Sound Card Configuration in Windows 8.1

bcorz

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Jun 8, 2011
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Hello everyone,

I recently bought a new computer with Windows 8.1. The computer came with an onboard sound card. I have a Turtle Beach PX4 headset (http://www.turtlebeach.com/product-detail/ps4-headsets/ear-force-px4/414?gclid=CJjcn53gzcICFcayMgodSR0AmA) that sound better when using a TOSLINK cable. So, I purchased an Asus Sonar U3 USB Sound Card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132022). I also have a paid a stereo speakers. So, my set up right now is:
• USB Sound Card  PX4 Receiver
• Onboard Sound  Stereo Speakers

The PX4 headset microphone connects to the computer using Bluetooth.

So, I have a few issues. First, whenever I turn the headphone on, it connects to the computer using the Bluetooth. When it does that, the “recording device” is activated, but also the “Bluetooth sound” device is activated. The issue is that the “Bluetooth sound” device is very low quality, so I do not want that…I just want to hear the communications through the USB sound card. How do I set it to do that?

The other issue I have, which is far less important, is that I want to set up an order of operations for the outputs. I want to set the outputs to be: if the headset is on, use the USB soundcard. If the headset is off, use the stereo speakers. Is there any way this is possible? If not, is there a way to have two sound devices active at once?

Thanks for your help.

 
Solution
If you set the preferred device as the default communications device, it should choose the other if the preferred is not available. I'm running windows 8.1, when my headphones are plugged in sound goes over them, if they are unplugged then it just sends sound over my USB speakers. You will have problems if you're in game and decide to unplug a device though. Some will allow you to alt-tab and switch your preferred sound device, but other games will have to be restarted. That's been my experience anyways.

OriginalCadaver

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May 24, 2014
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If you set the preferred device as the default communications device, it should choose the other if the preferred is not available. I'm running windows 8.1, when my headphones are plugged in sound goes over them, if they are unplugged then it just sends sound over my USB speakers. You will have problems if you're in game and decide to unplug a device though. Some will allow you to alt-tab and switch your preferred sound device, but other games will have to be restarted. That's been my experience anyways.
 
Solution