Since Season 9 I have been getting a popping sound on at least some ground maps, I haven't been getting it on any space maps so far. Specifically I am getting it on ESD and New Romulus Command. Additionally, the popping will continue even when STO doesn't have focus, even though I don't have any other sound from STO when it doesn't have focus.
Not sure if its just a bug, or if there might be something I can tweak in my settings.
Install the driver NOTE: You will NOT have any shortcuts in your start menu or desktop. This is just a driver that simulates a cable.
Right click on your speaker icon in your task bar then select Playback Devices.
On the PLAYBACK tab, select CABLE Input as your default.
On the RECORDING tab, select CABLE Output as your default. NOTE: Do not panic. This will NOT affect microphone usage, and it is normal for the microphone to still react on the equalizer in this dialogue window thats how it is supposed to be. But if you do not do this step, you will have no sound at all.
Highlight CABLE Output and select Properties
On the LISTEN tab, click Listen to this device, then select your speakers/headphones that you are using from the pull-down menu. NOTE: Yes, we are still working with the recording tab, but you want your output device selected. For me, this was Speakers (Logitech G35 Headset)
Click APPLY then OK. Yes, you should do both, I dont care how lazy you are.
Again, click APPLY (if its not greyed out) then OK
Enjoy a MOSTLY pop free STO
Here is the science: Windows has issues with being a nit-pick for communication with devices regardless of your settings. Since a virtual cable is stereo only and does not process 7.1, Windows will tell your game not to push 5.1/7.1 sound through to the device. It will recognize the device as a stereo only device. 7.1 surround headsets are not even real 7.1 they only simulate the sound of 7.1 to trick your ears. As a result, however, it tells Windows that it is a 7.1 device, thus the game will try to push surround sound to the headset regardless of headset settings.
The result of the above fix for me: ALL popping pretty much disappeared. The only anomaly is that when I start to beam out of a map, I get a single pop, but thats it! I tested this on all of the maps I had huge issues with especially Assimilation, as well as the new Season 9 featured episode. Before this fix I would consistently get pops every 2 3 seconds it felt like I was playing STO while sitting inside a popcorn machine at the movie theater. After this fix I only get a single pop when I beam out from a ground map.
To me this is not a fix, but rather a workaround until either Microsoft or Cryptic or Asus whoever the hell can find a permanent fix for this issue for those who have the issue, can fix it. But regardless I consider a single pop during beam out to be a far better workaround than every few seconds.
A note on Virtual Cables DO use the one I linked. Do NOT attempt this with Virtual Audio Cable by Eugene Muzychenko. That software is TRIBBLE and it is pay-ware anyway. VB-Audio software is completely free as they run only on donations a true open source developer that respects the community.
I hope this information helps others. Happy gaming.
Comments
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=695261
EDIT: I found a workaround for now that works. See my reply below.
Here is the science: Windows has issues with being a nit-pick for communication with devices regardless of your settings. Since a virtual cable is stereo only and does not process 7.1, Windows will tell your game not to push 5.1/7.1 sound through to the device. It will recognize the device as a stereo only device. 7.1 surround headsets are not even real 7.1 they only simulate the sound of 7.1 to trick your ears. As a result, however, it tells Windows that it is a 7.1 device, thus the game will try to push surround sound to the headset regardless of headset settings.
The result of the above fix for me: ALL popping pretty much disappeared. The only anomaly is that when I start to beam out of a map, I get a single pop, but thats it! I tested this on all of the maps I had huge issues with especially Assimilation, as well as the new Season 9 featured episode. Before this fix I would consistently get pops every 2 3 seconds it felt like I was playing STO while sitting inside a popcorn machine at the movie theater. After this fix I only get a single pop when I beam out from a ground map.
To me this is not a fix, but rather a workaround until either Microsoft or Cryptic or Asus whoever the hell can find a permanent fix for this issue for those who have the issue, can fix it. But regardless I consider a single pop during beam out to be a far better workaround than every few seconds.
A note on Virtual Cables DO use the one I linked. Do NOT attempt this with Virtual Audio Cable by Eugene Muzychenko. That software is TRIBBLE and it is pay-ware anyway. VB-Audio software is completely free as they run only on donations a true open source developer that respects the community.
I hope this information helps others. Happy gaming.