M17x R3 Question on Integrated Audio Software

The pre-installed IDT software is a little buggy and doesn't always function correctly. I have to fight it to try to get it to output 5.1 signal via the three 1/8" ports. Is there a way to fresh install the IDT software?

Also, on my desktop, I had the Sound Blaster software to control the card and audio settings. Would the Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2 software work with my R3? I liked the features MB contained for my desktop.

 

Under the Add/Remove Programs list, you can uninstall the IDT Audio and that will remove it from your system. But I am confused...you state you have an R3, yes? If so, the S/PDIF port (3.5mm port right next to the USB 3.0 ports) is all you should need to output 5.1. I believe there is an adapter that goes from male 3.5mm to female TOS link that should have come with your system. When you plug that in Windows is supposed to detect the optical plug presence and switch it's sound over to TOS Link, etc, etc.

I don't think the sound blaster software will work for the audio components on the R3 since they are not mfgr'd by Creative...but I could be wrong. You can always install the X-Fi MB2 software and see if it takes control of the IDT audio.

 

Ok. That makes sense.
This might clear up your confusion. I am attempting to use a Dell 5.1 speaker system that has three 3.5mm plugs for inputs. The optical/ S/PDIF port also has the metal cortacts for a stereo 3.5mm. Whenever I plug one of the three input cables into that port, either the front or rear speakers cut out.

 

You have an R3. The R3's S/PDIF port is a single 3.5mm port, which with the 3.5mm to TOS-Link adapter can connect to a 5.1 speaker system via an optical cable. I am not sure whether or not it can connect using a single 3.5mm jack as well, but I am sure that your Dell 5.1 speaker system cannot plug directly into the notebook for surround sound. The speaker system you own is meant to be used with an R2 or R1, where the two headphone and one audio output jacks would combine to make a 5.1 surround sound output. This was changed in the R3 and R4. Surround sound is now handled via one 3.5mm port instead of three. It's on page 24 of the R3's user manual. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/Alw_M17xR3/en/mm/mm_en.pdf

What you need is an adapter to convert a single 3.5mm S/PDIF to 3 x 3.5mm S/PDIF component ports.

 

Hmm. Ok. Out of curiosity radji, do you have an R2 like your signature mentions, or do you have an R3?

 

Like the sig says, R2.