Multiple simultaneous audio outputs in windows 7

Anonymous
2009-12-04T01:29:16+00:00

I have seen multiple questions about enabling multiple audio outputs simultaneously in windows vista and 7, like example SPDIF and analog output, everytime answer is that its not supported by windows 7. Why is that? Why isnt it supported it worked fine in XP, could you guys give some details why isnt it supported anymore?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-01-09T06:15:33+00:00

Actually I have a very simple easy solution. It is very possible to have multiple audio outputs in win7. Well at least for this persons issue. I am the same way, I want to watch movies on my tv through the pc via hdmi but dont want to hear the sound of stuff on the pc through the tv speakers or vice versa.  So here is the simple solution.

If you use windows media player for watching the video its very easy.

  1. open windows media player
  2. right click, click tools, then options
  3. click devices tab
  4. click speakers, then properties
  5. select audio device (select HDMI output)
  6. click ok, then ok again.

All sounds through windows media player will now be played through the hdmi output and all other sounds from vlc media player, youtube, etc. will continue to play through the pc speakers.

It took me about 2 weeks to find that out. But it works.

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

56 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-01-03T23:36:00+00:00

    No CompproB237 you are wrong. I have just installed the Virtual Audio Cable 4.10 Trial version on my Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit running on my MacBook Pro and just as I'm writing this I'm enjoying the multiple output music running from the built-in speakers and built-in optical output AT THE SAME TIME! It is possible because VAC includes Audio Repeater utility.

    How to do it:

    1. Create one virtual audio cable. Is already created after install, it is called "Virtual Cable 1". You don't have to modify anything.
    2. Run "Audio Repeater (KS)" from Start menu.
    3. In the Wave In combo select "Virtual Cable 1".
    4. In the Wave Out combo select "Audio Speaker" (depends on computer).
    5. Click Start
    6. Run SECOND "Audio Repeater (KS) from Start menu.

    7) In the Wave In combo select "Virtual Cable 1".

    8) In the Wave Out combo select "Audio SPDIF Out" (depends on computer).

    1. Click Start
    2. Run Windows Media Player, go to menu Tools, Options, Devices, double click Speakers, select Virtual Audio Cable, click OK 2x.
    3. Play audio in the player
    4. Enjoy never before possible multiple output audio playback!
    5. And yes I fully agree that Microsoft developers are a bunch of morons!

    I installed VAC, too. BUT!!!!!!! Before everyone thinks this is the cure to microsoft's suprising denial of features after they get paid every cent that they are expecting to recieve, VAC does not maintain timing between multiple audio streams as stated by the creators in their "How-to" for multi-streaming. So, if you don't mind a little lag or echo, go for it. Until Microsoft eventually finishes a post XP OS, you might want to find some kind of hardware solution like a receiver or mixer.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-01-09T12:54:54+00:00

    Thank you!  This resolves the listening room problem, as the final products are always played through media player...now I just need to be able to send audio to the control room and chamber at the same time at variable volumes...VAC does not work for this (that I can figure out)  it only sends the same signal, not different signals.  What I want to hear in the control room may not be the same mix as what the musician or vocalist recording in the chamber wants to hear.  My recording software has 8 subs to which I can send 8 mixes to 8 different audio outs, but I have to choose which ONE audio out to hear...this is the real issue.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-02-29T01:35:54+00:00

    I have virtual audio cable and trying to accomplish the same type thing. I am looking for sound output through HDMI to TV and to USB Sony Wireless headphones at the same time. Not having very good luck on how to set it up, little complex for me at the moment. Anyone know any tutorials?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments