Problem with FS2004

snave · Dec 19, 2005, 12:00 PM

Using 3538h with FS2004 I encountered some problems with sound distortions at high ambient levels and dropouts so I switched back to 3537. Usual uninstall, Driver Cleaner Pro, install KX drivers from the -full .exe, done it a dozen or more times before over the years.

Bu now I'm getting inexplicable sound cutouts when switching views in the sim. Usually it's the engine sounds (the dominant sound source) but it is also cutting out the radio chatter from Air Traffic Control. Hitting the `Q` button to mute all sounds, then hitting it again to get it back works, ATC is restored, but now the external sounds have a `phasing` to them and appear to be missing some bass parts. Hit mute and unmute again, and I can get it back unitl I switch between internal and external engine sounds the next time...

Anyone got any pointers for troubleshooting this pesky little critter..? I use KX drivers because they offer flexibility not found elsewhere (tried the P-Pax drivers, stripped down to below-basic IMHO - can't even switch headphones on and speakers off!) but I've not encountered this problem before.

FS uses a bog-basic stereo engine, so KX shouldn't be straining its onions with this app, so I'm wonderinfg whether it's EAX based? It seems like the soundcard is running out of system resources, but I've never moved it from the PCI slot it's in, there are no IRQ conflicts and no other sound devices present. Onboard sound is disabled in bios and Windows XP.

I don't really know where to start... I'd be happy to put 3538h back in if the distortion would be solvable.

System specs:
Windows XP SP2, patched to date
MSI K8N Neo2 1.90 bios 8.22 mod chipset drivers
Live! Value - kx drivers
GF 6600GT 81.95 drivers

Thanks for any suggestions!

Maddogg6 · Dec 19, 2005, 05:42 PM

You could try setting the 'Driver Compatability/Filter EAX Requests' - and maybe the HT optimizations.. ??

Try KX Version 3538I

and maybe lower all the sound effect vols in FS -

I dunno - Im just throwing something at you until the guys who would know respond.

BUT - KX wasnt meant for games, and if this is a bug - it may never be fixed.

snave · Dec 24, 2005, 09:49 PM

Thanks for the pointer, finally traced the problem to the Windows Media Audio Codec.

By default the WMA codec is set to priority `7`, leaving lots of unused codecs above it. Changed the prioriy to `1` and the problem is resolved...

Wasn't aware that this could make such a difference, and might be of use to others troubleshooting other problems.

Merry Christmas!

Maddogg6 · Dec 24, 2005, 11:14 PM

Ahh... yes this is good to know - Do you know what codec DID take over for WMA?

I imagine there are multiples installed on many peoples computers - and knowing this could lead to the exact codec to avoid or just give IT slightly lower priority-

I wonder if this change you made, will cause another proggie to have problems - like ripping SW or something.. ??

Dec 19, 2005, 12:00 PM	#1
snave DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Problem with FS2004 Using 3538h with FS2004 I encountered some problems with sound distortions at high ambient levels and dropouts so I switched back to 3537. Usual uninstall, Driver Cleaner Pro, install KX drivers from the -full .exe, done it a dozen or more times before over the years. Bu now I'm getting inexplicable sound cutouts when switching views in the sim. Usually it's the engine sounds (the dominant sound source) but it is also cutting out the radio chatter from Air Traffic Control. Hitting the `Q` button to mute all sounds, then hitting it again to get it back works, ATC is restored, but now the external sounds have a `phasing` to them and appear to be missing some bass parts. Hit mute and unmute again, and I can get it back unitl I switch between internal and external engine sounds the next time... Anyone got any pointers for troubleshooting this pesky little critter..? I use KX drivers because they offer flexibility not found elsewhere (tried the P-Pax drivers, stripped down to below-basic IMHO - can't even switch headphones on and speakers off!) but I've not encountered this problem before. FS uses a bog-basic stereo engine, so KX shouldn't be straining its onions with this app, so I'm wonderinfg whether it's EAX based? It seems like the soundcard is running out of system resources, but I've never moved it from the PCI slot it's in, there are no IRQ conflicts and no other sound devices present. Onboard sound is disabled in bios and Windows XP. I don't really know where to start... I'd be happy to put 3538h back in if the distortion would be solvable. System specs: Windows XP SP2, patched to date MSI K8N Neo2 1.90 bios 8.22 mod chipset drivers Live! Value - kx drivers GF 6600GT 81.95 drivers Thanks for any suggestions!

Dec 19, 2005, 05:42 PM	#2
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	You could try setting the 'Driver Compatability/Filter EAX Requests' - and maybe the HT optimizations.. ?? Try KX Version 3538I and maybe lower all the sound effect vols in FS - I dunno - Im just throwing something at you until the guys who would know respond. BUT - KX wasnt meant for games, and if this is a bug - it may never be fixed.

Dec 24, 2005, 09:49 PM	Thread Starter #3
snave DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for the pointer, finally traced the problem to the Windows Media Audio Codec. By default the WMA codec is set to priority `7`, leaving lots of unused codecs above it. Changed the prioriy to `1` and the problem is resolved... Wasn't aware that this could make such a difference, and might be of use to others troubleshooting other problems. Merry Christmas!

Dec 24, 2005, 11:14 PM	#4
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	Ahh... yes this is good to know - Do you know what codec DID take over for WMA? I imagine there are multiples installed on many peoples computers - and knowing this could lead to the exact codec to avoid or just give IT slightly lower priority- I wonder if this change you made, will cause another proggie to have problems - like ripping SW or something.. ??