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Windows Beta Feedback

(39 posts) (9 voices)

Started 1 year ago by pzsoul
Latest reply from bobby159

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pzsoul
Member

Ver. 0.1.0b4
Windows 7 64bit
Software: Zune, WMP, iTunes, CyberLink Power DVD

Install took and software does a good job of regulating the amount of "lost" sound that seemed to be occurring before the install.

Issue 1 - It removed the volume icon from the system tray.
Not necessarily a bad thing, but it'd be nice if the DPS icon would also include a volume bar

Issue 2 - Enable Advance Profile Browser does not appear to be functioning
When attempting to select any other profile that is listed, the sound goes out, program locks up and closes.

I know the "Big Button" is an icon for the brand, it would be more feasible it one would be able to left click on the icon in the system tray to enable a smaller version of the system menu.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

Good stuff!

Issue 1 - What sound card are you using? There are many different audio device drivers out there and they all behave a little differently. That's one reason we put the Speaker icon at the bottom of the preferences window. This allows easy access to the Windows Sound Settings. Here is the signal flow:

Media Player/Game/App ---> Digital Power Station audio driver ---> DPS processor (the interface you see) ---> Your sound card's output driver (as set in the DPS Preferences window) ---> Your speakers or headphones

When the DPS is working you will see the green audio meters (Windows 7) moving for the Digital Power Station driver as well as the Output device driver you have selected. The meters for DPS indicate the level of audio going in while the meters on your output driver indicate the level coming out after DPS Processing. You can see the dynamic nature of the DPS technology by watching these meters.

If there is no volume control in your tray check the output driver to see if there is an option to enable it.

Issue 2 seems to be unique to this build so I'll add it to the known issues. It seems to be related to downloading the profile thumbnails. I'm sure that will be resolved in the next release which will be sometime in the week of the 13th.

The system tray idea is solid. I'll bring it up with the dev team.

Keep the feedback coming!

Posted 1 year ago #
enduring_hero
Member

All the things pzsoul said I'm experiencing as well. By the way on my other post Norton does block and remove the .exe file b4 i even started. A simple turn off of Norton for 15 mins fixed that but still maybe a concern for people who arn't willing to risk that. Also good job explaining the different functions of the profiles. The Miami Headphones seem to suit me just fine on account all i have is my phone's earbuds lol. On the Laptop though I would like to see more profiles as I'm sure others would too. My Laptop is a Compaq Presario CQ62 and the Speaker System it has is Realtek High Definition Audio. Thanks for the chance to test this out and I look forward to the real thing!

Posted 1 year ago #
kangy3
Member

Norton did block the install, but switching it off and doing a repair and restart fixed that.

It took me a while to figure out what output device to have set to in windows to make it work.
I haven't had any Problems With crashing at all.
The only suggestion I have is to be able to have different output settings for each profile.
For example, I listen on 2 things, my laptop and my Astro A40 Headphones.
The Headphones have a mixamp that plugs into the computer Via USB, it shows up in windows and in the DPS plugin as an output device. I have the laptop speaker profile as "built in," and the rofile I use for the Astros as "headphones." This means that the headphones and speakers each use a different output device, one through speakers, the other through USB. I wish when I switch to headphones, it would automatically switch the output device as well.
My computer is an HP Pavilion DV7 with Win 7x64. The computer does have beats audio with the HP subwoofer on the bottom. I'm sure you guys have heard it but this "subwoofer" is pure garbage and doesn't do anything. To me the Beats Profile is seriously lacking bass. I know that there are 2 different beats audio laptops so the profile may be for the different one, maybe the other one has a better subwoofer I don't know.
Otherwise I have been looking forward to this for a very long time and I am surprised at the difference it makes in my headphones, it sounds great. I am an owner of the JVC KD-s100 and I am completely overly satisfied. That stereo is incredible. I started out with stock speakers and it started great, and eventually moved to all rockford fosgate prime series speakers, and 2 12" JL subwoofers. Switched to the Beta Sub 2 profile and that profile is truly a piece of art. You guys do a wonderful job. Thanks for the beta program and i'm glad to be a part of it.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

Great suggestions!

I totally agree with output settings changing with device category. That was on our list of possible features but we wanted to get more feedback before we threw in the kitchen sink!

As a note to everyone else, if you like someone's suggestion then chime in! We want to know how many folks like the idea.

The Beats laptop we tuned was the Envy 15". The speakers in that are garbage too! I find most PC laptops are quite lacking in the speaker department after using a MacBook pro for so long. I suggest grabbing a set of the iHome iHM series of portable/capsule speakers to compliment you laptop when you want to enjoy music. We have a profile for each of these speakers available now that makes a HUGE difference.

Posted 1 year ago #
kangy3
Member

Yeah I figured you guys would've tested on the Envy because I thought that one had better speakers, that's what I read in reviews at least. The only laptop I've seen to have truly really good speakers are the Toshiba Qosmio's with the Harmon Kardons. I have one from 2004 and it blows everything out of the water. I know the new ones are even better and they used to put them on the satellite line as well. There are laptops out there with better speakers but they are massive gaming rigs so.

Posted 1 year ago #
enduring_hero
Member

It maybe because my headphones as well as my laptop speakers are pretty crappy, but so far just about none of the profiles i use for my laptop make any real improvement. Pretty much one profile fixes one problem but then causes another and i'm constantly having to switch profiles to suit the song or movie i'm watching. I've also been mix-matching profiles for other uses. For example I'm currently switching between the desktop speaker profile Universal 6 and DS-415 Clock Radio while wearing ear-buds depending on the song/movie. I'm thinking if you guys could use something like "Genius" for iTunes to identify the listener's type of music and then equalize the levels automatically depending on the song as well as have the user create his/her own profiles suiting their own tastes and equipment. And maybe after, having said user, be able to post their profiles on the site available for download so others can mix and match profiles to make DPS a more custom and versatile experience.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

I'm glad you brought up profiles. If everyone who is testing can post what devices they listen to with what profiles it will really help us. Also, did you feel the need for the Volume Level Boost for that profile? If there was a way to modify the profile, what kind of control would you like? We really do want to make sure the DPS sonic experience is top notch.

Posted 1 year ago #
enduring_hero
Member

About Volume and the Volume Boost:

I did some playing around and found something. I turned DPS completely off (un-checking it from the Volume Playback Devices Menu) and turned on the default sound system for my computer and turn it all the way up. I then proceeded, with DPS still turned of, to tune the plug-in to my liking with the volume boost off. I then switched back to DPS. The loss in sound volume was dramatic. I then checked the Volume Boost button, and the sound jumped back up to its normal volume. I did this because i noticed that whenever I was watching movies on VLC i had to turn the volume up much loader then i ever needed to without DPS.

It seems that while DPS is on, that it sacrifices sound volume for sound quality and when the volume boost is turned on, that it restores only what was already there. As for the sound quality, it also gets sacrificed when the Volume Boost is enabled. I end up using Volume Boost to boost the volume of my computer to it original state but then turning down the volume to preserve the quality.

If you guys could find a way to actually boost the sound while preserving the quality, that would be great.

Posted 1 year ago #
bobby159
Member

I'd really appreciate a profile for the skull candy smokin buds, I think a lot of people probably use them.

Posted 1 year ago #
pzsoul
Member

Agree with "enduring_hero," in that the application does sacrifice volume for quality of sound. This mos def became apparent after installing on my laptop (which already has crappy speakers). I also enable volume boost and then turn down the PC. Doesn't seem to be possible to get the same results (as on the PC in terms of sound) on a laptop sans external/portable speakers... or killing the internal ones.

In terms of the profiles, has there been much discussion about enabling an equalizer along with the presets?

My PC is in the living room connected to the television as my Media Center, so I'll be testing this week to see how it deals with audio coming into the PC (via cable, Xbox etc). Wish my PC had a cablecard (or accepted direct feed via QAM card) so I could use it for the Superbowl tomorrow.

_______________________________________
Ver. 0.1.0b4
PC: Windows 7 64bit, 3Ghz Intel Duo, 4GB Ram
Sound Card: Onboard Gigabyte EP45 w/Dolby
Speakers: Logitech 5.1
Software: Zune, WMP, iTunes, CyberLink Power DVD

Posted 1 year ago #
metallifan44
Member

Ver. 0.1.0b4
Windows 7 64bit

Issue1: When I turn on my computer or exit the dps program, it will not start up again when I click on the icon in the start menu. When I open up the task manager it shows that the process is running, but for some reason it will not reopen. I have to end the process through the task manager, then do the repair installation every time I want to use the dps.

Issue2: Not really an operational issue, but it would be nice to have a profile for the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones.

Thanks

Posted 1 year ago #
enduring_hero
Member

random post lol

I would like to see a profile for Skull Candy Ink'd Earbuds Please and Thank you :)

Posted 1 year ago #
powercar
Member

The windows dps needs to be fixed in the advanced profile browser because it freezes and crashes when every you click one of the items in it.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

Yes. This issue just popped up in 0.1.0b4. It's on the list of fixes for b5.

Posted 1 year ago #
metallifan44
Member

Ver. 0.1.0b4
Windows 7 64bit

I figured out that there is an icon in the system tray (on the lower right hand corner) for the dps menu. It was only visible after I clicked on the up arrow, which is why I hadn't seen it before. It would be nice if in the final version, just clicking on the taskbar icon or the start menu icon should bring up the menu.

Thanks

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

You can actually set the behavior of the system tray yourself (Windows 7):

1) right click on the tray icon (triangle)
2) click "properties"
3) click "Customize notification icons"
4) select "Show icon and notifications" from the pull down menu for Digital Power Station

Posted 1 year ago #
SmallCriminal
Member

Ver. 0.1.0b4

Windows 32-bit

Been using this nice plugin for couple of hours now. Playing and hustling with some settings wether to see if I can get it to "crash" so to speak.

This is what I did:

Installed the plugin like this:

- Unpacked zip package
- As mentioned. Ran the setup.exe
- In the setup I chose the "For me only" option instead for the "Everyone" option as mentioned on the site/readme which makes the plugin to crash.
- After installing. I've restarted the pc. Setted up the scenario where no other proces (other than the standard windows services etc.) would start up during the Windows startup.
- Started WMP and tried out some music styles. Some styles I've tried: Trance, Drum and Bass, Rock, Accoustic, Pop, Jazz and Down Tempo.
- Turned on the "Desktop" button and playing with the different profiles.

To add: I have medium speakers (28cm speakers) plus one Tweeter each speaker set. Those x2 in Stereo plugged in on an amplifier with EQ turned off. The music goes straight from my pc to the amplifier into the AUX channel of the amplifier. No special brands or anything. But good quality items used. (Recently been renewed)

Used programs: (Up untill now)

- WMP 12
- Windows Media Center 6.1.7600
- VLC 1.1.7.

Findings: Not many fortunatly

- When hustling with the speaker profiles on the different music styles I've concluded that the profiles do not always seem to match the picture in the icon and the "real thing" speakers I'm using.
- I have to change between the different profiles when using different music styles for the best quality sound/boost.
E.g.: - Trance = Miami Speakers
- D&B = Miami Speakers
- Rock = In between New York Speakers and Miami Speakers
- Accoustic = In between New York Speakers and Miami Speakers (Not hearing the high tones with Miami Speakers)
- Pop = Miami Speakers
- Jazz = New York Speakers, Miami Speakers and Los Angeles Speakers
- Down Tempo = In between New York Speakers and Miami Speakers (Not hearing the high tones with Miami Speakers)
I have not witnessed the fact of changing music profiles on my Mac so that's why I find it awkward I have to do it here. Maybe it's supposed to be maybe it isn't . For you to decide.

This is what I found so far. No buttons dissappearing or anything yet.

I'll keep you guys posted with any other findings. I will test headphones and 2.1 speakers set soon too.

Keep the updates coming!

Greetings,

SmallC

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

Great input, SmallC.

What profiles do you use with your Mac? The idea is not to have to change profiles once you find the one you like. However the gain structure is much different in a PC than Macs (I can go into great detail if you want!) so the profiles for any device will be slightly different than their Mac counterparts but hopefully only in volume level.

The profiles are a huge part of this so I'm looking for solid input as to what everyone is using for their systems. Keep the feedback coming! :)

Posted 1 year ago #
SmallCriminal
Member

Hi there Joey,

If I find I product I really like and have confidence in I usually give them some good input/feedback.

On my Mac I have these profiles:
- Built-in: MacBook White Unibody
- Desktop Speakers: Universal 1
- Headphone: Universal Earbuds 1 and Universal Headphones 2

I rarely have to switch between those profiles (close to never). I expected that answer so thats why I found it awkward ;-) For now it's not only the volume level I'm afraid but also the sound "structure" so to speak and the "feel" of the sound.

Well, actually I'm quite interested now in the details as I have some knowledge about this subject. Might have something to do with the Unix based structure maybe?

I am willing to give you some solid input but maybe it's better to have a private way of communication or some sort? (Like PM's on forums) For more information sharing (like more in-depth information which shouldn't be posted in this thread) or, for me, sensitive information and the 6-8 hour time differences.

Greetings,

SmallC

Posted 1 year ago #
SmallCriminal
Member

Forgot to mention I use iTunes 10.1.2. and DPS Plugin 1.2 ;-)

Posted 1 year ago #
metallifan44
Member

I also have a pair of lousy dell desktop speaker that I rarely use and decided to test the plugin with those. I started out by using the Miami profile for speakers and it didn't really make it sound much better. Tried the New York setting for laptops and it improved a little more. Something that would help and would be really cool is some sort of profile editor so we can customize profiles, especially since there are so many different kinds of speakers out there.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

I totally agree. We've been tossing around all kinds of concepts for editing profiles. I personally would like to see this as a separate app rather than any more controls on the DPS Plug-In. The concept for DPS is great audio at the push of a button. However, I really want to get some tools into the hands of our core group here so we can all contribute profiles for the massive number of audio devices out there.

Posted 1 year ago #
bobby159
Member

Can't say I wouldn't like to hear some on that, especially if it does have to do with the Unix structure... :D

Posted 1 year ago #
enduring_hero
Member

Hey when is the next beta version supposed to come out?

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

We are actually getting the next build ready right now. I hope to have it up tonight. Here are some of the release notes:

- Completely re-designed profiles for Built-In speakers (laptops). These new profiles are MUCH louder!
- Adjusted gain for Desktop profiles
- Adjusted gain for Headphone profiles
- Removed Volume Boost Button. The adjustments in gain have alleviated the need for this feature.
- Added a prompt for re-boot after install to help ensure the DPS driver is installed properly.
- Fixed issue of a crash on certain systems while accessing the Advanced Profile Browser.
- Fixed issue of decreased volume on x64 systems due to DPS volume being turned down in system mixer.

Posted 1 year ago #
metallifan44
Member

I have a x64 win7 system and on the old and new builds, when DPS is off but still enabled in playback devices, the volume is much quieter than when you select just the computer's regular speakers for the output of sound in the device manager.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

I'm glad you mentioned that. One fix we made in b6 was to prevent a volume change in the output driver after the app was quit in x64. Since you had a previous build installed you will probably have to turn the output of the DPS app back up. Here's how:

1) Be sure the DPS app is running normally and is set as default driver.
2) Left click on the volume icon at the bottom right of the task bar.
3) You should see a volume slider for Speakers (Digital Power Station) and your output Device.
4) Click "Mixer" under your output device slider.
5) You will probably see that the Digital Power Station app is set to 50%. Turn it up all the way!

Once you turn it up it will stay that way.

If you guys want a technical description of the differences in audio engine gain staging between Macs and PCs I'm happy to oblige.

Posted 1 year ago #
metallifan44
Member

Ok thanks that definitely helped quite a bit, although it is still louder when dps is not default than when it is default but turned off.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joey Butera
Audio and Computer Systems Engineer

Yes. This has to do with the headroom we must build into our system to account for the increased dynamic range some of our profiles produce. This increased dynamic range (for certain frequencies) translates into a more vibrant listening experience. However, in PC audio land, we cannot exceed "digital zero". In Mac Core Audio there is no issue with applications exceeding digital zero as Core Audio has built-in headroom. Does this make sense to everyone?

Posted 1 year ago #