Max volume level is lower in Vista than XP, any fix?

[cam94z28]

I recently upgraded to Vista, and noticed that the maximum volume level is about 30% less than on XP, with the same hardware. I am running a SB Audigy 2 ZS, and I'm using the default driver Vista installed for it. Is there any fix for this?

[geerthibalaji]

hi its the normal in vista, u go to controlpanel>Hardware sounds>sound, then select speakers, click properties, then select enhancement, it will show some options, check the loudness equalisation.. It ll help to increase some volume. But u cant get high volume as like other OS. Check it out..

[cam94z28]

Unfortunately I don't have the "Loudness Equalization" feature in control panel. All I have is a checkbox for "Enable Audio Enhancements". Disabling it doesn't seem to make any difference.

I think I'll just buy an spdif to PCM adapter, so I can use my home stereo with a digital PCM cable.

[geerthibalaji]

r u using vista home basic? oh ok.. i m using laptop, so it ll mention the in built speakers, u check for the speaker properties in the audio driver installed, u cant get max as like other OS, i mentioned earlier... may i know wat type of driver u using for audio? Desktop?

[cam94z28]

I'm using Vista Basic, and the Vista drivers for Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. I'm running a AMD dual core desktop with Asus Motherboard.

[geerthibalaji]

ok, can u find the sound properties? just open the installed audio drivers files in prgram files.. or search for it.. type sound in the <start search> bar.. then select playback in the title bar, it will show ur current speakers setup, then u can select n see the properties... there u can check loudness equalisation...

[cam94z28]

Nope thats where I was before. Under Advanced, all I have is Signal Enhancements/Enable Audio Enhancements Checkbox. There is no additional tab where loudness EQ is. I guess it's possible I need to get actual drivers from creative, but they're not on their site. I'm just using whatever the default Vista installed for the Audigy 2. I just noticed and creative now does list an updated driver, as of Today! Hopefully it doesen't require the previous creative drivers to be installed. Will update how it works.

[cam94z28]

Oh Man! This post should be a sticky. I know a bunch of people use the Audigy 2. Compared to the default driver that Vista installs It's now NIGHT and DAY. I had resorted to using a headphone amplifier for my pc monitor because the volume was so low in Vista. I had to set it at around 80% gain, with windows volume at 100% to have barely adequate audio level. After installing the drivers, the amp gain is all the way down, windows volume is on 20%, and it's still louder than with both maxed out before. Theres no need for my amp any more.

Obviously Creative knew there was a problem, which is why they released a new driver. I think along with the volume, the sound quality has improved too.

[cam94z28]

Delete me, double post.