Windows 10: Stereo Mix only works when there's an audio device connected at the Back Audio Jack

So, I know how to fix the Stereo Mix not working, by updating my audio drivers and enabling it on the "Sounds" settings. One thing that bothers me is, that it only works if you attach an audio device like an external speaker or headphones from the Back Audio Jack, they never work if I connect it at the Front Audio Jack. I have a laptop, and even if there's no speaker attached from it, the Stereo Mix works. Is it because PC works differently than a laptop, or do I have driver issues? Or is it really just how it works? I'll appreciate every reply.

:)

 

Stereo mix showing but not showing audio

A potential solution for those who use digital outputs to a separate sound system for your sounds (rather than speakers or headphones), and have tried all the normal suggestions when Stereo Mix shows up on the recording tab, but shows no audio, and programs
such as Audacity won't record a signal.

I use digital optical out from my sound card (Realtek High Definition Audio) to my sound system. There are therefore no speakers connected, and no speakers show in the sound settings. And no audio showing in Stereo Mix.

However, connecting headphones instantly solves the problem - stereo mix shows audio, programs like Audacity can record again (plugging headphones in the headphones jack makes no difference to the digital optical output signal = does not mute it).

I would be really interested to know why Stereo Mix will not show audio if there are no speakers or headphones connected.

 

Build 10547 - Stereo Mix Present, but No Audio Levels


With Stereo Mix enabled in the sound panel, and chosen as default recording device, and drivers confirmed as updated as the system reports, HP Probook 6470b not seeing audio levels on Stereo Mix bus.

I have used this successfully with Adobe Audition in Win7/Pro to record audio from technical support web seminars.

At present while the speakers work fine, there is no audio showing on the level meter in the sound panel for Stereo Mix..

I did find a sort of workaround with Audacity 2.1, using the WASAPI Audio Host, and basically looping the speakers back as an input device. It is recording audio that way, although I am not yet convinced as to highest available quality and stereo separation.

I would like to get the Stereo Mix bus feeding audio as it has in the past. I do recall that with an original install of Win7/Pro the Stereo Mix was not present, and by selecting "show disabled devices" I was then able to see it, and then enable. This is not the case here, as it not only is visible, but enabled as the default recording device. However...no levels present.

Anyone seeing this, and more importantly, any constructive thoughts as to a remedy. Or is this a bug in Win 10?

 

Stereo Mix Not Showing

It appears that the driver is not recognized by the computer. Your audio chipset drivers may be outdated, that's why Stereo Mix does not appear in the list of devices. We suggest checking the device manufacturer if there are available updates for the drivers.

Once you're done updating the audio chipset drivers, check again if the missing device will appear.

Let us know how it turns out.