Server Version#: 1.19.4.2902
Player Version#:1.6.2
I have a question about what kind of audio I can expect from a Movie that has DTS-HD MA 5.1? I am currently running Windows 10 Pro with a 2.1 speaker setup. Specifically Audioengine A2+ speakers connected to my subwoofer. The Audioengine’s are connected via USB so that it’s using the built-in DAC inside the speakers. When I play a movie that has DTS, DTS-HD, etc. will Plex automatically downsample it to DTS 2.1 format? I want to be sure that I am getting the best possible audio for my type of setup from the movie file. Or do I need to get movies with Dolby Digital 5.1, or Dolbly Atmos instead? I’m confused on which format would sound the best for my setup.
So if I use the dedicated Windows 10 Plex app player, will it automatically downsample DTS, DTS HD, Dolby Atmos, DD 5.1 video files to 2.1 for me? Or do I need to configure it in the Plex player settings somewhere?
Plex Media Player has powerful and enhanced audio settings - in TV View Mode Settings. Once enabled they’ll work in any view (until Plex removes Plexweb View).
Plex for Whatever doesn’t have those enhanced audio settings, but generally will play most anything you throw at it.
Download - both if you want - 2X Free is still Free.
Test Drive 'em.
Pick the one you need at the time you need it.
I use both:
Plex Media Player - dragged to the TV when something isn’t happening the way I want it to.
Plex for Whatever - for watching anything at the Desktop - 'cause Plexweb’s suck factor is through the roof in that regard.
I use Plexweb to administrate the server - still not clear why they even put a player in that thing - unless you just need to test the transcoder - and it excels at that.
A 2.1 setup is “Stereo”, nothing else. The routing of the lower frequencies to the sub instead of the satellite speakers is done by your speakers, without help from the computer. So you don’t need to care about that.
You will only be able to play stereo sound, so all surround sound formats need to get downmixed to stereo.
Plex will do that automatically, both in the Web app and in Plex for Windows.
Make sure to set the “Audio Device Kind” to “Basic” in the settings of Plex for Windows.
(Settings - Plex for Windows - Player, Keeping the “Audio Device” selector at “Automatic” should be all that is necessary.)
If, for some reason, Windows allows you to configure your audio device as anything more than stereo, set it to stereo only.
(tap on the Windows key, type in mmsys.cpl +Enter - select your output device - “Configure” - “Stereo” - Check the box for “Full Range speakers” because your speakers handle the bass separation themselves)
Should I select 2.1 for Audio Channels? Also the configure button is greyed out when I go to the mmsys.cpl. Perhaps because my speakers are connected via USB?
You want the thing that’s driving the speakers.
Should be in that device list… like FaceRig - or what’s down below, that we can’t see.
When I drag PfW to the TV, a new device shows up - My TV.
PMP will detect it automatically - and the TV is where it normally opens, but PfW requires me selecting a Device, and it’s usually the driver for the Desktop speakers.
Once you do it - and get sound - open the Sound Settings - right click on the speaker icon - scroll down to the Advanced Sound Options where you can set the default device for PfW.
You can also enable the enhanced features - like DRC (loudness leveling - that’s SWEET) by adjusting the Device Properties - once you locate the device…
The Audioengines a2+ speakers are 2.0, however they do have subwoofer preout in the back which I have connected my subwoofer to. So technically my setup is a 2.1. Not sure if it’s showing up as Headphones is normal or not.
@JuiceWSA that is the only device that is driving my speakers.
