5.1 surround sound question

Tom Dunne · 30-07-2005 9:29am #1

I have a soundblaster external USB sound card driving my 5.1 speakers. Problem is the two rear speakers are not as loud as the front speakers. In order to get all 5 speakers at the same volume, I have to bring the volume of the three front speakers down to almost half.

Is it normal for the rear speakers to be at a lower volume than the front?

jcoote · 30-07-2005 9:31am

no check the ettings on your pc or maybe aon the speakers sounds like the front/rear balancing is set more to the front speakers than the back

Endurance Man · 30-07-2005 12:25pm

When u are testing this are u playing sound that is 5.1 compatible, like a DVD. If u are just playing an mp3, its only going to play out the front speakers as its not recorded in 5.1 format. Those back speakers are only supposed to become loud when there is meant to be the illusion of sumting behind he

sutty · 30-07-2005 12:31pm

what speakers do you have? I know my Logitech X-530's rear speakers are lower than the front. I thing it just happens on some models... but half the volume? that sounds way off

MrPinK · 30-07-2005 1:28pm

It's sounds normal to me. Like Endurance Man said, the rear speakers are only supposed to be loud when there's ment to be something behind you. They should never really be as loud as the front speakers.

Endurance Man · 30-07-2005 1:39pm

Yup, i bet thats the problem. Stick a action packed dvd in

, and put those babys on full volume, then u will realize what they are for

MrPinK · 30-07-2005 1:49pm

I'd be very suprised if you didn't get some sort of software with the soundcard for setting your volume levels correctly. This typically involves a test tone being played from each speaker in sequence. You adjust the volume of each until they all sound the same. This test environment is the only place where they all should be at the same level.

I don't know if there's a test that can be downloaded, but a couple of THX certified DVD's have it included as an extra. I know Terminator 2 does for one, and I think the Star Wars DVD's might have it too.

Lump · 30-07-2005 2:24pm

When playing mp3's, depending on the mode, the Rear speakers will normally player the difference between the M + S signal.... giving a tinny, quiet sound.

John

5.1 surround sound question

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