Missing Bass Management / Speaker Fill options on Z690-PLUS D4

[murkk]

Hello,

I am using an ASUS Z690-PLUS D4 motherboard with Realtek (UAD, Realtek Audio Console). After installing the latest audio drivers, I encountered an issue with the subwoofer output:

The subwoofer only works when playing media with a dedicated LFE channel (e.g. 5.1 movies).

In regular stereo mode (music, YouTube, etc.), no sound is sent to the subwoofer.

The Realtek Audio Console does not provide Bass Management / Redirect Bass or Speaker Fill options, which previously allowed redirecting low frequencies to the subwoofer.

Third-party solutions like Equalizer APO do not help, since the driver blocks low-frequency redirection.

As a result, the subwoofer cannot be used properly in 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1  mode.

Could you please clarify:

1. Is this a driver/firmware limitation or a bug?

2. Will Speaker Fill or Bass Management functions be restored ?

3. What is the recommended way to use the subwoofer in 2.1 configuration?

Thank you for your support.

[Ima_Tech_Geek · Accepted solution]

I actually used a Z590 board on one setup i built who i gave to a friend. When i had it i connected using a optical cable to home theatre box. So if you haven't give that a shot.

It bypasses Realtek’s analog limitations totally and sends pure digital signal to your receiver or soundbar and receiver handles bass management: Subwoofer gets fed properly, even from stereo sources plus NO driver interference from Realtek’s console.It can’t block what it doesn’t control. Plus as a added bonus you get a Cleaner signal path with no analog noise etc etc.

[murkk]

Thanks! I'm currently using the optical output on my speakers without a receiver. I was thinking about converting the system to analog for the subwoofer, but I think I'll pass on that.

[Ima_Tech_Geek]

Welcome.. Good call murkk — in the end analog introduces more complexity than it solves, especially on a Z690-PLUS D4 where Realtek’s UAD drivers have stripped out Bass Management and Speaker Fill. Without a receiver to handle bass redirection, optical keeps your signal clean clean clean—even if the sub stays silent.