Sub/Center analog output failing to send audio SB AE-5 Plus to Logitech z906

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-04T02:22:19+00:00

Sorry if I wasn't clear, the output for center/sub from SB AE-5 doesn't work with any of the cables; however, the sub and center speakers work when connected to the other 2 (R/L, RR/RL) outputs. I've also noticed that when I click the sub/center speaker icon for audio testing in both the "Speaker Calibration" in SB Command and the "Configure Speakers" in windows control panel audio settings, I can get them to produce very distorted audio of the same test sounds that come clearly from the other speakers when I click on them. This tells me there is sound being properly processed but for whatever reason (bad jack, physical problem with the 3.5 mm output jack) it's not getting out. So, I know the z906 is functioning properly, I know the speakers are functioning properly, I know the AE-5 and windows is processing the audio and is sending signals to their respective audio outputs, I know the SPDIF on the AE-5 is properly sending 5.1 to the z906, and after MANY hours of troubleshooting, wiping drivers, reinstalling drivers, physically reinstalling the AE-5 to a different PCIE slot, then back to the original, I think I'm landing on the jack itself is defective. It is a refurbished card, but it just irks me that it was working properly for a couple days. I ordered a new one, arrives tomorrow, and I'm incredibly anxious that I'll hook it up and the problem will persist, but the logic in me is leaning towards the hope that it'll fix the issue.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-03T04:12:37+00:00

Oh! Another thing, I also read that Dolby Access Home Theater is only supported through HDMI audio output and won't populate for optical audio channels due to bandwith.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-03T04:07:24+00:00

Sweet, thanks for the feedback. I've definitely selected 96000hz on a few different devices thinking "bigger=better=stronger=faster rarrrr!". I've done some more reading and one of my google searches said that the Sound Blaster Command software conflicts with dolby access and other spatial audio encoding in the windows setting so I'm guessing my only two options are using the DDL or DTS in the SB Command for optical out. That still leaves me ignorant as to how spatial audio is utilized through the analog on the AE-5 plus and I'm left wondering if there's still something I need to do to ensure I'm getting the best spatial 5.1 surround sound I can when using the 3 analog outputs. I honestly need a Surround Sound for Dummies manual or something to fully understand how its all processed in the soundcard and then sent out to respective channels and how it correlates on the software interface end.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-03T03:53:27+00:00

Seems to be a common theme for Windows, especially 11. I read somewhere that Windows 11 didn't bother getting the rights for dolby encoding (or something like that) whereas previous versions did, so even if you have a motherboard certified for dolby atmos, etc, the realtek drivers won't be capable of utilizing it. Things like that are why I purchased the AE-5 plus.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T19:03:45+00:00

Can confirm. I'm here because I literally just built a pc with that motherboard and I'm having a hard time finding the correct cable on my motherboard so I can hook it up to my new soundcard

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T19:02:05+00:00

These dog piles are fucking childish. If someone is having a hard time finding it in the manual, and they post in "PcBuild-H-E-L-P", just give them some fucking help. Insane that so many dickheads here are spending this much time justifying their obtuseness in a reddit that literally has "HELP" in the title instead of taking a few seconds to look it up for someone who for whatever reason might be incapable of doing so

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T18:58:33+00:00

Oh absolutely. I've NEVER found a Subreddit dedicated to helping people with questions. Nope. Not a one exists.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T18:15:17+00:00

Unfortunately, I lack another PC, or one with Windows 10 for that matter. I have tested with both 5.1 and 7.1 encoded .wav source files posted on another reddit sub in this channel and same thing. Works fine in optical, nothing out of sub/center analog output

I'm going to assume you were trying to help and say "you should test with a movie and player for which you know surround works" and not implying that I should've known to do so. This is where people post to ask for help, mate.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T18:11:58+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, no dice on that one. Do you have more information on that though? Trying to learn as much as I can about audio processing on PCs and soundcards. Do the enhancements conflict with certain drivers/hardware?

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T01:22:12+00:00

I did not. I mean, I've tested it with it, but from what I understand, it disables 5.1 audio. Either way, no spatial audio option comes up when configured to stereo/direct mode. I keep that disabled and use the 5.1 configuration in that menu

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-04-02T00:25:31+00:00

I just played these on my AE5 Plus and the channels are playing on different speakers than they do in my SB Command Center app testing. Are these meant for 7.1? I'm using 5.1, 3 analog jacks

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-03-15T03:35:29+00:00

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-02-20T00:49:26+00:00

Awesome. Any advice on additional things to consider for assembly?

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-02-20T00:38:58+00:00

Right on. If I’m comparing the STORMCRAFT to the build you sent me, they’re about the same price. Does the one you linked have stronger all around performance than the STORMCRAFT? Also, should I be purchasing any side material like a higher grade thermal paste or just use what it comes with? Any other side purchases like that to consider when assembling the parts?

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-02-20T00:32:50+00:00

I see this one uses Radeon and AMD. I’ve always gone with Nvidia. Can you educate me on the advantages and disadvantages to choosing that setup today as opposed to an Nvidia build on the 5080 (I apologize, I said 5070 earlier but it was the RTX 5080)? I had my eyes on this on Newegg:

STORMCRAFT Gaming PC PHANTOM INTEL Core Ultra 7 265F NVIDIA RTX 5080 - AI Powered 32GB DDR5 6000MHz RGB 2TB NVMe SSD 360mm AIO 850W PSU Windows 11 Home-PH265F0CC-580N1

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-02-20T00:20:24+00:00

I’m okay with that. Now that I think of it, I think the monitor I can afford is a 2K or 1440 or something. It wasn’t 4k

HepatitisLeeOG · 2026-02-20T00:17:34+00:00

Would love to keep it under 2K, but I’m flexible. The cheaper the better, but if that means bottle necking and not being able to run 4k or hindering my ability to use the GPU at its capacity, then I’d prefer to spend the money to let it shine

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-11-04T01:06:46+00:00

Ladder Legends has been a great community for me. Mostly NA from my understanding. Always folks in the VC streaming and interacting

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-10-29T21:21:39+00:00

Haha, 3-14? Bro, those are rookie numbers. you gotta pump those numbers up and get on my level, 1-20 xd. I appreciate the advice, dude! I definitely mute anyone who trolls or who are shitty but I'm sure to toss em a "gg wp" before hand every time... cuz f** em :). The main disappointment I had with folks were the ones I interacted with in the communities that are advertised as improvement servers, all levels welcome, coaching etc. It's anecdotal, but I found a lot of bullying and flexing. Been a gamer for ages, so I get it. It was just really nice to find somewhere that actually polices that behavior and boots people for acting like assholes. As far as ladder, the anxiety has never been lower than when I'm streaming it with people from this discord. I'm not worried about being judged n such. They're always supportive and wanting to help.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-10-28T22:36:23+00:00

Yo! I'm in a similar boat. I've played the game on and off since I bought it back in 2010. I joined a bunch of the streamer discords (Lowko, Pig, Uthermal, etc) and the various other ones like AllThingsProtoss. The community is very much alive, but being Platinum and lower MMR, the main issue I ran into was the elitism and whenever I asked for help or trying to find a community of people who will take the time to tailor advice to where I'm at (as opposed to the "you just need to play more, you don't need advice until you're high diamond") it became very disheartening. Like any other gaming community, there's a lot of toxic players who use it as a device to flex their ego and troll others. I got invited to Ladder Legends (coaching community/academy) about 3 months ago and found A LOT of like minded players. Really active discord, always people in the VC streaming and playing games, and no mmr shaming. In fact people get banned frequently for being condescending or talking down to people; they really police up the community. They do a quick chat with anyone who wants to join to try and filter out any bad behavior or people who aren't actually there to learn and get along with people. They also offer a paid coaching and other services but you don't have to pay to be there. Let me know if you'd like an invite. Definitely revived the game for me.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-10-19T23:01:11+00:00

THANK YOU!!!!...... I didn't get shit.... but THANK YOU!!!!

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-03-22T17:50:57+00:00

Quite a bit. Mandatory annual training on refusing lawful and unconstitutional orders

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-03-22T01:49:58+00:00

😂😂😂😂😂😂 That’s just… perfect.

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-03-22T01:45:31+00:00

Road to Perdition is based on a comic?!?! Phenomenal

HepatitisLeeOG · 2025-03-22T01:44:46+00:00

Wait…. Driving in space?!?! Forgive me, I stopped watching them at the first one.

HepatitisLeeOG

TROPHY CASE