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1075
July 8th, 2020 20:00
Audio issue with MAXX Audio/Vostro 470
In the past I have been using Cool Edit Pro 2.0 to record external audio with any problems.
I have turntables/mixer running into a Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 ext soundcard. This is connected to the PC via USB. I'm running Windows 10.
Recently I installed OBS Studio to stream a live DJ broadcast using Mixcloud. After installing OBS I found that I couldn't get any levels on Cool Edit or OBS. I checked sound settings and there's no audio signal coming into Windows. I can see that the soundcard is receiving a signal.
A friend took a look at the issue and suggested that the MAXX Audio is now taking over audio (likely triggered by OBS install as everything was working fine before this), is not able to manage the NI soundcard (perhaps too old?) and therefore acting as if there is not signal.
I have tried:
Uninstalling OBS
Updating NI drivers
Firmware update
BIOS update
Checked all leads/swapped USB cables/swapped USB ports
Removed all USBs (other HDDs etc) except Soundcard
Tried to connect mixer directly to 3.5mm inputs onboard soundcard
Uninstall and reinstall NI soundcard
Disable onboard audio in BIOS
Pretty much anything you can think of.
Is there any way I can delete the MAXX audio altogether? I've also tried updating Vostro 470/running diagnostics to check if there's a newer version that might talk to the Native Instruments gear.
If not it's looking like I'll be looking for a new PC and it def won't be a Dell!!
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
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July 9th, 2020 03:00
I don't see MaxxAudio listed in the Win 10 downloads for the old model PC. I'm even surprised there are any Win 10 drivers at all.
If you can't uninstall MaxxAudio, best option is to fall back to a disc image before you installed the DJ software and however MaxxAudio got installed. (you do make full disc backups?).
MaxxAudio needs Dell Realtek driver for proper operation.
You are asking an old PC to do a current PC's job. Whether its a Dell, HP, Acer or whatever it would be the same. Windows 10 is discontinuing support for a lot of older hardware with their feature updates and you are facing that too. I just had to upgrade (replace) my recording studio desktop as I need Thunderbolt for new recording interface hardware. The "old" recording studio desktop was "new" compared to your old Vostro.
DJ Crackle
4 Posts
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July 9th, 2020 04:00
Thanks @fireberd appreciate the advice.
Yeah I mean I know the Vostro is an older PC, but as I said it was working fine with the Native Instruments SC before installing the live streaming software so the system is totally capable.
I suspect the MAXX Audio propriety software (which I didn't even realise existed on my system until digging into this issue) has a conflict with the NI soundcard.
My understanding is that the Dell/Maxx audio config will be reinstated with any subsequent Windows update given that apparently Dell has affiliations with Windows, so the solution is:
1. run an old version of Windows i.e. don't update or
2: buy a new PC (which definitely won't be a Dell since tbh this is rubbish...it seriously should not be this hard to disable onboard sound and use a preferred soundcard - since it's proven to work, just that Dell has chosen to take the Apple route of forcing hardware upgrades).
DJ Crackle
4 Posts
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July 9th, 2020 04:00
To be honest all I'm asking my Vostro to do is what I know it can do; that is record audio from an external source.
It's not like I'm trying to run a crazy 24 track recorder through it.
I'm trying to record stereo input (which it has been able to do to date right until I installed this BS live streaming software).
It shouldn't be that hard.
Sorry Dell, fail.
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
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July 9th, 2020 14:00
As noted, do you have a disc image (backup) of before the software install? (if you don't shame on you). If you have a disc image, restore back to that image, which will be what you had.
I've seen posts of users uninstalling Realtek and MaxxAudio (maybe uninstalling Realtek first is the key). Reboot the PC after uninstalling. Then reinstall Realtek (only 32 bit OS driver listed in Dell downloads).
Dell only supports Win 10 32 bit OS (has some limited drivers). You are lucky as most Dell's of your age PC are not supported for Win 10.
Speaking of Dell vs other brands. I have a Dell Inspiron 15 laptop that I use in my recording studio. If I wanted to upgrade/replace the hard drive all I have to do is open the back cover. I just finished a repair on a HP laptop that had a failed hard drive. In order to replace the hard drive all the screws on the back had to be removed, optical drive removed, battery removed, keyboard removed and top bezel removed to access the hard drive.
DJ Crackle
4 Posts
0
July 9th, 2020 21:00
Hi @fireberd
I rolled Windows back to previous update and no change; unfortunately that didn't fix the problem.
"I've seen posts of users uninstalling Realtek and MaxxAudio (maybe uninstalling Realtek first is the key). Reboot the PC after uninstalling. Then reinstall Realtek (only 32 bit OS driver listed in Dell downloads)."
This is what I am asking how to do! MaxxAudio doesn't appear in Prog List and I can't find anywhere to uninstall it.
As I said, what Dell supports or doesn't and how they compare to other PCs is pretty irrelevant at this point!
The simple fact is that this PC absolutely can handle recording using my NI external card because I have used to it record multiple DJ mixes in the past. Capability isn't the issue. It's a conflict.
I want to now remove the proprietary MaxxAudio software so I can use my soundcard again.
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
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July 10th, 2020 03:00
Rolling back isn't going to fix it. You need a disc image (backup) of the entire hard drive BEFORE the update and MaxxAudio install. Obviously you have never made any backups and don't have it. Shame on you, if the hard drive were to fail everything is lost.
Check the startup, it may be in there and you can disable it.
Download and try Revo Uninstaller. It has a forced uninstall option that will uninstall rogue programs.
https://www.revouninstaller.com/