Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: FogVilleLad on May 30, 2007, 04:48:38 PM

Title: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: FogVilleLad on May 30, 2007, 04:48:38 PM

I have Win XP Pro, Svc. Pack 2

I've just started using Skype and have it assigned to the default soundcard, which is the included sound chip.

I'd like to assign Windows Media Player to a *non-default*, third- party soundcard. Does anyone know how to do this?

Title: Re: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: unlovedwarrior on May 30, 2007, 06:40:52 PM

i dont think you can do that... why would you want to??

Title: Re: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: FogVilleLad on May 30, 2007, 11:29:47 PM

I want the sound quality that's associated with the E-mu soundcard. But there's also a practical reason. The E-mu's outs go to a digital piano that has six speakers - doubles as a stereo.

I don't need great sound quality for Skype, and my headset has a two-prong termination that goes into the computer case.

So I'm hoping that there's a way to get Media Player to not use the default chip and instead be mapped to the E-mu card.

OK, got it! In Media Player's toolbar, I clicked Tools, Options. The Options Window has a lot of tabs. Clicked Devices, then Speakers. Voila! Media Player now goes out thru the E-mu card to the piano's line ins, and Skype still uses the on-board SoundMax chip. (SoundMax still shows as the default device in Windows' Control Panel.)

Title: Re: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: patio on May 31, 2007, 07:59:47 AM

So your onboard sound chip and your sound card are both running ? ?
Interesting.

Title: Re: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: unlovedwarrior on May 31, 2007, 08:19:30 AM

ummm... ok glad you solved your own problem

Title: Re: Assign Media Player To Non-Default Soundcard
Post by: FogVilleLad on May 31, 2007, 01:22:33 PM

I thought it would be difficult to assign Media Player to a non-default sound device. Had visions of having to go into an .ini file or something else that I wouldn't understand.

Being able to use Skype and Media Player in a convenient way is a real plus. I didn't want to give up E-mu's sound quality and it just isn't practical to switch drivers when I get an incoming Skype call. Plus, I've never had good luck messing with Windows. I like to get a setup that works and stay with it.