PC Audio Channel Issues

[stslimited84]

Several days ago the right speaker channel became dramatically lower in volume than the left channel. I have tried uninstalling, reinstalling and updating the audio drivers with no luck. I'm using the on board audio outputs (ASrock Extreme3 Gen3).

For the time being I had to substantially lower the volume of the left channel to balance the sound out but it is hindering video playback and gaming.

Any ideas?

 

[Sedivy]

There might have been sound driver updates with a windows update that overwrote the manufacturer's sound drivers that came with the board. I'd suggest reinstalling those:
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3/index.asp#Download
If you've done this already, check in the sound settings what the selected currently used sound driver is (you want it to say realtek and not microsoft).

 

[stslimited84]

There might have been sound driver updates with a windows update that overwrote the manufacturer's sound drivers that came with the board. I'd suggest reinstalling those:
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3/index.asp#Download
If you've done this already, check in the sound settings what the selected currently used sound driver is (you want it to say realtek and not microsoft).

Thanks for the prompt response. I tried reinstalling them as you recommended and nothing has changed. The default device selected in the sound settings is "realtek high definition audio". I'm not sure what else to do at this point.

 

[Solandri]

Do these in the following order:

1. Check that the 3.5mm plug for the speakers is fully inserted. The plug is designed with the signal for the right side in the middle.

http://www.cablechick.com.au/resources/image/trrs-diagram2.jpg

When it's only partly inserted (not all plug/socket combos mate perfectly), the surface for the right audio can make weak enough contact that the socket that its volume is diminished. The left side audio being longer does not have this problem. And if it does, it usually ends up picking up the right audio signal. This is the simplest thing to test so do it first.

2. Try a different set of speakers or headphones. Rather than assume the problem is with the computer, this will allow you to eliminate the speakers themselves as the culprit.

3. If other speakers suffer the same problem, create a Live Linux boot USB or CD. Boot off it and see if the problem still occurs there. If it does, then your computer's audio output socket has failed. If you're lucky, your computer will also have audio out in the front (for you to plug headphones into), and you can simply plug the speakers in there. If not, you may be able to rig up something directly to the motherboard's audio pins, like install a front audio panel.

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#0
https://www.amazon.com/2-Port-Microphone-Desktop-Connector-Adapter/dp/B013QSTTUO

4. If the problem doesn't occur with the Linux Live system, only then are you looking at a driver/configuration problem. In addition to what Sedivy has suggested, try looking for any audio-specific apps installed for your motherboard's audio. Sometimes these operate independently of Windows' sound settings, and allow you to control things like sound field and balance (so if your right speaker is a lot closer to your computer than the left, you can diminish its volume so the two sound equal when sitting at your computer).

 

[Paperdoc]

You may have a failed wiring connection in either the speaker of the jacks on the rear panel. Try these tests to identify the problem area.

1. Unplug your speakers and plug another speaker pair OR a set of headphones into that rear jack. Is the right channel still weak? If so, the problem is in the mobo and jacks, not in the speaker. BUT if the alternative "speaker" pair is balanced, then your original speakers have a problem.

In either case, the problem might be a bad wire connection, or a broken wire. If the problem is in the computer (not the speakers) it could also be other things, like a bent or broken connector in the jack itself.

2. Open the Realtek sound control panel and check the settings for your system. Make sure it is set for your type of speakers (2-channel stereo, 2.1, 5.1, or whatever)and check all the balance and volume control settings.

3. Plug headphones into the front panel jack. Are they balanced there? If yes, try plugging your speakers into that same front jack. Are those balanced? This may tell you whether the speaker set of the sound output system is faulty. However, if the front tests all work just fine but the rear output is still off, it could still be a mobo sound system problem.

These items won't solve your problem, but should help direct your attention to the problem area for further investigation.

I do not suggest the following IS your problem - it's just an example of a and cause I experienced. I have a 5.1 speaker system, and one of the speakers suddenly "died" after months of use. After much fiddling I opened up that speaker's case and discovered that, in the original manufacturing, one of the connections of a wire to a terminal inside had never been soldered. It sort of worked for a while by accident, but eventually the wire moved and it failed. A simple solder job fixed it.

 

[stslimited84]

Thank you for the responses. I have tried two sets of headphones as well and the issues persists. I have also attempted using the front audio panel. The issue seems to exist there intermittently. Sometimes it works as it should; however if the plug is slightly bumped it reverts back to the single channel issue.

UPDATE:

Tested the issue on Ubuntu and it persists 🙁

Seems as tho the motherboard audio is failing