ALSA installed: no errors, but no sound

Message

icantux · Post by **icantux** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:22 am

Siege,

I think Splink meant to check: /etc/modules.d/alsa (nano that file)

Cheers

Siege_72 · Post by **Siege_72** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 9:31 pm

alsac wrote:Siege,

I think Splink meant to check: /etc/modules.d/alsa (nano that file)

It's present. Excluding the header bits, here it is:

Code: Select all

alias /dev/mixer snd-mixer-oss
alias /dev/dsp snd-pcm-oss
alias /dev/midi snd-seq-oss

# Set this to the correct number of cards.

# --- BEGIN: Generated by ALSACONF, do not edit. ---
# --- ALSACONF version 1.0.9a ---
alias snd-card-0 snd-ens1371
alias sound-slot-0 snd-ens1371
# --- END: Generated by ALSACONF, do not edit. ---

Should /dev/dsp be aliased to snd-pcm-oss (when I'm using ALSA), or something else? And should the "sound-service" lines be commented, or not?

SDraconis · Post by **SDraconis** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 10:55 pm

I am not usually much of a "me too" poster either, but I am having the same exact problem as Siege_72 with the same sound card (es1371), even down to the static when I turn mixer levels up. I have the same setup too, with the alsa-drivers emerged separate, sound support enabled in kernel, and OSS not enabled at all. I wanted to note that I do have oss emulation compiled (emerged alsa-driver with oss use flag), and I remember to re-emerge after each kernel recompile/change properly and all. I have already tried everything in here too. Sound works fine on this card when I boot into Knoppix 3.7 (uses OSS, I believe) and on Debian (using ALSA) which I had on here before switching it to Gentoo.

I should mention that my static is interesting, in that it varies when I move my mouse, pauses momentarily when I switch windows, is more prominent when I do something CPU-intensive, and disappears during heavy HDD access (like emerge --search). Of course, all static disappears when I do /etc/init.d/alsasound stop. It's like the sound card is somehow getting something else sent to it rather than the sound itself.

Jawa_69 · Post by **Jawa_69** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:11 am

I had exactly the same problem. After switching to 2.6.12 there was no sound at all on my laptop's Intel 8x0.

Syslog shows:

Code: Select all

codec_semaphore: semaphore is not ready [0x1][0x701300]
codec_write 1: semaphore is not ready for register 0x54

I'm using the kernel ALSA driver.

The solution for me has been enabling External Amplifier on the alsamixer

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:05 am

Jawa_69 wrote:The solution for me has been enabling External Amplifier on the alsamixer

I use a brand new Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS, and that did not help.
Kernel 2.6.13-gentoo-r2.
Build in drivers did tell me that an OSS is in use, was not able to unload with "modprobe -r ...", so I emerged alsa-drivers and have no longer error messages at all and no sound at all.
On onboard sound this morning was the sound ok and .asoundrc was changed too.

What is that for a crap?

schmobag · Post by **schmobag** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 5:40 am

I upgraded to gentoo-sources 2.6.13-r2 last week, and my sound is gone (Thinkpad R51, intel8x0 driver). The symptoms are the same as most of those reported so far in this thread: the system thinks sound is playing, but I can't hear anything. I get the same results whether I build the driver into the kernel or compile it as a module. I'll try switching to alsa-driver, but I'm not optimistic.

alistair · Post by **alistair** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 10:44 am

Firstly to

monicajae wrote:XMMS runs fine, the configure opt for the alsa output plugin is correct, i can't find the issue either, or at least a solution. the equalizer bars move, the speakers are hooked up correctly, to my knowledge, and my sound card is unmuted. All permissions are ok and i am part of the audio group.

in the xmms-alsa configuration menu can u try turning off multi-thread mode. have a play with the options

secondly

have you guys tried

1) Have both alsa and oss in your USE flags
2)

Code: Select all

emerge alsa-oss

or have u already got it.

did you do a emerge --newuse world after it as well.

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:57 pm

< Solved >
Got full working sound!

Forget the modules in this cases!

Way to build a working system:
1) rename /lib/modules/[your-kernel-version]
2) emerge unmerge alsa-driver alsa-oss alsa-firmware
3) build a sound monolythic kernel. Put all needed sound drivers in kernel, do not build modules!
- do not forget to make modules && modules_install and move kernel into /boot
4) emerge [your graphics card driver]
5) emerge [your graphics card glx]
6) edit your /etc/modules.d/alsa file
- at mine is nothing enabled there anymore
7) modules-update

8 ) reboot with your new kernel.

Et voila, und siehe da, and see there all sound is working fine, included capture in device for microphone.

schmobag · Post by **schmobag** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 6:22 pm

I found a solution at http://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-p-27 ... ml#2736006

My problem was solved by adjusting settings in alsamixer, but it wasn't the usual newbie mistake of forgetting to unmute the "PCM" and "Master" volume levels. Specifically, I can now only get sound if I mute the "Headphone Jack Sense" and "Line Jack Sense" controls. Unlike some of the earlier posters, adjusting the "External Amplifier" makes no difference for me.

This whole problem was especially annoying since I have had sound working on this computer for well over a year. In that time, I've done multiple kernel updates, and had no problem. I've always just had alsa and my sound driver built in to the kernel. I guess the powers-that-be made a change to alsa but didn't publicize it very well.

Siege_72 · Post by **Siege_72** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:27 pm

UTgamer wrote:< Solved >
Forget the modules in this cases!

Way to build a working system:
1) rename /lib/modules/[your-kernel-version]
2) emerge unmerge alsa-driver alsa-oss alsa-firmware
3) build a sound monolythic kernel. Put all needed sound drivers in kernel, do not build modules!
- do not forget to make modules && modules_install and move kernel into /boot
...
8 ) reboot with your new kernel.

I managed to get my sound working. I tried your tips, but they didn't work for me. So I did something else entirely.

I compiled OSS directly into the kernal, then I pointed KDE's Arts directly at OSS instead of ALSA.

It doesn't fix ALSA, but I'm sick and tired of not having sound on my PC.

My sincere thanks to everyone who tried to help.

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:07 am

Thats sorry, but I used kernel 2.6.13-gentoo-r2, possibly it will only work there.

Siege_72 · Post by **Siege_72** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:59 pm

UTgamer wrote:Thats sorry, but I used kernel 2.6.13-gentoo-r2, possibly it will only work there.

That's what I'm using too. I tried your approach, it didn't work. I tried a couple variations on things, and no luck.

I booted with Knoppix to get an idea of what it was doing... and Knoppix uses OSS. I figured if it was good enough for Knoppix, it's good enough for me.

SDraconis · Post by **SDraconis** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 10:43 pm

UTgamer wrote:Forget the modules in this cases!

Way to build a working system:
1) rename /lib/modules/[your-kernel-version]
2) emerge unmerge alsa-driver alsa-oss alsa-firmware
3) build a sound monolythic kernel. Put all needed sound drivers in kernel, do not build modules!
- do not forget to make modules && modules_install and move kernel into /boot
4) emerge [your graphics card driver]
5) emerge [your graphics card glx]
6) edit your /etc/modules.d/alsa file
- at mine is nothing enabled there anymore
7) modules-update

8 ) reboot with your new kernel.

The main issue with this solution is I had actually tried in-kernel sound FIRST, and then decided it'd be easier to mess with fixing things as modules, so I have the same problem even with sound fully compiled into kernel. I also always remember to properly re-emerge graphics stuff, etc. after kernel recompiles.

shmobag wrote:pecifically, I can now only get sound if I mute the "Headphone Jack Sense" and "Line Jack Sense" controls. Unlike some of the earlier posters, adjusting the "External Amplifier" makes no difference for me.

My sound card doesn't have any of these options in Alsamixer (yes, I know to scroll to the right), so adjusting them is of no help

.

What really gets me is that this sound card worked with ALSA before, so I am not willing to give in and go to OSS just yet. Anybody know a LiveCD distro that uses ALSA that I can test with?

diroussel · Post by **diroussel** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:34 pm

schmobag wrote:Specifically, I can now only get sound if I mute the "Headphone Jack Sense" and "Line Jack Sense" controls. Unlike some of the earlier posters, adjusting the "External Amplifier" makes no difference for me.

Thanks schmobag, that did it for me. Sound working again, so my girlfriend doesn't have to boot tio windows to use skype!!!

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 2:38 am

SDraconis wrote:The main issue with this solution is I had actually tried in-kernel sound FIRST, and then decided it'd be easier to mess with fixing things as modules, so I have the same problem even with sound fully compiled into kernel. I also always remember to properly re-emerge graphics stuff, etc. after kernel recompiles.

OK, I use AMD64 possibly there is a difference between 64 Bit and 32 Bit systems.

Manymore · Post by **Manymore** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:24 pm

schmobag wrote:Specifically, I can now only get sound if I mute the "Headphone Jack Sense" and "Line Jack Sense" controls. Unlike some of the earlier posters, adjusting the "External Amplifier" makes no difference for me.

After upgrading to kernel 2.6.13-r3 from 2.6.12-r10 I also was unable to get sound working as a module. I have a SB Live card. Following schmobag's advice, I muted "Headphone LFE1", "Headphone 1", "Headphone Center 1", and "SB Live Analog/Digital Output Jack" in alsamixer. Not sure which of those controls did the trick but sound started working.

Thanks, schmobag, for the tip!

friism · Post by **friism** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 7:15 pm

schmobag wrote:I found a solution at http://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-p-27 ... ml#2736006

My problem was solved by adjusting settings in alsamixer, but it wasn't the usual newbie mistake of forgetting to unmute the "PCM" and "Master" volume levels. Specifically, I can now only get sound if I mute the "Headphone Jack Sense" and "Line Jack Sense" controls. Unlike some of the earlier posters, adjusting the "External Amplifier" makes no difference for me.

This whole problem was especially annoying since I have had sound working on this computer for well over a year. In that time, I've done multiple kernel updates, and had no problem. I've always just had alsa and my sound driver built in to the kernel. I guess the powers-that-be made a change to alsa but didn't publicize it very well.

My Hero! Worked on Thinkpad T40p with intel8x0.

jimcerberus · Post by **jimcerberus** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 1:52 pm

Hi, i'm having the same problem with an audigy 2 value (OEM), I'll try to resume how's my sistem configured:

Code: Select all

lspci | grep audio
0000:00:02.7 Multimedia audio controller: Silicon Integrated Systems [SiS] Sound Controller (rev a0)
0000:00:0b.0 Multimedia audio controller: Creative Labs SB0400 Audigy2 Value

I've 2 sound cards, both configured to work with alsa, the first one is an MB integrated intel8x0, it works perfectly and i'm using it right now.
I've sound compiled in-kernel as follows in my /usr/src/.config file:

Code: Select all

#
# Sound
#
CONFIG_SOUND=y

#
# Advanced Linux Sound Architecture
#
CONFIG_SND=y
CONFIG_SND_TIMER=y
CONFIG_SND_PCM=y
CONFIG_SND_HWDEP=y
CONFIG_SND_RAWMIDI=y
CONFIG_SND_SEQUENCER=y
CONFIG_SND_OSSEMUL=y
CONFIG_SND_MIXER_OSS=y
CONFIG_SND_PCM_OSS=y
CONFIG_SND_SEQUENCER_OSS=y

#
# PCI devices
#
CONFIG_SND_AC97_CODEC=y
CONFIG_SND_EMU10K1=y
CONFIG_SND_INTEL8X0=y

Not included lines are off course "not set"

My modules.conf alsa section is as follows:

Code: Select all

# ALSA portion
# OSS/Free portion

##  ALSA portion
alias snd-card-0 snd-emu10k1
alias snd-card-1 snd-intel8x0
##  OSS/Free portion
## alias sound-slot-0 snd-emu10k1
alias sound-slot-0 snd-card-0
alias sound-slot-1 snd-card-1
##

# OSS/Free portion - card #1
alias sound-service-0-0 snd-mixer-oss
alias sound-service-0-1 snd-seq-oss
alias sound-service-0-3 snd-pcm-oss
alias sound-service-0-8 snd-seq-oss
alias sound-service-0-12 snd-pcm-oss

##  OSS/Free portion - card #2
alias sound-service-1-0 snd-mixer-oss
alias sound-service-1-3 snd-pcm-oss
alias sound-service-1-12 snd-pcm-oss

alias /dev/mixer snd-mixer-oss
alias /dev/dsp snd-pcm-oss
alias /dev/midi snd-seq-oss

I've tried everything that was posted here (mute/unmute, volume up in master, pcm, etc) and all I got was static sound doing:

Code: Select all

cat /dev/urandom > /dev/dsp

I think that there could be someting lost between the audigy driver and /dev/dsp, cuz when I start playing music with any player it "starts" and you can "see" that the sound analyzer draws: it appears to be working but no sound come's out, so I get no error at all.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
BTW: my kernel version is 2.6.13-r3

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 5:33 pm

jimcerberus wrote:Hi, i'm having the same problem with an audigy 2 value (OEM), I'll try to resume how's my sistem configured:

I've 2 sound cards, both configured to work with alsa, the first one is an MB integrated intel8x0, it works perfectly and i'm using it right now.
I've sound compiled in-kernel as follows in my /usr/src/.config file:

-

I've tried everything that was posted here (mute/unmute, volume up in master, pcm, etc) and all I got was static sound doing:
Code: Select all
cat /dev/urandom > /dev/dsp
I think that there could be someting lost between the audigy driver and /dev/dsp, cuz when I start playing music with any player it "starts" and you can "see" that the sound analyzer draws: it appears to be working but no sound come's out, so I get no error at all.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
BTW: my kernel version is 2.6.13-r3

I have an Audigy 2 ZS and exactly had same problem. So how does your .asoundrc entry looks?
Heres my for only one card:

Code: Select all

pcm.emu10k1 {
  type hw
  card 0
}
  ctl.emu10k1 {
  type hw
  card 0
}

Did you make your emu10k1 settings?

jimcerberus · Post by **jimcerberus** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 7:45 pm

I actually don't have an .asoundrc file in neither my ~ nor root's ~
I've tryed using the code you've posted putting it at my user's ~ but didn't notice any difference. I'm really going crazy with this issue.
BTW i'm in a regular i386 arch (Athlon XP 2200), so I don't think that your A64 will make any difference.

What did you mean with:

Did you make your emu10k1 settings?

I've also tryed disabling the Intel8x0 card and there's no difference.
I'm going out of thoughts.

nighty · Post by **nighty** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 3:38 am

ive had the very same problem on my ibm t41after upgrading to gs 2.6.13
the suggested method of muting worked (make sure both jacks are muted. external speaker doesnt matter).

thanks schmobag.

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 2:20 pm

jimcerberus wrote: What did you mean with:
Did you make your emu10k1 settings?
I've also tryed disabling the Intel8x0 card and there's no difference.
I'm going out of thoughts.

Sorry that wasn't clear written down. That did mean the .asoundrc file.

Ok, I believe it will help when you use my /etc/asound.state file. It will be a little bit different, because it will have due to my 2 ZS card more options. But the main settings should work.
You can download it from my webspace >> asound.state <<.

First shutdown your alsa (/etc/init.d/alsasound stop), next replace in /etc the asound.state (backup yours) then start alsa.

Please left a note when you did download the file, then I can remove it from my webspace.
Do that help?

jimcerberus · Post by **jimcerberus** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 6:55 pm

Well, you can remove the file, I already have it.

I've been checking it, and yes, it contains some more options (from control 219 ahead) that is not supported by my board.
Anyway, i tryed it and still have no improvement, i'm starting to think that it could be an hardware issue because the board seems to work and it makes the usual "line check" noises and other stuff, but still has no sound but some static noise with the "cat /dev/urandom" trick.
I think i'm gonna change it for a ZS retail and start over again.

Thanks a lot anyway.

UTgamer · Post by **UTgamer** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 8:15 pm

Thank you for your note, and do that, catch the bigger card. I'm very lucky with it.

mkzelda · Post by **mkzelda** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 6:55 pm

I just wanted to throw this out there as a suggestion for those of you with problems.

On my particular machine I experienced the problem of no sound but everything appeared to work. I only had to unmute and turn up the 'headphone' level. Despite plugging my sound into the speakers jack and having no headphone jack on my soundcard, that is my fix.

ALSA installed: no errors, but no sound

Found solution for me

Re: Found solution for me

me too

Same problem with SB Audigy 2 (no sound, no error)

Re: Same problem with SB Audigy 2 (no sound, no error)