, general consensus says you can't get a nice one sub 30 dollars. I do have one question, would I be able to use one of these https://www.amazon.com/external-Adapter-Windows-Microphone-SD-CM-UAUD/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482472604&sr=1-6&keywords=sound+card in the usb audio port http://i.imgur.com/o19YNRj.jpg to similar affect as I would using the motherboard sound card?

 

[photonboy]

These are external sound solutions (not just DAC's which still need the digital signal). You'd select them from "playback devices" and disable the onboard audio.

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482472374&sr=1-5&keywords=dac

No idea how good it is but it's not expensive, and the reviews are good.

This is $70, but it supports surround speakers as well as headphones:
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Surround-System-SB1095/dp/B0044DEDCA/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482472674&sr=1-6&keywords=dac&refinements=p_72%3A1248879011

*This is a DAC which uses your digital output (TOSLINK/SPDIF):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNNSKV0?psc=1

The RCA red/white outputs work also with an RCA->3.5mm connector
https://www.amazon.com/Haobase-Y-Cable-6-Inch-Adapter-Connector/dp/B01ISHC36A/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482473009&sr=1-7&keywords=rca+to+3.5mm

 

[photonboy]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

How does that help?
If he sets it to STEREO it comes out the broken jack. If he sets to surround then part comes out the broken, and the other speakers out the other jacks.

He can't get a usable output if that connector is broken.

1) You can replace the front connector with a mount. Here's one with USB (3.5" and 5.25")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QSTTUO?psc=1
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBFXMXG?psc=1

You'd then have to run the cable back to the speakers so not ideal.

2) THIS thing you might rig something up, maybe run it towards the rear and mount it with twist ties or something (don't interfere with fans or short anything)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Jacks-Earphone-Front-Bracket/dp/B00H8TGLEU/ref=pd_day0_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JT078KP8MH68J2XEG3R

I don't know of anything better, but it's a bit messy.

3) SOUND CARD (internal or external):
It's probably the best solution.

4) external DAC (takes the DIGITAL source and converts to Analog without adding computer electrical noise)

5) monitor auto-passthru?

Some monitors can take the HDMI or DP audio in and send to monitor speakers or have an output meant for headphones that you can run to stereo speakers.

In that case you'd select HDMI as the source so it's not using your Realtek chip rather your GPU.

Thanks for all the help, I'll probably be using one of the brackets since I can't afford a decent soundcard right now, general consensus says you can't get a nice one sub 30 dollars. I do have one question, would I be able to use one of these https://www.amazon.com/external-Adapter-Windows-Microphone-SD-CM-UAUD/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482472604&sr=1-6&keywords=sound+card in the usb audio port http://i.imgur.com/o19YNRj.jpg to similar affect as I would using the motherboard sound card?

Hah, I just linked that.

*I found an external DAC though. Check out the last part of my comment above.

It takes the digital output and converts it to analog. Powered via the USB cable. Uses the same REALTEK onboard solution so the software setup is identical.

Will have no added electrical NOISE though.

 

[AkhilM]

That's what I meant... your motherboard should have two audio out jacks next to each other for front and rear speakers for 5.1 or 7.1 speaker sets.. (not for headset but for front and rear quadraphonic speakers).

I can't tell you from the image because they are all the same color but you should be able to tell from the audio out icons stamped on the metal plate.

Is the red jack audio out, the one that's broken?.. if so, the one opposite to it if I'm not mistaken, should also be audio out.

How does that help?
If he sets it to STEREO it comes out the broken jack. If he sets to surround then part comes out the broken, and the other speakers out the other jacks.

He can't get a usable output if that connector is broken.

1) You can replace the front connector with a mount. Here's one with USB (3.5" and 5.25")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QSTTUO?psc=1
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBFXMXG?psc=1

You'd then have to run the cable back to the speakers so not ideal.

2) THIS thing you might rig something up, maybe run it towards the rear and mount it with twist ties or something (don't interfere with fans or short anything)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Jacks-Earphone-Front-Bracket/dp/B00H8TGLEU/ref=pd_day0_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9JT078KP8MH68J2XEG3R

I don't know of anything better, but it's a bit messy.

3) SOUND CARD (internal or external):
It's probably the best solution.

4) external DAC (takes the DIGITAL source and converts to Analog without adding computer electrical noise)

5) monitor auto-passthru?

Some monitors can take the HDMI or DP audio in and send to monitor speakers or have an output meant for headphones that you can run to stereo speakers.

In that case you'd select HDMI as the source so it's not using your Realtek chip rather your GPU.

Thanks for all the help, I'll probably be using one of the brackets since I can't afford a decent soundcard right now, general consensus says you can't get a nice one sub 30 dollars. I do have one question, would I be able to use one of these https://www.amazon.com/external-Adapter-Windows-Microphone-SD-CM-UAUD/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482472604&sr=1-6&keywords=sound+card in the usb audio port http://i.imgur.com/o19YNRj.jpg to similar affect as I would using the motherboard sound card?

Hah, I just linked that.

*I found an external DAC though. Check out the last part of my comment above.

It takes the digital output and converts it to analog. Powered via the USB cable. Uses the same REALTEK onboard solution so the software setup is identical.

Will have no added electrical NOISE though.

How exactly would I connect that to my computer? I don't think I have an RCA port.

 

[photonboy]

If you get that DAC you'll have to make sure your audio output is setup properly.

I said the software was the same which is true, but you do need to change the output. I just checked and I see "SPDIF" as one of the options in Playback Devices so I guess you just enable that as DEFAULT.

 

[photonboy]

In case I'm not clear...

1) Check you have TOSLINK (SPDIF) which you probably do. See your motherboard manual if in doubt.

2) Run the TOSLINK cable from that to the external DAC

3) Buy an RCA connector (see my link up above) if you don't have one. RCA to the device, and the 3.5mm (female) is the same as the output on the motherboard so connect your STEREO speakers to that.

4) POWER is via the USB cable

5) TOSLINK in Playback Devices to enable the audio

Other:
Some speaker support TOSLINK input already. If you have these you don't even need this device, just run the TOSLINK cable that came with the speakers and enable it in software.

 

[AkhilM]

In case I'm not clear...

1) Check you have TOSLINK (SPDIF) which you probably do. See your motherboard manual if in doubt.

2) Run the TOSLINK cable from that to the external DAC

3) Buy an RCA connector (see my link up above) if you don't have one. RCA to the device, and the 3.5mm (female) is the same as the output on the motherboard so connect your STEREO speakers to that.

4) POWER is via the USB cable

5) TOSLINK in Playback Devices to enable the audio

Other:
Some speaker support TOSLINK input already. If you have these you don't even need this device, just run the TOSLINK cable that came with the speakers and enable it in software.

Yea, I just checked, I don't have a TOSLINK output on my motherboard.

 

[Chicano]

I thought this was working, and it does play a sound in the audio settings test, but everything that outputs stereo sound or games don't work, such as in Overwatch, I'm only getting music.

What if you set the Control Panel > Audio > Speaker properties > Select Speakers . Configure > Stereo... so all audio comes out only two speakers in stereo (not 5.1 or 7.1) and it only needs the two rear speakers.
I had a similar issue with my sound card and that's how I have them working at the moment.


How On-Board Audio Works
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/how-on-board-audio-works/
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/how-on-board-audio-works/4/

 

[AkhilM]

I thought this was working, and it does play a sound in the audio settings test, but everything that outputs stereo sound or games don't work, such as in Overwatch, I'm only getting music.

What if you set the Control Panel > Audio > Speaker properties > Select Speakers . Configure > Stereo... so all audio comes out only two speakers in stereo (not 5.1 or 7.1) and it only needs the two rear speakers.
I had a similar issue with my sound card and that's how I have them working at the moment.


How On-Board Audio Works
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/how-on-board-audio-works/
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/how-on-board-audio-works/4/

Could you send a screenshot of what exactly you did? I'm having trouble finding similar settings in realtek manager and the default sound manager.

 

[Chicano]

I can do better: I don't have the Realtek manager installed but the settings I used are in the windows Sound Properties. And these following instructions should work if your sound card is compatible with the settings I used... If they don't work, there should still be a way to get audio out of any program from the jack that's meant for surround sound/second audio out jack. The Realtek audio manager can also be configured but I don't recall exactly what settings to tweak. I'd have to look for images that will remind me.

If I recall correctly, in the Realtek audio manager you should select the Analog tab > and from the scroll window, select either Stereo or 5.1.. whichever makes the speaker play music and games audio.

In the Windows Control Panel > Sound > Playback tab, right click and remove the check mark from Show Disabled and Disconnected Devices... only Digital audio and Speakers (Analog audio) should remain and the speakers (analog) should be the default audio device. Next select the Speakers icon > click Configure (bottom left) > select Stereo > click Next > in full range speakers, Select either Front Left and Right or Surround Speakers... whichever makes your speakers work normally with any audio program or game... Click Finish and OK.

 

[AkhilM]

I can do better: I don't have the Realtek manager installed but the settings I used are in the windows Sound Properties. And these following instructions should work if your sound card is compatible with the settings I used... If they don't work, there should still be a way to get audio out of any program from the jack that's meant for surround sound/second audio out jack. The Realtek audio manager can also be configured but I don't recall exactly what settings to tweak. I'd have to look for images that will remind me.

If I recall correctly, in the Realtek audio manager you should select the Analog tab > and from the scroll window, select either Stereo or 5.1.. whichever makes the speaker play music and games audio.

In the Windows Control Panel > Sound > Playback tab, right click and remove the check mark from Show Disabled and Disconnected Devices... only Digital audio and Speakers (Analog audio) should remain and the speakers (analog) should be the default audio device. Next select the Speakers icon > click Configure (bottom left) > select Stereo > click Next > in full range speakers, Select either Front Left and Right or Surround Speakers... whichever makes your speakers work normally with any audio program or game... Click Finish and OK.

Didn't work :/
They do play as rear speakers however when in quadraphonic or more speaker configurations.

 

[Chicano]

Was that in Analog audio and set in both the Windows and Realtek audio managers both set on Analog audio?

You also have the Center/subwoofer audio out jack, have you tried the stereo speakers connected to that jack?

 

[AkhilM]

Was that in Analog audio and set in both the Windows and Realtek audio managers both set on Analog audio?

You also have the Center/subwoofer audio out jack, have you tried the stereo speakers connected to that jack?

How do I check if it's analog?
EDIT: Center/Subwoofer doesn't work, same problem as rear speaker.

 

[Chicano]

I explained it in the previous answer... Windows > Control Panel > Sound > Speakers selected with right click and set as Default > and Realtek audio Manager Configure the Speaker tab (analog) and it probably also assumes the default device as selected in the Windows Sound manager.