MSN audio chat corrupts sound

JoshuasGirl · Dec 2, 2005, 06:22 PM

When starting an audio conversation with MSN Messenger, simultaneous music played in WinAmp (Directsound) or WMP9 sounds horrible (kind of like an 16Khz or 22Khz 8bit sound file, or an 64kbit/s MP3)

I noticed WinAmp's Directsound output plugin reverts to Software mixing when an MP3 is started while MSN Audio chat is on

Also, DxDiag (DirectX test tool) fails on allocating "second buffer" for Audio tests.

I didn't experience the problem until a few weeks ago, but can't find any setting which will solve this problem. Reinstalling kx drivers did not help. As soon as MSN audio chat is over, everything is "normal" again.

Is this a known bug or does somebody have any information regarding this problem?

MSN Messenger 6.2
kx drivers 3537
SB Live Value 1024
Windows XP SP2

radiocolonel.it · Dec 3, 2005, 11:47 AM

... WMP and MSN Messenger... are bullshit! I wonder why there is still people loosing time with that...

JoshuasGirl · Dec 3, 2005, 02:24 PM

Well WMP is for testing if same problems occur like with WinAmp

JoshuasGirl · Feb 3, 2006, 06:07 AM

Anybody who can shed some light on this?

Still wondering who's causing this, MSN Messenger, KX driver, Windows XP, ...

Maddogg6 · Feb 3, 2006, 06:22 AM

Im thinking its a directsound thing - try not using directsound in winamp (use wave out instead) - OR - I think MSN Messanger allows turnoff 'echo canceling' - I think its related to that.

?? - but - Ive been wrong WAY too many times to place any bets...

edit:

Read the instructions for MSN audio tuning wizard - it says stop all sound from playing before using...

So, I think this confirms my suspicians about the DS / echo canceling notion above.

JoshuasGirl · Feb 3, 2006, 04:16 PM

Seems to be something with DirectSound and WaveOut (WinMM ?), and sample rates or something. I remember reading a kx doc about things like that once, but can't seem to find it anymore...

Will try the MSN echo option!

Maddogg6 · Feb 3, 2006, 06:29 PM

I just tried DxDiag - and found NO ERRORS when testing sound.

Also - MSN is up to V7.5 - the echo canceling may not be in V 6.2 (I just noticed this in your OP.) So - maybe Im wrong about the echo canceling thing.

I'm thinking Direct Sound (maybe it IS KX??) is droping down to lower sample rate used in messenger - causing music to downgrade along with it. This may be a hardware limitation.

This doesn't happen with my A2ZS.

Dec 2, 2005, 06:22 PM	#1
JoshuasGirl DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	MSN audio chat corrupts sound When starting an audio conversation with MSN Messenger, simultaneous music played in WinAmp (Directsound) or WMP9 sounds horrible (kind of like an 16Khz or 22Khz 8bit sound file, or an 64kbit/s MP3) I noticed WinAmp's Directsound output plugin reverts to Software mixing when an MP3 is started while MSN Audio chat is on Also, DxDiag (DirectX test tool) fails on allocating "second buffer" for Audio tests. I didn't experience the problem until a few weeks ago, but can't find any setting which will solve this problem. Reinstalling kx drivers did not help. As soon as MSN audio chat is over, everything is "normal" again. Is this a known bug or does somebody have any information regarding this problem? MSN Messenger 6.2 kx drivers 3537 SB Live Value 1024 Windows XP SP2

Dec 3, 2005, 11:47 AM	#2
radiocolonel.it DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Italy Posts: 192 Rep Power: 0	... WMP and MSN Messenger... are bullshit! I wonder why there is still people loosing time with that... __________________ http://www.rossanodembech.it

Dec 3, 2005, 02:24 PM	Thread Starter #3
JoshuasGirl DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	Well WMP is for testing if same problems occur like with WinAmp

Feb 3, 2006, 06:07 AM	Thread Starter #4
JoshuasGirl DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	Anybody who can shed some light on this? Still wondering who's causing this, MSN Messenger, KX driver, Windows XP, ...

Feb 3, 2006, 06:22 AM	#5
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	Im thinking its a directsound thing - try not using directsound in winamp (use wave out instead) - OR - I think MSN Messanger allows turnoff 'echo canceling' - I think its related to that. ?? - but - Ive been wrong WAY too many times to place any bets... edit: Read the instructions for MSN audio tuning wizard - it says stop all sound from playing before using... So, I think this confirms my suspicians about the DS / echo canceling notion above.

Feb 3, 2006, 04:16 PM	Thread Starter #6
JoshuasGirl DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	Seems to be something with DirectSound and WaveOut (WinMM ?), and sample rates or something. I remember reading a kx doc about things like that once, but can't seem to find it anymore... Will try the MSN echo option!

Feb 3, 2006, 06:29 PM	#7
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	I just tried DxDiag - and found NO ERRORS when testing sound. Also - MSN is up to V7.5 - the echo canceling may not be in V 6.2 (I just noticed this in your OP.) So - maybe Im wrong about the echo canceling thing. I'm thinking Direct Sound (maybe it IS KX??) is droping down to lower sample rate used in messenger - causing music to downgrade along with it. This may be a hardware limitation. This doesn't happen with my A2ZS.