No Audio in Suse 11.1 - HardW Para. Fail?

**jahamos** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:22

Challenge:
I just installed Suse 11.1 on a new GA-MA785GPM Gigabyte motherboard desktop using AMD Athlon II X2 Processor. Can't get the audio to work but funny enough, I hear the exit chime sound when I shut down. So I know something is going through.

My Sound Card Information:
Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version 1.0.17.
javier@linux-jpqg:~> cat /proc/asound/modules
0 snd_hda_intel
1 snd_hda_intel
javier@linux-jpqg:~> cat /proc/asound/cards
0 [SB ]: HDA-Intel - HDA ATI SB
HDA ATI SB at 0xfe024000 irq 16
1 [HDMI ]: HDA-Intel - HDA ATI HDMI
HDA ATI HDMI at 0xfdffc000 irq 19

Linux linux-jpqg 2.6.27.29-0.1-pae #1 SMP 2009-08-15 17:53:59 +0200 i686 athloni386 GNU/Linux

Terminal Output:
javier@linux-jpqg:~> speaker-test -Dplug:front -c2 -l5 -twav

speaker-test 1.0.18

Playback device is plug:front
Stream parameters are 48000Hz, S16_LE, 2 channels
WAV file(s)
Rate set to 48000Hz (requested 48000Hz)
Buffer size range from 64 to 262144
Period size range from 32 to 131072
Using max buffer size 262144
Periods = 4
Unable to set hw params for playback: Invalid argument
Setting of hwparams failed: Invalid argument
javier@linux-jpqg:~>

URL TO HELP YOOOOOOU HELP ME:

Your ALSA information is located at http://www.alsa-project.org/db/?f=e1...8bea99a9abf4f3

Please inform the person helping you.

MY INFO:
javier@linux-jpqg:~>
javier@linux-jpqg:~> rpm -qa | grep alsa
alsa-utils-1.0.18-6.4
alsa-plugins-1.0.18-6.12
FA_clalsadrv-1.1.0-2.111
alsa-plugins-jack-1.0.18-6.12
java-1_6_0-sun-alsa-1.6.0.u15-0.1.1
alsa-firmware-1.0.17-1.42
alsa-1.0.18-8.12.1
alsa-plugins-samplerate-1.0.18-6.12
java-1_5_0-sun-alsa-1.5.0_update20-0.1.1
alsa-tools-1.0.18-1.13
alsa-plugins-pulse-1.0.18-6.12
kalsatools-1.5.0-499.130
alsa-tools-gui-1.0.18-1.13
alsa-oss-1.0.17-1.37
alsa-docs-1.0.18-8.12.1
javier@linux-jpqg:~> rpm -qa | grep pulse
pulseaudio-esound-compat-0.9.14-2.2.1
libpulse-mainloop-glib0-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-utils-0.9.14-2.2.1
libpulse0-0.9.14-2.2.1
libxine1-pulse-1.1.15-23.3.3
pulseaudio-module-x11-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-module-zeroconf-0.9.14-2.2.1
libpulse-browse0-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-module-bluetooth-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-module-lirc-0.9.14-2.2.1
alsa-plugins-pulse-1.0.18-6.12
pulseaudio-lang-0.9.14-2.2.1
pulseaudio-module-jack-0.9.14-2.2.1
javier@linux-jpqg:~> rpm -q libasound2
libasound2-1.0.18-8.12.1
javier@linux-jpqg:~> uname -a
Linux linux-jpqg 2.6.27.29-0.1-pae #1 SMP 2009-08-15 17:53:59 +0200 i686 athloni386 GNU/Linux
javier@linux-jpqg:~> cat /etc/modprobe.d/sound

**oldcpu** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:31

Originally Posted by jahamos

Terminal Output:
javier@linux-jpqg:~> speaker-test -Dplug:front -c2 -l5 -twav

speaker-test 1.0.18

Playback device is plug:front
Stream parameters are 48000Hz, S16_LE, 2 channels
WAV file(s)
Rate set to 48000Hz (requested 48000Hz)
Buffer size range from 64 to 262144
Period size range from 32 to 131072
Using max buffer size 262144
Periods = 4
Unable to set hw params for playback: Invalid argument
Setting of hwparams failed: Invalid argument
javier@linux-jpqg:~>

Please also try these two speaker tests, as both a regular user, and with root permissions:

speaker-test -c2 -l5 -twav

You should hear a female voice saying 'FRONT LEFT', 'FRONT RIGHT' five times. Its quite common that one of those speaker tests will work and one will NOT work, so don't be distressed if that is the case. IF that test gives sound, stop now, post that the sound test gives sound, and we will look at other possible causes for your applications not giving you the sound you want (such as missing codecs, using the wrong packaged version ... etc ... ).

Or alternatively, for testing the simple playback, use aplay program. Prepare a WAV file and simply run like:

Code:

aplay -vv somefile.wav

With the option -vv, aplay shows the verbose information of the PCM device, and a VU-peak meter during playing the file.

Try those speaker-tests as both a regular user, and also with root permissions. If you have a headset, try with your headset plugged in, and also with your headset not plugged in (for speakers).

Note your PCM (65%) and Master volume (69%) can be moved up to 95% for testing. Once you have sound established, you can lower them to avoid distortion.

**oldcpu** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:32

Originally Posted by jahamos

javier@linux-jpqg:~> cat /etc/modprobe.d/sound

Does this mean no output, or does it simply mean your post was cut off ?

**jahamos** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:41

Didn't hear anything with this one:
Output:

javier@linux-jpqg:~> speaker-test -c2 -l5 -twav

speaker-test 1.0.18

Playback device is default
Stream parameters are 48000Hz, S16_LE, 2 channels
WAV file(s)
Rate set to 48000Hz (requested 48000Hz)
Buffer size range from 2048 to 16384
Period size range from 1024 to 1024
Using max buffer size 16384
Periods = 4
was set period_size = 1024
was set buffer_size = 16384
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 2.676217
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.028843
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008313
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008204
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008395
javier@linux-jpqg:~> speaker-test -c2 -l5 -twav

speaker-test 1.0.18

Playback device is default
Stream parameters are 48000Hz, S16_LE, 2 channels
WAV file(s)
Rate set to 48000Hz (requested 48000Hz)
Buffer size range from 2048 to 16384
Period size range from 1024 to 1024
Using max buffer size 16384
Periods = 4
was set period_size = 1024
was set buffer_size = 16384
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 2.676217
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.028843
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008313
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008204
0 - Front Left
1 - Front Right
Time per period = 3.008395

Didn't hear anything with this one either, but I am suspicious about this �and with root permissions: � login because I didn't get text output at all, I never have...:
Output:

javier@linux-jpqg:~> su�mypassword� (no quotes around password)
> speaker-test -c2 -l5 -twav
>

I am trying to find a wave file now and attempting to open it....
I am fairly new at linux, I very much appreciate your help...

**oldcpu** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:56

I note your PC has the 32-bit openSUSE-11.1 with the 2.6.27.29 kernel and 1.0.17/1.0.18 of alsa. Your Gigabyte's hardware audio codec is an ALC889A.

I searched the alsa web site for the ALC889A and noted some updates since openSUSE-11.1 was packaged: Search results - AlsaProject - ALC889A

I also note that some users reported the 2.6.27.29 kernel update broke their sound.

So if the above speaker tests don't work, and you tried my 95% volume level suggestion for your mixer, and you still have no sound, then you can try updating your PCs alsa sound driver for openSUSE packaged for the 2.6.27.29 kernel. The guidance for that is here: Alsa-update - openSUSE Note you must send six zypper commands.

In your case, in a terminal/konsole, with your PC connected to the internet, with root permissions, copy and paste the following six zypper commands, in sequence, sending them one at a time:

Code:

zypper ar http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/multimedia:/libs/openSUSE_11.1/ multimedia

Code:

zypper install alsa-utils alsa-plugins alsa-plugins-jack alsa-firmware alsa alsa-plugins-samplerate alsa-tools alsa-plugins-pulse alsa-tools-gui alsa-oss alsa-docs libasound2

Code:

zypper rr multimedia

Code:

zypper ar http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/multimedia:/audio:/KMP/openSUSE_11.1_Update/ multimedia

Code:

zypper install alsa-driver-kmp-pae

Code:

zypper rr multimedia

Then restart your PC and test your sound. Use the speaker tests noted. If that does not work, there are also daily snapshot updates that can be applied.

**jahamos** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:56

Wait Dude!
I think you just helped me or maybe I am just a twit. I did the tests you suggested. Didn't work. I found a .wav file and played it then heard a little buzz. Pressed my ear against the speaker and heard the song! So I cranked up every volume on the system. I'm all peachy now! Everything plays loud and clear! I think I was just a twit who didn't realize that half way volume was not going to cut it with my crappy speakers. Or maybe something just worked with that test.

You are fabulous! I love the open source community.

All and all, I learned a lot about linux today. Thanks a ton!

**oldcpu** · 03-Oct-2009, 14:59

Originally Posted by jahamos

Wait Dude!
I think you just helped me or maybe I am just a twit. I did the tests you suggested. Didn't work. I found a .wav file and played it then heard a little buzz. Pressed my ear against the speaker and heard the song! So I cranked up every volume on the system. I'm all peachy now! Everything plays loud and clear! I think I was just a twit who didn't realize that half way volume was not going to cut it with my crappy speakers. Or maybe something just worked with that test.

You are fabulous! I love the open source community.

All and all, I learned a lot about linux today.

Ok great.

IGNORE then the updates I proposed. If it ain't broke, don't fix it !!

Glad to read its working.

**oldcpu** · 03-Oct-2009, 15:01

Originally Posted by jahamos

All and all, I learned a lot about linux today. Thanks a ton!

Don't forget to visit our NEW USER HOW TO FAQ area, with the multimedia stickie: Multi-media and Restricted Format Installation Guide - openSUSE Forums

Also check out the installation stickie: NEW Users - Suse-11.1 Pre-installation � PLEASE READ - openSUSE Forums

... and check out some openSUSE basic concepts: Concepts - openSUSE

**JJ_Banzai** · 04-Oct-2009, 08:30

Had similar issues with Ubuntu, switched to Suse 11.1, same thing.

Current fix : YaSt - Hardware - Sound :

Deleting second entry "82801 EB/ER (ICH5/CH5R) AC`97 Audio Controller" in my case ,besides the SB Live, gets the sound to work. Need to figure out whether this survives reboots and updates.

Good luck !