Very Low Microphone and Headset ( 3.5mm Jack) Volume Problem on ROG STRIX B760-F Motherboard

[smyasin]

Hi,

Recently, I, along with several other users, have encountered an issue with the ROG STRIX B760-F motherboard.

The problem is related to low microphone sensitivity and volume when connecting standard microphones or headsets (via 3.5mm audio/mic jack) to the motherboard. Despite installing all drivers properly and ensuring they are up-to-date, the microphone’s sensitivity and sound remain significantly low.

Here are the details of the issue and our troubleshooting efforts:

1. Operating System Tests:

   • The issue has been tested thoroughly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (Pro and Home editions).
   • We have tested the problem with no drivers installed, the latest drivers, and even older drivers available on the motherboard’s website. Unfortunately, the issue persists.
   • The Armoury Crate software has also been installed and tested, but it did not resolve the issue.

2. Hardware Tests:

   • Several microphones and headsets have been tested on three different ROG STRIX B760-F motherboards, including models like the ROG Cetra Core II.
   • The problem remains consistent, confirming that the issue is not with the microphones or headsets themselves.

3. BIOS and Firmware Updates:

   • All BIOS and firmware versions available on the motherboard’s website have been updated to the latest versions and reset to default settings.
   • Despite these updates, the issue has not been resolved.

4. Observation:

   • This problem tends to occur after reinstalling or switching the operating system (Windows) more than twice.
   • All tested microphones and headsets work perfectly on other devices, confirming they are not faulty.

System Configurations:

• System 1:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-14700KF
  • RAM: 2x16GB DDR5
  • Motherboard: ROG STRIX B760-F
  • SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus
  • GPU: ASUS ROG STRIX RX 6800 (non-XT)
  • PSU: Cooler Master 850W Gold

• System 2:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K
  • RAM: 2x32GB DDR5
  • Motherboard: ROG STRIX B760-F
  • SSD: Samsung 990 Pro
  • GPU: ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 4080 OC
  • PSU: ASUS ROG STRIX 1200W Gold Aura Edition

• System 3:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-14600KF
  • RAM: 2x16GB DDR5
  • Motherboard: ROG STRIX B760-F
  • SSD: Samsung 990 Pro
  • GPU: ASUS Dual RTX 4060 Ti
  • PSU: DeepCool PX1200G

Questions:

• What additional troubleshooting steps can you recommend to resolve this issue?
• Is there any specific firmware or software fix available for this problem?

Thank you for your support!.

[smyasin]

Thank you.
We have already tested this and it was ineffective.

[Jiaszzz_ASUS]

Hello @smyasin 

Thank  you for reaching out to us.
Could you please clarify if this issue occurred after the PC was first built or after using it for some time and occurred following any recent changes, such as a BIOS update or component replacement?
Regarding the issue you described with low headphone or microphone volume, could you clarify how the low volume is defined or determined? Does this behavior occur only within specific software, scenarios, or games?
If this issue arises only after reinstalling or switching OS multiple times, does it indicate that a clean installation of the OS (regardless of BIOS, firmware, or driver versions) does not exhibit this problem?
If so, we recommend avoiding repetitive attempts with the aforementioned methods and instead observing your system during regular use to see if the issue occurs under different circumstances.
Additionally, while you may have already attempted the relevant troubleshooting steps, we have included related FAQs for reference to assist other users who may encounter this discussion thread via online searches.
[Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Sound (Speakers/Microphones) problems
Troubleshooting - Why is the microphone volume still low after adjusting
Fix sound or audio problems in Windows

Thank you.

[smyasin]

Hello,
Thanks for your prompt response and willingness to assist.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our findings:

1. Timeline of the Issue:
Upon initial assembly and usage, the system functioned flawlessly, with no audio-related issues.
The problem became evident after installing the latest Windows 11 24H2 update. Despite reverting configurations and reinstalling previous Windows versions, the problem persisted.

2. BIOS Versioning:
The motherboard's BIOS is currently updated to version 1805, which was also the version in use before the issue occurred. This rules out a direct correlation between the BIOS update and the onset of the issue.

3. Symptoms and Testing Metrics:
Microphone volume is drastically low. In Windows’ audio settings, running a microphone test consistently shows 1% volume, even when set to 100% volume with +30dB boost.
The issue persists across various setups, including:
Clean installations of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Scenarios with fully updated drivers and even when no drivers are installed.

4. Hardware and Software Observations:
USB microphones operate without any issues, confirming that the problem is isolated to the onboard audio solution for 3.5mm jacks.
Multiple headsets and microphones (e.g., ROG Cetra Core II) were tested on the front and rear I/O of three separate ROG STRIX B760F motherboards—all exhibited identical behavior.
This testing spanned multiple system builds with varied hardware configurations, eliminating external components as potential culprits.

5. Troubleshooting History:
Steps including BIOS resets, driver updates, and even third-party tools like Armoury Crate have been thoroughly tested without success.
Observationally, the issue appears linked to repeated OS reinstalls or major version updates, suggesting a possible firmware-level miscommunication with Windows audio protocols.

6. What We’re Looking For:
Given that onboard audio is a critical and advertised feature of this motherboard, it should meet the expected performance standards. While USB microphones are a viable workaround, they are not a solution—users depend on the built-in audio features for an optimal experience.

If ASUS cannot address this issue, it raises concerns about product consistency and quality assurance. For a premium product, this could diminish trust in the brand, as functionality should not degrade over time or due to standard software updates.

We’re hoping for a comprehensive response or escalation path for resolving this issue.

Additional Issue: Audio Driver Compatibility
In addition to the points mentioned earlier, I have identified a potential issue with the compatibility of the onboard sound card drivers provided for this motherboard. Here are the findings:

Driver Version V6.3.9600.2333:

This version appears to be the most stable and comprehensive driver for the onboard audio solution.
It works flawlessly on Windows 10 and on earlier builds of Windows 11, excluding version 24H2.

Driver Version V6.3.9600.2389:

While this driver is explicitly designed for Windows 11, including the latest builds, it introduces functionality issues during installation and operation.
When installing this driver using the ASUSSetup.exe :
The driver appears to install correctly.
However, in Windows 11 24H2, the Realtek Console app loses functionality—features like equalizer settings and audio effects stop working.
Workaround for Driver V6.3.9600.2389 :

To achieve partial functionality:
Avoid using the ASUS Setup utility and instead run the Setup.exe located in the Win11 folder directly.
This prevents additional software like DTS or Sonic from being installed, which seems to contribute to the issue.
After installation, Windows automatically downloads the Realtek Console app from the Microsoft Store to restore functionality for basic audio effects.
However, this workaround has limitations:
Advanced features such as DTS and Sonic become unavailable.
Manually installing these features reintroduces the problem of nonfunctional audio effects in the Realtek Console.

Summary of Driver and Firmware Issues:

Based on these observations, I suspect that there may not be a fully compatible and optimized driver or firmware version for this motherboard, especially for Windows 11 24H2.
All available drivers, including those provided on the ASUS website and through Armoury Crate, have been tested extensively, and none offer a complete solution.
Request for Assistance:
We kindly request clarification on whether ASUS is aware of these driver inconsistencies and if there are plans to release a fully compatible driver or firmware update for this motherboard.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,