Windows 10: Audio is distant and echoing when equalized

Hello,Recently my audio has been giving me issues. As you can tell from the title, my audio when wearing headphones has been distant, tinny, and echoing when the left and right levels are at equal levels---it sounds like I'm listening from inside a bathroom. If I set it so that only the right side plays audio, it returns to normal function. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers, restarting, changing what sound systems seem to work, all to no avail. I don't think the issue is because of headphones---I've tested it with multiple sets and all report the same problem. I'm at my wit'

:)

 

The audio has a slight echo to it and is louder than it was before

Hi Colin,

Thank you for being part of Microsoft Community.

I appreciate you for trying some step in order to get the issue fixed.

• Does the issue persist while you are online or offline or both?
• What is the make and model of the laptop?

When the audio starts acting weird the first step in getting the issue fixed is to make sure the audio drivers are up to date. I would recommend you to visit the manufacturer website and then download and update the latest audio drivers and then check if
echo is removed.

In the meantime you can turn off Audio enhancements and check if audio works:

• 
  Go to Start, enter Sound, and select Sound Control Panel
  from the list of results.
  
• 
  On the Playback tab, right-click (or tap and hold) the Default Device
  and select Properties.
  
• 
  On the Enhancements tab, select the Disable all enhancements
  check box and try to play your audio device.
  
• 
  If that doesn't work, select Cancel and, on the Playback
  tab, select another default device (if you have one), select the Disable all enhancements check box, and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.
  

Do get back to us for any issues pertaining in the future. We will be happy to help.

 

NO AUDIO EQUALIZER, WHY?

Trying to find an equalizer app for my WP 10 and I'm unable to find one that will work. Tried "Audio Equalizer" and it isn't compatible, searched the net and Microsoft suggest an app called "Equaliser", it doesn't exist in the store. Is there another
solution?

 

Echo/reverb audio since last update

Hi,

When exactly do you get the sickening echo/reverb effect in the audio?

Does this happen while playing an audio or a video file or on default Windows sound?

Please let us know so that we may assist you better.

I suggest you to roll back the driver from the Device manager by going to sound, controller and device section.

Expand it, locate the audio device and from properties try to update the driver or roll back the driver.

You may restart computer to check if Windows detect it.

• Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cables or the wrong jack.
• Check your power and volume levels, and try turning all the volume controls up.
• Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls, and you might have to check them all.
• Try connecting using a different USB port.
• And remember that your speakers probably won’t work when headphones are not plugged in properly.

I suggest you to run the audio troubleshooter and check if the issue can be fixed.

• 
  Type troubleshooting in the search bar.
  
• 
  Click view all in the left panel.
  
• 
  Select ‘Playing audio' and follow the on-screen instructions.
  

Hope this helps in resolving the audio issue. We look forward to hear from you.