Assigning an application to different sound outputs
Question: Is there a way to assign an application to use a sound output options in the mixer or another Win7application?I have installed Win7 RC 32bit. I have headphones and speaker outputs on my system. Both are detected and both can be assigned toa workingdefault sound choice. I amunable to assign an applications sound output to a certain outputs or change them.The only way I can make a sound application work through the speakers if the headset is assigned the default role is to go into sound management, then assign the speakers to default and then restart my application.Desired: I would like an application profile to default to the assigned role from the mixer. The settings could be permanent or temporary. Ifthe 1st choiceis not available, use the alternate working or (default). The sound should dynamically change or at the very least keep that profile with that application until changed.Inthe mixer, I should be able to rt click on the application in the mixer and manually assign it to a sound device. This option should be assigned toa default target to play ONLY if the desired is not available. Possible options can be, just one time, or have this device handle sound if available.Hardware: Asus Rampage 2: Gene motherboard, 6GB Ram, GTX 275 graphics, Seagate 1.5TB. Drivers auto discovered on install and appear to be functional.
September 1st, 2009 2:18am

Does Windows see it as different sound devices, or does it see it as one device?
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 1st, 2009 11:09am

Windows sees 2 different sound devices. Each can be assigned as a default. Both work, however each application will only start under the default assigned device. There is no way to assign it to another or change it (that i know of) ousideof restarting the application with the other device marked as "default".
September 1st, 2009 4:44pm

Hi TKCDAC, As you may noticed, great improvements have been made in Windows 7. Applications can realize Stream Routing via the new Core Audio APIs. Windows 7 has the ability to distinguish between communication devices and all other audio devices. It is now possible to have both a Default Communications Device that is separate from the Default Audio Device. The Default Communication Devices will be used for PC based communication like web chat or VOIP, and the Default Audio Device will be used for everything else. Stream switching enabled dynamic stream switching based on the default device. If the default audio device is disabled or unplugged, Windows automatically tries to determine the next default audio device and will dynamically redirect the audio to that new device. For instance, if you would like to play the audio via headphone when using communication applications such as Windows Live Messenger, we can simply right click the volume icon in the system tray, click Playback Devices, right click the headphone listed and then choose Set as default Communications Device. For more information, please refer to the following articles: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd756612(VS.85).aspx http://louisgale.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-messenger-and-default.html Also, based on my test, certain application such as Windows Media Player has a sound output option. To change the settings, please open Windows Media Player, click Tools, Options, click Devices tab, double click Speakers in the Devices list, pull down the Select the audio device and then choose the device you would like to play the music from Windows Media Player, click OK. We may play another song in the play list to take effect. In the meantime, I will forward your suggestions to our Product Group. Please be assured that any improvements in the product are based on users' requirements. Thanks, Linda
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 2nd, 2009 9:21am

Thank you Linda, I was not aware that Windows Media Player had an option to allow a targeted audio device. This will help me greatly on that application. (the main one I was wanting) I apprecaite that you will let the Product Group know of my request to allow EVERY sound application tobe assigned to a customer designated audio device from the mixer, or swapped without having to assign a separate default audio when the app is started. This seems like the most logical next step of your individual sound output settings, AND would allow far more control over each application (Microsoft or not) to have its targeted audio without having to put menu options in each application individually as most applications are not tooled for Win7.There are so many improvements in Win7, keep up the good work.
September 3rd, 2009 2:37am

I am aware of the Windows Media Player setting to set the sound device output, and I use it, however, I came upon this post because I, like TKCDAC want to be able to assign other applications to other sound outputs, other than cheating by changing the default device. Which actually I do not think is the solution anyways. I agree with TKCDAC that we should be able to right-click a device in the volume control and assign it to a different audio output. Here is the scenario I have. I have a HDTV hooked up to my Windows 7 PC as a second monitor via HDMI. I play DVDs to my HDTV via Windows Media Player and have the audio of WMP set to the TV. However, sometimes I play streaming movies from Netflix through my browser, which in my case is Firefox, to my HDTV, but since I unfortunately cannot assign Firefox's audio to the HDMI audio output without making it the default output, I have to listen to the audio of the movie through my computer speakers, which is not ideal. Making the TV the default audio would also assign other applications such as IM clients to the TV while I watch the movie, which is dumb and I will not do. What if I wanted to watch the movie using PowerDVD or some other DVD playback software other than WMP? Again, I would have to assign all of my sound to the TV. Microsoft tried to make a great feature, but only half-baked it.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
October 12th, 2009 12:23am

In Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit, I was running the same setup as wslyhbb, where I had a DVD movie playing through HDMI and optical out to my HDTV, and at the same time I could change the default sound devide DURING playback and the movie would continue to play on the previous sound setting of optical out, and I could have my PC's headset playing something else using the (now) current default sound device. I know I'm not explaining it very well, but in Win Vista I could basically change my default sound output, and WMP would not switch to the new default output, but would stay with what it was when the program was started up. I very much liked it this way, because I didn't have to keep my default sound as the TV output, but could switch it over and run ANY other program I wanted and the sounds wouldn't cross. With Windows 7, I'm having issues with that. Now WMP always goes to the new default sound device. I will try your above mentioned fix, and hopefully it will resolve the issue. However, I agree with the others that there should be an easy way to set which device any particular program uses for audio output. That would be great!RansomSide note: WMP has some issues for me where when in full screen on the other monitor (the tv), if I double click anywhere on my screen, the media player goes out of full screen mode back to normal mode. It would be nice if there were a way to lock it into full screen mode, and only hitting alt-tab would bring it out. Double clicking is a common task performed in Windows, and I need to be able to do it without messing up the movie playback! Thanks.
October 16th, 2009 5:56pm

Could not agree more. My computer is used as a media center with a DVI to my HDTV and the audio from the rear panel running to the TV as well, the computer speakers being connected to the front output. Obviously the TV is not always on, for example when i'm listening to music on itunes. It infuriates me to no end that i have to switch the default audio device everytime i shutoff my TV. This should be very simple, assign one appcation (ex. Windows Meida Player) to Rear output, assing all eslse, or individual apps (ex. Itunes) to Front output, common sense? I have switched back to Vista, because the audio options were the exact same for my setup. This should have been indroduced a long time ago seem like the microsoft team missed some logic which they should have adapted over 5 years ago. Atleaste with the large changes in vistas audio one would think this would be self-eveident, requiste change to any moron.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 30th, 2009 4:57am

FEATURE REQUESTI am also very much interested in improvement of the audio assignment function. From my point of view, I should be able to choose or change the audio device i am using for any application. I.e. I am playing iTunes through my stereo amplifier, but would like to play a game on the monitor. Some time later, I might want to switch the game (including the sound) to the TV, and assign iTunes to a headphones set...So using the 'default audio device' is not a proper option to do this. Applications should be assigned to devices dynamically.This functionality would be a huge improvement of the sound / audio options!
December 24th, 2009 10:49pm

Hi I am having a similar problem. I recently switched to windows 7 on my laptop. The major change in the audio control from windows XP to windows 7 is causing me problems. On windows XP, the sound card was set as the default device, and the software supplied with it managed the output. On windows 7, the spacific device is set as the default, thereby preventing me form easily switching between my headphones and my internal speakers. In the past, when I plugged my headphones in, the sound was instantly transferred to them. Now, when I plug them in, the hardware mutes the speakers, but the software conlinues sending the sound to them instead of my headphones. The result: I have to change the default device and restart my apps before I can use my headphones, as opposed to just plugging them in. I would like a way to output all audio to my headphones and my speakers at the same time, this will restore the instant hardware switching of the past.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
December 28th, 2009 7:03pm

I agree. This new instant swap feature windows 7 introduced is retarded IMHO. I loved the fact that simultaneous playback meant just that. Being able to play 2 streams to 2 different audio devices by simply assigning the application to a default sound device and then switching to the next and setting the next application to it. What does it make any difference now that any of the audio cards can silmutanious stream when the only application that is capable of this is WMP and maybe a couple others. What a joke. Get your head out of your rear end MS an get with it. You took a great feature from past OS's an screwed it all up for the fact of lazy people who wanted to switch the streams default device on the fly. Who cares if they have to take a few extra seconds to close said app to switch it to the desired output.All i can say is Windows 7 is great but in my opinion I just wasted a butt load of money on a junk OS as it doesn't fill my needs anymore. This was supposed to be a great multimedia OS yet it cant multi streaming for ____ anymore due to your changes in how the OS handles switching of audio devices and on the fly switching of the stream. FIX IT. or give us the option under sound devices to control how the OS switches audio streaming.
January 23rd, 2010 4:52am

I agree. This new instant swap feature windows 7 introduced is retarded IMHO. I loved the fact that simultaneous playback meant just that. Being able to play 2 streams to 2 different audio devices by simply assigning the application to a default sound device and then switching to the next and setting the next application to it. What does it make any difference now that any of the audio cards can silmutanious stream when the only application that is capable of this is WMP and maybe a couple others. What a joke. Get your head out of your rear end MS an get with it. You took a great feature from past OS's an screwed it all up for the fact of lazy people who wanted to switch the streams default device on the fly. Who cares if they have to take a few extra seconds to close said app to switch it to the desired output.All i can say is Windows 7 is great but in my opinion I just wasted a butt load of money on a junk OS as it doesn't fill my needs anymore. This was supposed to be a great multimedia OS yet it cant multi streaming for ____ anymore due to your changes in how the OS handles switching of audio devices and on the fly switching of the stream. FIX IT. or give us the option under sound devices to control how the OS switches audio streaming. and this is why I went back to windows xp from windows 7 RC. Perhaps they could add this functionality and I may get windows 7 again? (this I doubt). I liked XP anyway, i had it modified enough to where it thought it was sort of windows server 2003 R2 but ran like XP Pro. So to me, going "back to XP" was no loss for me, but a sales loss for microsoft.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
February 5th, 2010 11:12pm

and this is why I went back to windows xp from windows 7 RC. Perhaps they could add this functionality and I may get windows 7 again? (this I doubt). I liked XP anyway, i had it modified enough to where it thought it was sort of windows server 2003 R2 but ran like XP Pro. So to me, going "back to XP" was no loss for me, but a sales loss for microsoft. How can it be a sales loss for microsoft, since you already have bought Windows 7?The only way I can read it as being a loss, is if you are using a pirated version, in which case, the chances of a sale is low anyway...
February 5th, 2010 11:19pm

You failed to read that I said "Windows 7 RC" that's the release candidate, which was free by default (for testing purposes).
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
February 5th, 2010 11:22pm

You failed to read that I said "Windows 7 RC" that's the release candidate, which was free by default (for testing purposes). Ahh, you are right, by bad :-)
February 5th, 2010 11:37pm

I agree with these points, the audio configuration settings could be redesigned to be more flexible for the consumer. Scenario: When play computer games or movies on though Win 7, usually I just play everything though my speaks by default. But every so often I need migrate to a voice head set during mid play, either because I'm about to use a chat program like ventrilo or I need to remove the sound in my room due to my other half trying to sleep. All I want to do is put my head set on and have the same sounds from my speaks also stream to my head set. Then I just 'touch' a mute button on my speakers to remove the sound in the room. Recommendation: Allow users to play single audio sources to multiple devices. i.e. duplicate the same audio to both speakers and a headset. Users then have the options to manipulate external mute and volume options when swapping between devices.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 22nd, 2010 1:19am

I'd like to add my voice as well to the suggestion of being able to assign application to sound devices. I came upon this post because I was trying to do just that. On top of it all, the way the mixer is now laid out with individual volume sliders for applications that are streaming sound, the interface is already in place, all that is missing is a "right-click" option to assign to another device. Since it is safe to say that most vendors will not modify their applications to accommodate this, improving Windows 7 in that way is the logical choice.
April 18th, 2010 2:13pm

This is exactly what I'm trying to do as well! I'd like to be able to watch a streaming video or use internet radio through HDMI, while someone sitting at the computer can listen to their apps through the line-out speakers. Even better then specifying separate audio devices for each app would be the ability to specify audio by individual window, or by which display the window is on. This way, I could have a video open in Firefox on my tv while my wife plays an online game in Firefox using the computer monitor and speakers. I really hope this is possible soon!
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 27th, 2010 4:01am

I agree with these points, the audio configuration settings could be redesigned to be more flexible for the consumer. Scenario: When play computer games or movies on though Win 7, usually I just play everything though my speaks by default. But every so often I need migrate to a voice head set during mid play, either because I'm about to use a chat program like ventrilo or I need to remove the sound in my room due to my other half trying to sleep. All I want to do is put my head set on and have the same sounds from my speaks also stream to my head set. Then I just 'touch' a mute button on my speakers to remove the sound in the room. Recommendation: Allow users to play single audio sources to multiple devices. i.e. duplicate the same audio to both speakers and a headset. Users then have the options to manipulate external mute and volume options when swapping between devices. I have a very similar scenario. I have powered speakers and a set of headphones with a volume control, so when I need to either change from speakers to headphones (because someone else is using the room), or from headphones to speakers (because I have the room to myself again), I can just turn off the output I don't want, and turn on the one I do. Seems ridiculous to have completely lost this functionality which has been around for years. Mess around with streaming audio to certain devices all you want, just give us the option of piping all output to all devices.
May 1st, 2010 2:26am

IMHO I feel that the best possible solution, to make all customers happy, would be to allow everything to initially fall to the "default device." After this the user can then open the mixer and rt click on the application giving the user more options. Among these options should be a list of all available audio devices. These should all have check boxes beside of them. With check boxes you could select a single device or you could select multiple devices, thus giving you ultimate control over your audio desires. This feature should also have an option to keep these settings for the specific app. A "make this devices select the default for this application" check box. These changes would be quite simple, and quite powerful. I am very anxious to see these features. I hope to at some point be able to have a speaker system throughout my home and have it on a separate audio device on my computer, thus giving me the power to put iTunes, or an XM radio feed on that devices and only that devices. This would allow me to also be able to game on the same computer and not have to listen to the audio feed, and/or people in the rest of the house not have to listen to the game. This would also be a nice feature to have on Windows Server 08 R2, as a side note.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 2nd, 2010 7:48pm

IMHO I feel that the best possible solution, to make all customers happy, would be to allow everything to initially fall to the "default device." After this the user can then open the mixer and rt click on the application giving the user more options. Among these options should be a list of all available audio devices. These should all have check boxes beside of them. With check boxes you could select a single device or you could select multiple devices, thus giving you ultimate control over your audio desires. This feature should also have an option to keep these settings for the specific app. A "make this devices select the default for this application" check box. These changes would be quite simple, and quite powerful. I am very anxious to see these features. I hope to at some point be able to have a speaker system throughout my home and have it on a separate audio device on my computer, thus giving me the power to put iTunes, or an XM radio feed on that devices and only that devices. This would allow me to also be able to game on the same computer and not have to listen to the audio feed, and/or people in the rest of the house not have to listen to the game. This would also be a nice feature to have on Windows Server 08 R2, as a side note. I couldn't agree with you more. This sounds like a perfect way of setting it up. I like it.
August 3rd, 2010 8:55am

Check out Default Sound Selector (DSS) http://dss.site50.net/ That program was a piece of junk for me. It would not let me select the default device3. Also, the lack of the feature in Windows 7 makes my new Skype phone useless because all of the sounds from my computer now come from the speaker on the phone, making it impossible to hear the person on the other end. If this feature is not reintroduced, I may switch over to a Mac and never buy a Windows PC again.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 18th, 2011 7:35am

I really love the question and would love to see an answer to this, and not some BS oh you can do this but then the option must be changed within the application. I agree with everyone this should be a simple right click and badabing badaboom now I have to find 3rd party software that does the job microsoft shouldve done in the first place and on top of that will eventually buy out for dirt cheap from the programmer, anyways long story short - MACS can do it but WIN still can no win =[
June 3rd, 2011 8:53am

your wish is my command! program is called "IndieVolume" you can assign any sound device to any application! if u want to assign firefox flash video to lets say "front panel audio" u have to assign plugin-container.exe to that device along with firefox. and u will do that by playing some let say youtube video , while it plays click to "show indievolume" youll find plugin-container on the list of indievolume, by clicking on plugin-container ull open lots of features like panning , efects, sound device u wanna play it on and so on. by closing that window on x all is saved for future use... u just have to open app b4 u configure all the stuff 4 that app in indie! i use it few days now, it works flawless
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 20th, 2011 6:19pm

Hey! It's been two years and nothing has happened. What gives? Is there anybody working with this problem at the Product Group? I'm seriously considering going back to XP. Sure XP is slower, but at least it allows the user to do what they want with their computer. sincerely, a dissapointed customer
October 3rd, 2011 5:16am

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics