Codec audio not streaming over Discord

[Arch di Angelo]

I know the problem, I think. It's that the Codec calls are in mono audio for some reason and Discord doesn't transmit mono audio, again, for some reason. Of course, knowing the problem doesn't mean anything without a solution. Is there any way to either change the audio in the game or to futz with Discord somehow, or do SOMETHING that makes it possible for the Codec calls to be audible over stream?

Solutions I've tried:
Sharing my whole screen instead of streaming specifically the game (didn't work)
Downloading a mod that replaces audio files (also didn't work, but I'm open to the possibility that there's a different mod out there that actually would work)

[Afevis Solmunko]

That's a common Windows configuration issue, it's caused by your computer's audio being set to 5.1 surround sound in Windows itself (which is incorrect when you're using a headset/headphones.)

Here's the fix:

https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_2:_Sons_of_Liberty_-_Master_Collection_Version#Rain_audio_is_significantly_louder_than_codec_conversations_.26_other_game_sounds

"One additional symptom of this issue is Discord not streaming Codec audio, as Discord streams only support Stereo audio and will not transmit the codec audio playing on the center channel."

It'll also fix a bunch of sound issues in TONS of other games that you've probably never noticed too. Enjoy :)

[Arch di Angelo]

I looked at that, but my default playback device only has the one audio channel selection, so this changes nothing.

[Afevis Solmunko]

Originally posted by Arch di Angelo:

I looked at that, but my default playback device only has the one audio channel selection, so this changes nothing.

Can you screenshot it?

This is 100% an audio configuration issue with your PC, not an issue inherent to the game itself. Are you using a USB Headset that has its own control software?

If not, and you're just on 3.5mm headphones plugged directly into your motherboard, you might have to download updated drivers for your motherboard from your motherboard manufacturer's website for the options to show up.

[Arch di Angelo]

I use a Razer headset with a dongle (specifically the Razer Kraken V3 Pro, if that helps), but I have a 3.5mm cable that came with it, so if plugging it in directly will make a difference, I can try that instead. I would include a screenshot of the configure screen, but I don't know how to add an image to this reply.

[Afevis Solmunko]

Originally posted by Arch di Angelo:

I use a Razer headset with a dongle (specifically the Razer Kraken V3 Pro, if that helps), but I have a 3.5mm cable that came with it, so if plugging it in directly will make a difference, I can try that instead. I would include a screenshot of the configure screen, but I don't know how to add an image to this reply.

You need to disable Razer Surround in Razer synapse (the control software.) Make sure it also says "optimized for stereo headphones" - not something like "Razer Chimera", which is fake / virtualized surround sound.

Depending on your synapse version / headset, this is what you're looking for: https://imgur.com/a/BZeBCOE

[Arch di Angelo]

My synapse doesn't quite look like any of those, and I don't have any of those options.

https://imgur.com/a/A7OLhw7

[Afevis Solmunko]

Originally posted by Arch di Angelo:

My synapse doesn't quite look like any of those, and I don't have any of those options.

https://imgur.com/a/A7OLhw7

https://i.imgur.com/Vvx9cWk.png

Switching them off fake THX surround sound to stereo with this button will fix the issue. :)

[Arch di Angelo]

Awesome, I'll be sure to try that when I can!

[Arch di Angelo]

It didn't work. In fact, launching the game after doing that makes my entire computer audio really strange, blipping between various volumes and almost seeming to overlap with itself. I tried reinstalling it because I had previously installed an audio file replacement mod, but it was exactly the same in both cases. I don't know if I did something wrong, or...? At this point I'm getting desperate, would emulating it myself fix the problem?? I'm so confused...

[Afevis Solmunko]

Did you restart your computer after turning Spacial THX/Fake Razer surround sound off?

The audio mod isn't a contributing issue to this problem as you've noticed when you reinstalled, this is all an issue with your Razer audio drivers & it's virtualized surround sound (Spacial THX) making the game think you have more audio channels than you actually do.

Unfortunately I don't use Razer myself (specifically because their drivers used to BSOD my computer quite frequently), so I can't really troubleshoot them further with you. Synapse is definitely what you should be focusing on as the root of the issue here though, as the game acting in the exact way that you've described is specifically a symptom of a system audio configuration issue.

[Arch di Angelo]

I'll try changing the setting and then restarting, though I feel like I restarted for something different after making the change, but I'll do it again anyway and check back. (I can only test when I have a friend who can call, unfortunately)