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9197 Comments

  1. Frost04 May 2022 @ 05:39

    Hey there, would anyone here happen to have an idea of why I might be getting a weird audio issue with the Asus Essence STX ii? Randomly when a sound starts (if no other audio is playing only) I'll get this loud screeching in my heaphones. I can only make it go away by switching to and from the Stx ii as the main output in the sound settings. This issue never occurred in my old PC using Windows 10. This new PC has Windows 11, however, and anytime it occurs is very painful for the ears. Strangely, sometimes, though much, much more rarely, the screeching will play through my usb microphone (completely seperate from the headphones and sound card). When it plays through the microphone I can't hear it, but anyone I'm in discord with can. If anyone has any ideas at all I would appreciate it. Unfortunately, going back to Windows 10 is not currently an option for me. I have tried multiple Uni drivers to no avail. Worst case, does anyone know of an equivalent or better sound card that works with Windows 11?

    Reply

    • Ford04 May 2022 @ 13:42

      I know some of these sound cards have limits that lower the volume when it gets too loud. have you tried turning down the volume on youtube or the programs you use? possible sound into the sound card becomes too loud.

      what kind of earphones, model do you use? some have very low OHM.

      have you tried setting sound card settings from 48khz to vs 44.1 khz

      Have you tried going into windows' sound settings to turn off all sound effects?

      Have you tried other audio playback programs?

      if you have more than one sound card, try to disable one of yours in the device manager.

      you have connected extra power to the sound card. someone must have it

      Reply

      • Frost04 May 2022 @ 13:54

        Unfortunately, I have tried all of those things. I've been dealing with this and trying various things for over a month at this point. I can only assume something about Windows 11 hates this card. I've also tried reseating it into a different slot to see if it was a connection issue, but alas. I've seen posts elsewhere about this same issue in the past, so maybe its not exactly Windows 11, but the card does seem to have a reputation for being notoriously fickle with certain setups.

        Reply

        • Ford04 May 2022 @ 14:17

          Ok. I understand.
          i have asus xonar hdav 1.3 deluxe and windows 11 and unix driver and have never had any issues.

          Have you tried this sound card in windows 7 with asus original driver?

          Try inserting another hard drive to reinstall windows 11. Sometimes you are unable to resolve the issue before reinstalling win.

          Plug out all hard drives while installing
          win 11! the first thing you do after installing win 11 is to install the sound card driver before installing anything else

          Do you also have disable motherboard sound cards in bios?

          Have you installed any Codec packages?

          Just for mentioning it.
          I use the old asus FX8350 and
          Asus sabertooth 990fx

          Reply

          • Frost04 May 2022 @ 22:55

            I tried having onboard disabled, and I haven't installed any codec packages. Have tried with Asus drivers, UNi drivers, low DPC mode in the UNi drivers, etc. That said, the sound card was basically the first thing I had installed when I got this PC, and I sadly don't have a spare hard drive to try reinstalling it. I don't know if the UNi drivers still get worked on but I think I'll keep an eye out in case they get updated again for Windows 11 specifically.

            Reply

            • Ford04 May 2022 @ 23:14

              The person making the driver said the following in an comment to middle question.

              There is no new UNi Xonar driver other than what it is publically listed. The latest driver is v1.81a. If you would have asked me if there will be a new UNi Xonar driver, then the answer is maybe. I want to update all the current UNi Xonar driver packages address some issues and make some improvements, but there will not be a driver package that has new audio drivers (1822, STXII 11.5, 1825, etc.) because C-Media stopped making any new audio drivers that are applicable to the classic Xonar cards line.

              Reply

  2. DannyD14 May 2022 @ 09:58

    I am a bit confused about the different driver versions.
    I presume the latest one should perform the best but the long list of possibly known issues scares me. Looking at the release notes and comments I am left with the impression that 1.75, 1.72 or 1.64 should perform the best and have the least ammount of issues. I have a Xonar D2 and use Windows 7 x64 to mainly play music with ASIO output.
    It would be highly appreciated if someone could recommend me the more stable and better performant driver version for my use case and hardware.

    Reply

  3. Speculi15 May 2022 @ 23:51

    Asus Xonar DGX - Most applications lose sound output when switching profiles (front panel headphones vs. back panel speaker output)

    Hi, I recently did a fresh installation of Windows 10 (OS build 19044.1706, Version 21H2).
    I installed the UNi Xonar v1.80a drivers (low DPC) with the Xonar Switch application.
    On my previous installation I was using drivers directly from Asus, but I was unable to obtain them this time and stumbled upon your UNi project. So far it seems to work nicely, with the one exception:
    When I switch my profile, which I set up to switch between front panel headphones (with virtual surround sound enabled) and stereo speakers (back panel jack), most applications lose sound output. This affects i.e. Discord or games like World of Warcraft.
    I don't know which version the official drivers from Asus were in the previous install, but with those I never had any issues with switching the output, since for most applications it was still the same audio device, so they happily continued to play audio.

    Any ideas why this might happen and how to solve this?

    Reply

  4. au-00119 May 2022 @ 20:37

    UNi Xonar 1816/1823 v1.80a r3
    Windows 11 Home, 64-bit, Build 22000, Release 210604-1628
    Xonar STXII

    Asus Audio Center won't open when I click it, either as Administrator or normally, the cursor spins but nothing happens. I've installed the drivers using Test Mode (bcdedit /set testsigning on) and this on a 100% fresh Windows 11 install from a bootable media, having performed diskpart > clean all prior. The driver install seem successful, I selected "Normal - Asus Audio Center" and the sound card relays seem to click on/off just fine on boot/shut down.

    What could be the cause of this, is this a known issue?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  5. TapioPix27 May 2022 @ 10:06

    I'm getting BSOD with my new PC build and ASUS Xonar Essence STX. The error is DRIVER_VERIFIER_DMA_VIOLATION and occurs either during startup or within a few minutes of logging in. OS is Windows 10 x64 Enterprise, latest public build, and the system is Intel 12th gen on Z690 chipset - all board drivers are up to date as far as I am aware from the ASUS support site. NVIDIA HD Audio and the on-board sound on the motherboard are turned off.
    This issue is present with UNi Xonar drivers 1.81a r2, 1.80a r3 and 1.71.1 (as per suggestion of a post above)
    The system / card was totally stable on the previous hardware (Z390 chipset) with the same Windows 10 version and drivers 1.80a.
    The issue can be fixed by either i) removing the Xonar Essence card, which I obviously don't want to do, or ii) setting "Enable IOMMU During Boot" to DISABLED at the BIOS, which is fine for now but I worry that this might make a future upgrade to Windows 11 problematic..?
    Any ideas of other things I can try to stop this issue? I assume the root cause is that the sound card is 'End of Life' and some kind of certification cannot be updated for it?

    Reply

    • CarvedInside27 May 2022 @ 22:59

      1. Which specific motherboard do you have?
      2. Isn't that BIOS setting that you disabled named "Control Iommu Pre-boot Behavior" with the following configuration options: "Disable IOMMU" and "Enable IOMMU during boot"?
      3. Did you get the BSOD with the STX card plugged in but without the Xonar drivers installed?

      If VT-d still works, then disabling "Control Iommu Pre-boot Behavior" might not affect other programs that need VT-d. I will let you know if I find a simple way to check the status of VT-d.

      The issue seems to be caused by the VT-d implementation on some of these newer boards. MSI have been responsive in fixing this. ASUS, with their well known "premium" support, have not. On the Xonar driver side, I don't know if there is something that can be done about this.

      Reply

      • TapioPix28 May 2022 @ 01:18

        1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (BIOS 1403 from 03/05/2022)
        2. Yes, that's exactly right
        3. If the STX card is plugged in an there are no drivers for it, I do not get the BSOD (though I have only tested that for one start-up). Once drivers were installed, the BSOD happened on the next restart.

        With the "Control Iommu Pre-boot Behavior" set to "Disable IOMMU" and the VT-d set to "Enabled" in the BIOS, I still see Virtualization as “Enabled” in the performance tab of the Task Manager, so with luck that might mean that it's ok to have like this...

        Yes, unfortunate about ASUS's stance on this, but I suppose they'd like me to buy a newer card from them which is supported..!

        Reply

        • CarvedInside28 May 2022 @ 23:33

          I think that "Hardware virtualization" option from Task Manager does not refer to VT-d support (which has to do with hardware virtualization of devices) and only refers to VT-x (CPU hardware virtualization).

          I still haven't found a simple and reliable way to verify the status of VT-d. The not so simple way would be to check in a virtualization software if you're allowed for a virtual machine to enable PCI Passthrough for the GPU, soundcard or other cards on the system.

          I would still create a support ticket with ASUS support about the motherboard VT-d issue, who knows, maybe you get someone willing to forward the issue to the motherboard BIOS support team. I would also write the issue on some public forums where ASUS reps visit (eg. ASUS ROG forums). If you and other of their customers don't bring this issue to them, it's unlikely they will ever take a look at it.

          Reply

          • TapioPix30 May 2022 @ 14:11

            I have raised a support ticket with ASUS about this, so hopefully they will actually address this issue... I found an example on the ROG forum where in the past someone had a similar issue with an STX II card on a Maximus Hero XII board and that was fixed with a BIOS update in the end, so perhaps there is hope!

            Thanks for the ongoing support here 🙂

            Reply

            • CarvedInside30 May 2022 @ 21:02

              Let me know how it goes.

              I appreciate your donation. Thank you.

              Reply

              • TapioPix07 Jun 2022 @ 13:06

                After sharing all the information with ASUS support, their final response is:
                "The sound card Xonar Essence STX is too old, and stopped maintain for many years. So we can't guarantee the compatibility on the latest Z690 series MB. We can only recommend to change to a new audio card model"
                I will probably move to a more recent sound card, probably one of the AE-X series from Creative..

                Reply

                • CarvedInside07 Jun 2022 @ 23:51

                  Thanks for the update. That's unfortunate. If there are no other issues specific with the STX card and you don't use an application that needs VT-d, I don't think there is a need to change the card just for this. A new card from Creative may come with it's own set of issues. Anyway if you go with a Creative AE series card, please let me know if your system works fine with that card and with "Control Iommu Pre-boot Behavior" enabled.

                  When you are looking at something to replace your STX sound card, especially if you want a 2.0 output solution, I suggest you look at audiosciencereview website to help you pick a high audio quality external DAC. Most of them have a much much better sound quality than any existing sound cards. If you want a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, I think you can pair the external DAC for front speakers with the internal audio onboard card for the rest of the speakers. I have to do more research on this topic but from what I've read, using Voicemeeter software can do this.
                  If you want to further hear my thoughts on which external DACs would be worth it and why, I can do that in exchange for a fee. We'll discuss this in private if you contact me by e-mail.

                  Reply

  6. Jack28 May 2022 @ 17:25

    Hello!

    I am using your earlier modded program (forgot what version) with Windows 7 Pro and Windows XP 64 (the last Windows configurable for 5.1/7.1 channels, but maxing out at 2K). Your mod works flawlessly on both computers. This is why i didn't update either Windows 7, or XP 64 (well, this latter one cannot be anyway:). I am also using a modded program for the same computers, but with their Realtek sound system. It also works flawlessly. The card is Xonar DX 7.1. for the UNi Xonar program. Sound quality completely depends on what equipment comes AFTER the signals transmitted by the DX 7.1. Usually, the problem is with the high freqs because of the specifics concerning digital to analog conversion. If I let the highs come out without some correction, they are harsh and grainy. But if I correct them (I have very good ears, highly trained musician), then instruments with high harmonics loose some of their specific sound and speech becomes less full of the sibilants that make it intelligible. Short of advanced pro equipment this cannot be satisfyingly adjusted.
    Anyway, my 2 cents and thanks for your work. J.

    Admin notice: Comment moved by admin from a reply to a unrelated discussion thread.

    Reply

  7. DD30 May 2022 @ 11:05

    Looking for a download for v1.54 as the link is not working

    Reply

  8. Illmillich Ogolas31 May 2022 @ 05:18

    Hello, I am using a Xonar Essence STX with windows 11. Am i correct in assuming the UNi Xonar 1816/1823 v1.80a r3 drivers would be the best option for me.

    Reply

    • CarvedInside31 May 2022 @ 22:43

      v1.80a is a good choice. I can't really say that these or which drivers are the best drivers as it depends on one's use case and configuration.

      Reply

  9. RMLeLoup02 Jun 2022 @ 00:02

    Win 11, X570 Gaming Plus (MSI), Ryzen 3700x, 128gb ddr4/3200, Nvidia 3060 12gb. (audio portions disabled). Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe (the dual card, + 4pin molex power connected properly/tested).

    Issue:
    Regardless MaxedTech drivers or Asus Drivers, same issue below.
    Win11: - Can do surround test for front left/right, can do rear surround rear left rear right. (of the 5.1).
    However sub/center, no sound whatsoever outright.

    ------ All cables tested, with other soundcard (Creative Z). And additionally tested with onboard audio
    Here's the bizzaro...
    - Ubuntu 21.04 (dual os install) - Can hear/use sound in center and sub channels with zero issues, full sound, Xonar output all cables/ports, working flawlessly without issue, without challenge, as if "never an issue ever"

    My ask,
    Is there a Windows 11 setting that is impeeding, is there a "something" that is impeeding it, somewhere somehow.
    It's a clean install of Win11, so I'm not under the impression of "any" modifications that is impeeding it.
    Will happily respond/support further in fair discussion and ultimate resolution if possible.

    Thank you for full review and support.

    Admin notice: Comment moved by admin from a unrelated post. Fixed some of text spacing, empty lines.

    Reply

    • kmiecio11 Jul 2022 @ 15:09

      I have a similar problem. In my case when testing the front speakers sound comes out of the front and rear speakers but when testing the rear , center or subwoofer no sound comes out.
      Unfortunately in Linux I have the same thing. Did you configure the Linux settings somehow?
      Or did you somehow deal with the existing problem on Windows?

      Reply

  10. Slazi02 Jun 2022 @ 04:11

    Hello,

    I am using a Xonar D2X but can't figure out, how to properly install it running Win11 (21H2).
    I tried 1.80a & 1.81a but the installer just crashes the whole system (whole PC reboots suddenly).

    Any ideas what may be going on here? I just did an upgrade from Win10 and uninstalled 1.81a before the upgrade (which was needed because the install would not properly proceed otherwise).

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

  11. _havran_14 Jun 2022 @ 11:59

    Hello, I have a problem with the Asus Xonar DX, the Asrock B450 PRO4 motherboard, the RYZEN 7 5800X processor and the Gigabyte RX 6900XT GPU. Windows 10 64bit 21H1. I have all channels set to 24 bits / 44.1kHZ. Sometimes, when I turn on the system or in the game the headphones make a terrible noise that only a restart will help. Can you help?

    Reply

  12. Snk330 Jun 2022 @ 19:55

    I have a Xonar DX/Philips SHP9500 running in Windows 11 Pro 21H2 and working flawlessly, with driver v1.80a-r3 and EqAPO/HeSuVi set to Nahimic3, everyday I get surprised with the sound quality. Sometimes when left side becomes low volume, I just have to use restart card app.

    Reply

  13. au-00103 Jul 2022 @ 16:52

    UNi Xonar W10 1825 v1.81a R2, absolutely TERRIBLE, LOUD, screeching noises emitted randomly/hasty from the headphone out, STX II. I have Windows 11 set to 20 on the Volume Panel, Xonar Audio Center outputs set to 80 out of 100, nothing wrong with my speakers/cables, the screeching noise happens randomly when watching YouTube or switching tabs in Microsoft Edge, can we PLEASE get a new driver that solves this issue?

    There is no other solution than to unplug the power cord to the computer when this happens, or really, head over to my power panel in my house and shut off the circuit breaker feeding the computer socket, the screeching noise is way too loud to pull your fingers from your ears whenever this happens, it's honestly that loud it will damage your hearing, eventhough I have all the volumes in Windows/Xonar set to lower than moderate listening levels, changing volume whenever this happens changes nothing, it's not controllable by volume, you have to power off the computer in whatever way possible, as fast as possible, because I also fear this might be dangerous/damaging, not only to my ears, but to my equipment/speakers and the sound card, this needs urget fixing.

    Reply

  14. Rikus06 Jul 2022 @ 22:51

    Hi i have a Asus Xonar DGX + Kingston Hyperx Cloud 1 in a motherboard Gigabyte Aorus Elite x570

    Music sounds great, but in games like PUBG, Tarkov, my friends can hear enemy steps and i don´t hear it.

    What can i do? i only touch one thing, preset "Rock"

    Reply

  15. kmiecio11 Jul 2022 @ 16:19

    Hello.
    I own an Xonar D2X. Windows 10 64bit. The motherboard is the H81V-S2V.
    The driver is UNi Xonar W10 1825 v1.81a r2.
    The card works with Logitech Z906 speakers via analog inputs.
    The problem is that I have no control over the speakers in the system settings. When testing the front speakers, sound can be heard from the front speakers as well as the rear speakers.
    When trying to test the rest of the speakers, the sound is missing.
    When running the Live cd Linux Mint this situation is similar. Through Alsa mixer muting the channels does not help. Only the main volume slider works.
    With a failed attempt through the analog inputs, I decided to configure through the digital output.
    Unfortunately, the dolby Live settings result in listening to popular 5.1 tests similar to the earlier ones through analog. The sound does not come from individual sources but each and every one and the subwoofer is missing.
    I have a movie with encoded 5.1 sound and it plays quite well but unfortunately it is not a movie that would point the sound to individual sources.
    Is there an option to get full control over each speaker in the system settings ? It would give me assurance that I have surround sound.

    Reply

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