Configuring Audio Input and Output
1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio
The motherboard features five audio jacks on the back panel supporting 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio. The default audio jack assignments are illustrated in the accompanying diagram.
To configure 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio, you need to reassign the Line In or Mic In jack to function as the Side speaker out via the audio driver.
High Definition Audio (HD Audio) provides multiple high-quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and multistreaming capabilities, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple audio streams. This enables users to listen to music, chat online, make phone calls, and more, all at the same time.
A. Configuring Speakers
Step 1: After installing the audio driver, restart your computer. On the Windows desktop, click the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the notification area to access the HD Audio Manager.
Step 2: Connect an audio device to an audio jack. A dialog box titled 'The current connected device is:' will appear. Select the connected device type and click OK.
(Note) 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio Configurations:
- 2-channel audio: Headphone or Line out.
- 4-channel audio: Front speaker out and Rear speaker out.
- 5.1-channel audio: Front speaker out, Rear speaker out, and Center/Subwoofer speaker out.
- 7.1-channel audio: Front speaker out, Rear speaker out, Center/Subwoofer speaker out, and Side speaker out.
Step 3:
On the Speakers screen, navigate to the Speaker Configuration tab. From the Speaker Configuration list, select Stereo, Quadraphonic, 5.1 Speaker, or 7.1 Speaker based on your desired speaker setup. The speaker setup is now complete.
B. Configuring Sound Effect
Audio environments can be configured on the Sound Effects tab.
C. Enabling Smart Headphone Amp (Note)
The Smart Headphone Amp feature automatically detects the impedance of your connected headphones, whether earbuds or high-end models, to deliver optimal audio dynamics. To enable this feature, connect your headphones to the Line out jack on the front panel. Then, go to the HD Audio 2nd output page and enable the Smart Headphone Amp feature. The Headphone Power list allows manual adjustment of headphone volume levels to prevent excessively high or low volumes.
(Note) Functionality may vary depending on your motherboard model.
Configuring the Headphone
When connecting headphones to the Line out jack on the back panel or front panel, ensure the default playback device is correctly configured.
Step 1:
Locate the speaker icon ? in the notification area, right-click it, and select Playback devices.
Step 2:
On the Playback tab, set your headphones as the default playback device. For devices connected to the back panel's Line out jack, right-click 'Speakers' and select 'Set as Default Device'. For devices connected to the front panel's Line out jack, right-click 'Realtek HD Audio 2nd output'.
1-2 Configuring S/PDIF Out
The S/PDIF Out jack transmits audio signals to an external decoder for enhanced audio quality.
1. Connecting a S/PDIF Out Cable:
Connect a S/PDIF optical cable to an external decoder to transmit S/PDIF digital audio signals.
2. Configuring S/PDIF Out:
On the Digital Output screen, click the Default Format tab. Select the desired sample rate and bit depth, then click OK to complete the configuration.
1-3 Configuring Microphone Recording
Step 1:
After installing the audio driver, restart your computer. On the Windows desktop, click the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the notification area to access the HD Audio Manager.
Step 2:
Connect your microphone to the Mic In jack on the back panel or the front panel. Configure the jack for microphone functionality. Note: The front panel and back panel microphone functions cannot be used simultaneously.
Step 3:
Navigate to the Microphone screen. Ensure the recording volume is not muted to enable sound recording. To monitor the recorded sound during the process, do not mute the playback volume. It is recommended to set both volumes to a middle level.
Step 4:
To increase the recording and playback volume for the microphone, adjust the Microphone Boost level located to the right of the Recording Volume slider.
Enabling Stereo Mix
If the desired recording device is not displayed in the HD Audio Manager, follow these steps to enable Stereo Mix, which is necessary for recording computer audio.
Step 1:
Locate the speaker icon ? in the notification area, right-click it, and select Recording devices.
Step 2:
On the Recording tab, right-click on 'Stereo Mix' and select 'Enable'. Set it as the default device. If 'Stereo Mix' is not visible, right-click on an empty space and select 'Show Disabled Devices'.
Step 3:
You can now access the HD Audio Manager to configure Stereo Mix and use the Voice Recorder to record sound.
1-4 Using the Voice Recorder
After setting up the audio input device, open the Voice Recorder by going to the Start menu and searching for 'Voice Recorder'.
A. Recording Audio
- To begin recording, click the Record icon ▶️.
- To stop recording, click the Stop recording icon ⏹️.
B. Playing the Recorded Sound
Recordings are saved in Documents>Sound Recordings in MPEG-4 (.m4a) format. You can play these recordings using any digital media player that supports this audio file format.
