Windows Audio Setup With ECHO

How Windows system-level audio works with ECHO local output. Network casting (Connect) does not use Windows default playback selection. See Connect page.

Overview: Connect frontend playback devices.

Responsibility split

Layer	Role	Typical entry
Windows	Enumerate devices, default output, system volume, Bluetooth pairing	Settings → System → Sound
ECHO local output	Decode, output mode (System / WASAPI), device pick	Output drawer; Settings → Playback
Connect cast	LAN Renderer / AirPlay	Connect page

Rule: On the local path, Windows and ECHO should target the same physical device. Windows on DAC + ECHO on speakers is a common “OS plays, ECHO silent” cause.

Open Windows sound settings

Windows 11

1. Win + I → System → Sound.
2. Output dropdown: pick headphones, speakers, or USB DAC.
3. Click > on the device for properties (volume, format, enhancements).

Windows 10

1. Taskbar speaker icon → right-click → Open sound settings.
2. Choose output device.
3. Device properties or classic Sound control panel.

Classic control panel (both versions)

1. Search Sound or run mmsys.cpl.
2. Playback tab lists output devices.
3. Green check = default; right-click Set as Default Device.
4. Double-click device → Advanced: default sample rate and bit depth.

For first verification, use 16 bit, 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz on the DAC. Raise rates only after baseline passes.

Default device vs ECHO

Windows state	ECHO recommendation
Default = USB DAC	System or WASAPI Shared; ECHO device = same DAC
Default = speakers, ECHO = DAC	Mismatch → silence or wrong device
Multiple similar names	Use Device Manager / plug order; try each in ECHO
Name with (N) suffix	Often duplicate enumeration; disable unused entries

Disabled or missing devices

1. mmsys.cpl → Playback.
2. Right-click empty area → Show disabled devices / Show disconnected devices.
3. Enable target device → Set as Default Device.
4. Reopen ECHO; refresh output drawer; Reset audio engine if needed.

If USB DAC still missing: different USB port/cable, USB DAC drivers, check Device Manager for errors.

System volume vs ECHO volume

Either at zero or mute = no sound.

Control	Notes
Windows taskbar volume	Affects mixer path (incl. System mode)
ECHO player volume	ECHO decode output level
DAC / amp front panel	Hardware mute blocks entire chain
App volume mixer	Settings → Sound → Volume mixer: ECHO not muted

Exclusive mode and mixing

Mode	Windows behavior	Notes
System	Through Windows mixer; other apps may play	Most stable
WASAPI Shared	Specific device; may share with other apps	Daily USB DAC
WASAPI Exclusive	Exclusive device	Roll back to Shared on failure
ASIO	Bypasses Windows mixer	Vendor ASIO required

See ASIO vs exclusive.

Bluetooth (Windows-managed)

Bluetooth is paired in Windows; ECHO has no separate Bluetooth output mode. See Bluetooth and wireless.

Multi-NIC and Connect (cross-note)

Local output uses Windows default device only. Connect requires Renderer reachability to ECHO’s LAN IP. Multiple NICs (Wi-Fi + Ethernet + VPN) can pick wrong IP → silent cast. See LAN and firewall.

Verification checklist

1. Target device enabled and default in mmsys.cpl.
2. Advanced: 16-bit 44.1k or 48k test.
3. Windows test tone or another player works.
4. ECHO System, same device as Windows.
5. Volume mixer: ECHO not muted.
6. Play MP3; then Local output · mode progression.

Further reading

Topic	Doc
Local wiring	Local output
USB DAC drivers	Official driver links
No sound	Audio output
Bluetooth	Bluetooth and wireless