Optical audio from different sound chip on ASUS Maximus VII Impact?

[inferKNOX]

Here's my thinking, Samsung's SM951 is really attractive, so I'd like a replacement for my mini-ITX mobo, one that has M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4: Found ASUS Maximus VII Impact.
Now I look at the mobo and it breaks my heart because it doesn't have all the audio jacks for my beloved Roccat KAVE 5.1 headset. So what next? Maybe virtual surround (which I'd hate to do after owning this headset); but wait, there's an S/PDIF port, so maybe I could find a "true surround" headset to connect to it.

Now here's the catch... there is a lot of hoopla surrounding the SupremeFX Impact II audio card that comes with the mobo, but the optical audio output isn't on it. Does that mean using the optical audio means a loss of any goodies that the SupremeFX card gives?
If so, is it the same with all mobos that have an S/PDIF port placed separately from the audio jacks?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jetster]

Doesn't the Roccat KAVE 5.1 headset have a USB DAC? Just use that.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

The optical audio is just a digital signal, so the quality is the same as the supremeFX chip receives. As long as you use a decent optical DAC you will get far better SNR than the SupremeFX can hope to get with all the EMI/RFI inside the case.

 

[inferKNOX]

Doesn't the Roccat KAVE 5.1 headset have a USB DAC? Just use that.

No, it's just for power, really. No connected jack = no sound.

The optical audio is just a digital signal, so the quality is the same as the supremeFX chip receives. As long as you use a decent optical DAC you will get far better SNR than the SupremeFX can hope to get with all the EMI/RFI inside the case.

I don't know much about DAC and SNR, so let me learn a little about it to better understand what you mean. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Aquinus]

No, it's just for power, really. No connected jack = no sound.

Are you certain that a USB audio device doesn't show up when you plug it in? I had a headset that's similar and it has a USB DAC in addition to the hookups for standard analogue audio and that you can mix the two, for example: Use the USB DAC for the microphone but analogue off the computer for output.

 

[Mussels]

if you are using a seperate mic, those three ports on the mobo should be able to be assigned to audio output purposes.

the other option of course is a USB DAC/soundcard, even if its a cheap one and you use it purely for the microphone on the headset.

 

[inferKNOX]

Are you certain that a USB audio device doesn't show up when you plug it in? I had a headset that's similar and it has a USB DAC in addition to the hookups for standard analogue audio and that you can mix the two, for example: Use the USB DAC for the microphone but analogue off the computer for output.

I have been using them for a few years now and there is absolutely no sign of detection when the USB is plugged in. However, if unplugged, all sound fades away.

if you are using a seperate mic, those three ports on the mobo should be able to be assigned to audio output purposes.

the other option of course is a USB DAC/soundcard, even if its a cheap one and you use it purely for the microphone on the headset.

I'm looking at having a headset (preferably my current Roccat KAVE one), rather than headphones + separate mic.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

IMO if you are going with a headset there's really not a lot of really great stuff to go with. If you are looking for the best quality you are pretty much stuck with pro grade things which are all external DAC/Amplification and will use USB/optical interfaces.

I am using a Logitech G930 ATM, it's decent overall, but the wireless is a bit buggy because of the shared frequency band. The wireless is nice though.

 

[Mussels]

I have been using them for a few years now and there is absolutely no sign of detection when the USB is plugged in. However, if unplugged, all sound fades away.

I'm looking at having a headset (preferably my current Roccat KAVE one), rather than headphones + separate mic.

still didn't answer the question - why not use the three onboard ports for audio out, and a seperate USB soundcard for the mic?

 

[BumbleBee]

The USB is for power only like a Turtlebeach headset.

 

[Mussels]

The USB is for power only like a Turtlebeach headset.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-2-0-...?pt=AU_Laptop_Accessories&hash=item3a6dd9c233


one of these. his headset uses 4x3.5mm

use the 3x onboard ones for audio output, use the mic in of a seperate USB Soundcard for the mic. it'll work fine in windows and all games, and let him use his headset the way he wants.

 

[BumbleBee]

I don't want anything to do with this thread. I will just get upset and yell at OP lol

too much talk about motherboard audio and macgyver solutions.

 

[Mussels]

I don't want anything to do with this thread. I will just get upset and yell at OP lol

too much talk about motherboard audio and macgyver solutions.

not everyone has your budget for audio bee
as long as he gets it working cheap, he can work on a better quality final solution later.

 

[BumbleBee]

not everyone has your budget for audio bee
as long as he gets it working cheap, he can work on a better quality final solution later.

I thought the final solution was to shoot the mouthbreathers and infidels lol

 

[Maban]

I believe you can plug in the output into the card and the mic into the front panel. It supports jack retasking so I think it should work fine.

 

[Mussels]

I believe you can plug in the output into the card and the mic into the front panel. It supports jack retasking so I think it should work fine.

oh duh why didnt i think of that, thats a perfect solution.

 

[Aquinus]

The USB is for power only like a Turtlebeach headset.

I have a TurtleBeach headset that has a USB DAC. It will also pass though regular analog which is why I asked.

 

[inferKNOX]

Hey guys, soz, I got a bit out of touch.
To answer you, Mussels, I've trying to avoid any extra purchases. That being said though, I had no idea such a thing as that which you linked, existed.
To answer you and build upon what Mussels was saying, BumbleBee, my budget is quite literally non-existent, and I stay afloat by selling up and buying replacements with as little cash needed on top as possible, while still aiming for a decent upgrade that is on the upper end of mid-range, lol. Also, mini-ITX doesn't leave much room for anything but a graphics card, in the way of add-on cards.
Maban, you are the genius of common sense, ha ha, well done!

So now I can seriously consider selling up for the upgrade (if the SM951 will be buyable), without changing tired old, mediocre headset... hmm... thanks guys.
It would be great if they'd hurry up and integrate the mic & centre/front speaker jack, like in cellphones. I'm no audiophile though, so if that messes something up in the way of audio quality, please set me straight.

 

[inferKNOX]

On another note, in terms of a good looking headset with optical input, I've found nothing that can pry me away from this: http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-h-wireless

 

[Mussels]

Hey guys, soz, I got a bit out of touch.
To answer you, Mussels, I've trying to avoid any extra purchases. That being said though, I had no idea such a thing as that which you linked, existed.
To answer you and build upon what Mussels was saying, BumbleBee, my budget is quite literally non-existent, and I stay afloat by selling up and buying replacements with as little cash needed on top as possible, while still aiming for a decent upgrade that is on the upper end of mid-range, lol. Also, mini-ITX doesn't leave much room for anything but a graphics card, in the way of add-on cards.
Maban, you are the genius of common sense, ha ha, well done!

So now I can seriously consider selling up for the upgrade (if the SM951 will be buyable), without changing tired old, mediocre headset... hmm... thanks guys.
It would be great if they'd hurry up and integrate the mic & centre/front speaker jack, like in cellphones. I'm no audiophile though, so if that messes something up in the way of audio quality, please set me straight.

i've been nagging for the shared 3.5mm plug for a long time myself. i've got sennheisers i use with inline mics on android, and a simple splitter adaptor lets it work on PC.