[SOLVED] <Solved> No 5.1 sound via Optical with Sound Blaster Z SE

[KidInTheHall]

EDIT FOR SOLUTION

I figured it out, while not in the instructions I remember watching some YouTube videos of the device and recall it had ports in the front for your Audio plugs that normally would go to your motherboard, well I took that HD Audio cable and plugged it into the Sound Blaster itself and now I'm getting that sweet sweet 5.1 over Optical!

Thanks for your time!


Hey y'all,

So I just got my Sound Blaster Z SE and installed, I wanted a constant DTS signal pretty much for everything. Per Sound Blaster Command, I select the Encoder DTS, I set the Default Device to Speakers which takes effect into both Command and Windows Sound Control Panel as Command states, I have the Z SE connected via the SPDIF Out line. However no sound whatsoever comes out from anywhere, running the test doesn't work.

Now if I set the SPDIF Out (Sound Blaster Z) I get sound fine but of course at just 2 channels. I saw this topic https://forums.tomsguide.com/threads/5-1-7-1-gaming-audio-via-sound-blaster-z.366895/ but that solution does not seem to work.

Anyone able to tell me if I'm just not understanding how this thing works?

I guess I just feel really dumb. I built this new PC replacing a 10 year old build, that old PC I downloaded an unlocked RealTek Driver and could have DTS set constantly and it worked fine with my receiver however this new I guess RealTek ALC4080 USB drive, I can't use those unlocked drivers and I had hoped just getting this sound card would get me back to what I like and I don't know what else to do.

 

[popatim]

Thanks for letting us know you solved it!
Of course if you are using Optical, you've eliminated the need for the Soundblaster, it's just acting as a passthru now. Sell it and use the motherbd's optical <grin>