Studio 15 (1557) Subwoofer Not Working

EDIT: duplicate post

Update: I tried the Utilities CD included with the Studio 1557, and ran the Diagnosis 32-bit software on BOOT (F12 on computer startup), and tried the audio playback test. I got the same result, and intermittently the subwoofer would work only for a split-second and then back to all treble.

It is not a driver issue (as tested with the boot-up utilities CD), hence I will be going back to technical support on the subwoofer problem.  I feel so unfortunate that I had this faulty system, as removing and replacing the subwoofer requires considerable amount of disassembly, given my system is only 5 days old!

I don't think the BIOS is actually recognizing that there's a subwoofer. I have a Dell Studio 1555, but I have the exact same problem. It's definitely not a driver issue because I get the same results in Windows and Linux.

I've chatted with Dell for the past two days.

On the first day, I received the same non-sense that many others have received; "they've confirmed that there is no built-in subwoofer in the 1557 model" and that they've never heard of this problem.  I provided them with 4 links:

1) Their own website that states the 1557 has a built-in subwoofer
2) Dell own service website showing how to replace the subwoofer in the 1557 model: http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1557/en/SM/subwoofe.htm#wp1180768
3) This thread link.  I advised them of this link and told them that there are lots of customers with the same exact issue.
4) Notebookcheck's Review.  They even stated that they had problems, but after returning the unit to Dell, the repaired laptop's subwoofer worked. http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5114&review=dell+studio+15+1555

I told the rep that I would install the factory image from Dell, and use the latest drivers from their webpage, and see if that helps the subwoofer in any way.

One day two, I chatted with a different rep.  She was much more helpful.  I advised that after a refresh install, I tested the sound at numerous points:

1) After installing Windows 7 and using Windows 7 default drivers
2) After updating all drivers with drivers from Dell's website
3) After Windows Update for any security patches
4) After installing Creative Soundblaster X-MB

Any no point during the test did the subwoofer work.

Meanwhile, she checked internally to see if there was any open ticket on this.  Her findings were very useful.

- There is an open ticket on this issue.
- The issue is a compatibility issue with Soundblaster X-MB and Windows 7.
- The subwoofer requires Soundblaster X-MB in order to route the signal properly.
- Soundblaster X-MB works properly with Windows 7.  However, there is a compatibility issue with X-MB and Windows 7 specifically for routing the signal for the subwoofer.  Under Vista and XP, they've tested that it works.  But under Windows 7, it just doesn't do anything.  I am going to try installing XP tonight and see if I can get it to work.

Hi, good news man...i had the same problem of the subwoofer not working, but i found how to make it work.'

Here's what you do.

First of all, go to the dell support site and check for new sound card driver updates...if there is one...install it...

now open the idt control panel and in the Playback tab, go to the SRS Premium category. Enable it, and make sure headphones are disaled. Now set the preset to SRS Premium. After that set the speaker size to large. (when you do this, the preset changes to custom...this is ok)

Now go to control panel...and then sound. Click on speakers/headphones and click configure. Now select 5.1, next, then unckeck the rear speakers but check the other two, next, now uncheck surround speakers check the other option, and then finish.

Now go to control panel >> sound again and this time click speakers/headphones and click properties. go to the enhancements tab, check bass management and go to the settings of bass management. It should say

Full Range Speakers: Front Right and Left

Subwoofer: Present

Set the crossover frequency to 200 and the other thing to home theatre.

back in the enhancements tab, also check channel phantoming,,this is optional tho..it jus makes the sound better...

check it out now...the subwoofer should be working....its a considerable and very noticable change...

reply ASAP if this works for you.

Didnt work for me I'm afraid.

This is for everyone, the only and working way is to just call them to fix it. It will have to be replaced by them, either by sending it in or they come to your house.

I recently had to send it in because I had a major problem with the mother board failing. They fixed the sub woofer and it works perfectly every time.

Go and do something about it. I'm sure everyone has warranty since you can only buy this model of the laptop so recent.

Let get new driver.

+++

http://comforu.com

http://comforu.com/default.aspx

comforu.com

There is very little difference between what you propose and stereo configuration in system sound properties. The subwoofer works the same - only that your config makes the general sound more surround (I like it, thanks man!). Furthermore I can say if I choose small size speakers in IDT control panel the sound is MUCH better bass-wise. Something bad from what you propose is that after you process, if you reopen IDT pannel you lose the config. And maybe when you restart windows as well. My choice is stereo in both IDT and windows sound properties - it always stays the same and it sounds good and subwoofer is working. I can tell you time ago I tried some other configs and you could increase subwoofer over 200 (I remember finding optimal config around 350 or so) but it really doesn't make a big difference as I say. Subwoofer is working anyway. Even if when you make a sound test it doesn't respond to Windows sound tests. But you can notice it is working.

I do and did find the sub worked all the time, it's only that under windows 7 most times you need to increase volume level to get it start to work and when you don't play any sound for a while it turns off again. I didn't have this problem with Vista.

Anyone unable to make the subwoofer work must send it back to Dell I guess. That is different from the annyoing behavour I've just mentioned (hopefully one day they will decide to issue a new IDT driver fixing this).

just received sudio 1749,,,,no sound from subwoofer,,, no subwoofer speaker icon either...  spent 1.5 hours with dell tech... took me to diagnostic with cd... no sound from subwoofer.. test one sound came from L speaker test 2 and 3 came from the right speaker.. i think alot of people with the studio laptops having the same problem.. dell will send a technician to come to my house to replace the subwoofer in 2-5 days.. ill keep you posted the result.. =)

 This is what I did:

Click on the speaker icon at the right of the windows taskbar, right next to the clock and date.

Open the Speakers / Headphones Properties window by clicking at the top of the little volume meter.

Check Loudness Equalization and Bass Boost.

Click on the words, Bass Boost and then click Settings.

Change Frequency to 225Hz and Boost Level to 12dB.

Now that should sound very palatable!

I have the same problem, was it ever resolved for you?

My issue was resolved by a technician who replaced the bottle-cap sized subwoofer. It is a hardware problem and not software.

What test did he do to show the subwoofer working?

Guys, I thought the subwoofer is broken too but after fiddling around and reading I came to the conclusion it is definitely not! I managed to get a decent deep sound with a nice bass response with the following steps:

Note: This is for Studio 1555 with Winows 7, other models work probably too but were not tested.

0) Install the newest IDT driver software

1) Throw in any track you like and turn up volume

2) Open the IDT panel and go to "SRS Premium"

3) Set Speaker size to M (that size defines the cutoff frequency for the sub, M is something about 200Hz. S ~400Hz, L ~100Hz) Note: S and L sound totally shite it´s horrific ... Please don´t try .. Please

4) Level "SRS TruBass" all the way up to 100% (that tells the driver to give 100% audio output level to the pin on the mainboard which connects the sub). Note: I could slap IDT for that approach because TruBass doesn´t send the cut frequencies of the source material rather than inflated ones which results in pumping and overdriving. Bad subwoofer + bad source material = instant death ...

5) Turn Definition, Center, Space and Focus down to 0%: You will hear a muffled sound from somewhere unrecognizable. Turn your laptop to the back and get your ear on the grill directly left to the maintenance flap. You´re right, thats a living subwoofer :) Note: SRS distorts the source material so badly it hurts, so please don´t use it more as described in these steps. If you don´t hear that muffled sound you´ve to get a new sub.

6) Turn "Center" up to get the mids and treble of the other speakers. I chose 50%.

GL HF :)