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Subject:HDMI?
Posted by: arto
Date:8/12/2014 12:05:10 PM

Is there any way I can configure Sound Forge and Acid Pro to use the HDMI output from my laptop PC to send the digital audio signal directly to the HDMI input of a direct digital amplifier such as the NAD C390DD?

I use J River Media Center for playback of FLAC & WAV audio files & it can send the audio signal from the laptop directly to the C390DD via HDMI asw the default. However when I use Sound Forge or Acid the signal always has to be routed to the C390DD via asynchronous USB.

HDMI provides superior performance as it allows higher sample rates and uses Audio Rate Control (ARC) whereby the receiver (C390DD) controls the source clock (the PC or CD/SACD player, whatever) thereby eliminating digital jitter.

Subject:RE: HDMI?
Reply by: Geoff_Wood
Date:8/12/2014 5:44:21 PM

Nothing to do with SF or Acid.

You need to find if your laptop has a driver available to configure the HDMI output as an audio device at all, and if so with the extra functionality and protocols you want.

Your application simply squirts out data to the device driver, and doesn't 'care' about the downstream details.

geoff


Subject:RE: HDMI?
Reply by: arto
Date:8/12/2014 6:49:58 PM

Actually, let me rephrase the problem.

Apparently (my bad) Sound Forge will play using HDMI to the NAD C390.

However, IF, I have the USB cable connected, the sound output defaults to USB instead of HDMI. Once USB has been used it seems to lock out HDMI, the PC and amplifier have to be rebooted with only HDMI connected. I guess this is some kind of computer issue.

However, I would still like to be able to leave both HDMI & USB connected if for nothing else than comparison purposes. I can switch the amplifier inputs to either output as well as other components such as the digital media/AM/FM tuner or DAT, etc. Also, the USB cable is much longer and lighter/thinner, making it easier to move the laptop to my listening position in the room when I'm mastering something.

Subject:RE: HDMI?
Reply by: pwppch
Date:8/13/2014 8:37:16 AM

What audio device is Forge set to use in audio preferences?

It sounds like you are using the Microsoft Sound Mapper.

Windows will change the device this is routed to in some cases when you plug in a USB device. You can change the default in windows. Forge will use what ever windows is set for then, but it can change and Forge has no control over it.

You may also be able to specifically select the Wave Classic driver for the device, or if the USB has ASIO drivers, you could use that. You will still have to change manually in forge.

Peter

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