Need PC audiophile help...

[rcub3]

In my project below, I've hit a wall when it comes to playing around with the audio.  Specs first...

Audio card: Creative Audigy 2
Speakers: Logitech Z 680 (2 front speakers only and subwoofer, so I'm using them as a 2.1 setup)

The speakers work like any other PC speaker set with a control pod.  Now, if you've read about my project, which just recently rose from the ashes limbo, I got rid of the control pod.  I soldered 1/8 jack cables directly onto the amplifier that sits on the back of the subwoofer.  There is one that goes on the front speaker out and one for the subwoofer/center speaker out on the audio card.  Then there are wires that go from the amp to the back of the subwoofer, and 2 sets of cables going to the "front speakers".  It works perfectly when playing music. For volume control, I now use Creative's own software, which even lets me play around with subwoofer volume and "frequency redirection" (to have the subwoofer cover more of the lower frequencies). 

Now for whatever reason, the subwoofer doesn't work AT ALL when running MAMEUI (32).  I understand that it probably shouldn't on some of the older games, but newer ones like MK.... it's like the subwoofer is not getting a signal AT ALL from the PC.  But if I switch back to playing music, it works fine.  What gives?  Any thoughts? 

[drventure]

I'm running into similiar issues with my jukebox setup.

I suspect it has something to do with the channel the particular program you use, uses to send audio out.

From what little I've gathered so far, there's Kernel streaming, ASIO, DirectSound, WavOut, and possibly one or two other channels.

Kernel streaming and ASIO talk directly or almost directly to hardward, Directsound is how most apps send audio out, Wavout is appearently the slowest and oldest tech of the bunch.

I can't get ASIO or KernelStreaming to work with my audio (built in on board audio, it's an OLD mobo). But I'd guess that an audigy should support it fine..

Maybe there's some audio options in the Mame config files?

[ScottEK]

Have you tried enabling 'Virtual Surround' sound?  There should be a option for it in your Creative software or you can enable it in Windows, check the following link:
http://www.snaphow.com/boost-sound-quality-volume-loudness-of-headphones-in-windows-7/

[rcub3]

Will try that.  Thanks.